Ji Cheng SS13: The final look from the collection
Chinese designer Ji Cheng returned to Vauxhaul Fashion Scout for the Spring Summer 13 showcases to reveal her newest ready-to-wear collection, Teaism.
The show started with an introduction to how Chinese people have drunk tea for thousands of years, and what it means to them, giving background to the new collection which was inspired by Chinese Tea Farms.
Invented by Chinese emperors, the tradition of tea making dates back to ancient times. Passed down through generations, tea culture has travelled from the East to the West and today stands as one of the most consumed practices in the world.
Ji Cheng explains: “This season I look at an age-old tradition, rooted in Chinese culture to draw similarities between the East and West.
“Tea is considered an art form in China and I hope that this beauty translates into my newest collection.”
And that it does, whilst the collection reflects on the trends of the season with asymmetric cuts, peplum shapes and pocket panelling, the organic cotton and silk materials take you back to the Chinese culture.
The collection is made up of a few black pieces, but mainly focuses on teals, greens, off-white and taupe colours. The colours are contrasted with the bright red lips and shocking pink eye make-up, but the nails help to compliment the collection as each model wears jade varnish.
Each piece is given something a little extra with small details like sheer overlays, tassels and draped detailing.
By bringing her line to London Ji Cheng’s aim is to now expose the popular aesthetic of contemporary China to a much wider audience, and small pieces like the white jeans and leather skirts will help to appeal to a wider audience.
Most of the looks were topped off with handmade bamboo hats, their conical shape takes the collection straight back to the tea fields of China where Ji Cheng’s inspiration began.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in London Fashion Week fashion Style Designer Collection