Next up in our Class of 2017 series is BA (Hons) Cordwainers Fashion Bags and Accessories graduate Kit Fung (Sunny) Sun. LCF News talks to Sunny about functional design, heritage brands and the British weather.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the moment you knew you wanted to study fashion?
As my father and mother are both bankers, I saw them dressing up every day for work and often went around designer stores to release their working stress. I wanted to be in the fashion and design industry since then.
Talk us through your final project
The Release Project is about outdoor, military and sport. For me I believe that accessories can represent yourself and show personality, and in this collection I want the wearer to show their sports spirit within them, more than just ordinary sportswear. From the beginning of the project, I have taken inspiration from traditional outdoor gear to sportswear, to develop my designs.
I looked at several traditional British brands who have a practical and functional foundation, and which developed into a style heritage. I have looked at material development that incorporates performance, protection and function. In the UK, the bad weather is a big problem for everyone so I included water resistant fabric within my range
In terms of style, I want my designs to be in the detail, practical features and form, therefore I have chosen to use black and grey as the main colour. The collection targets a mass consumer market as I believe that a useful, or good product should be able to fulfil everyone’s need.
What is the story behind your final piece of work?
The story behind the project is very personal for me. I have been studying in the UK for more than 6 years and I have been interested in British culture for a long time, not only in fashion but also in sports (football especially, rugby etc). I was a runner and participated in different sporting activities when I was at school. I have always believed in the spirit within sportsmen, which has driven and motivated me and made me want to explore. I wanted to present that spirit in my final collection.
I also believe that more consideration and thought should go into everyday designs. I feel like wearing something that suits and feels comfortable to me so I want people to wear my designs all the time and feel attached to them as more than just a piece of clothing.
Have you won any prizes?
I was in a 3rd joint winner of the second year MCM client project.
Describe your work and aesthetic in five words…
Industrial, functional, conceptual, multi-material
Do you have a muse? If so, who and why?
I have a few actually:
Yohji Yamamoto – I think designing within the comfort zone is difficult, however Yohji has done it perfectly, and consistently for a very long time. Amazing.
Rei Kawakubo – Another amazing Japanese designer, Rei has an irreplaceable position in the fashion industry. She does everything opposite to the mainstream and tries every new thing to make her creations unique, which is amazing. She is a very good business person as well.
I believe that Yohji and Comme des Garcon is the best thing ever happen to Asian designers, and they have changed the ideal of beauty for both men and women.
Massimo Osti – Without knowing about Massimo Osti, everyone will think Stone Island is just a brand for football hooligans in England. His material innovations are amazing; I think he should be called an inventor rather than a fashion designer.
What influences your style and work?
Very different and broad things inspire my style and work. I like looking back at history and get inspiration from it. A few traditional elements of British culture have also inspired my work.
What are your plans for the future?
I am planning to work for a year or two first, look at what the industry requires/ demands and considering to climb my way up to studying a masters. I really want to look into spectacles design and making. More importantly, I would like to explore myself and find my style of work.
How do you think your course and LCF will help you achieve this?
Our course is not only about bag making and leather crafting. I have explored a lot of possibilities for my future within my course, and such a famous fashion college is definitely a great platform to start on, within the industry.
Have you heard that LCF is moving to east London? What do you think about the move?
I have a mixed feeling about LCF moving. I think people will miss how LCF campuses are spread across London, and the character within those places (Shoreditch, Shepherds Bush and Barbican for example). Campuses that have produced thousands and thousands of talent every year. The other side is that it’s definitely something to look forward to – the university will be more united and students can use different tools, machinery and rooms across courses, which will be amazing. And there will be no more Shepherd’s Bush to Barbican in rush hour! East London is a good place for design as well, and Stratford has been developed into such a good area. I am looking forward to the new campus with all the new facilities in it.
What music do you listen to whilst you’re working? Is there one particular track or artist that you like?
I listen to everything while I am working, all genres. Sometimes I even listen to recipes and radio online while I am working!
What do you think Brexit means for the fashion industry and studying in London?
For me I feel Brexit is going to be very difficult for Britain, as the economy already dropped rapidly. I believe the fashion houses will have difficulties surviving in the country. There is also a disappointment for cities like London which is known for being multicultural. The news has also suggested that more than half of the people may be on their way out of London. I believe that the country will have a big loss of talent, and professionals; and foreign students finding a job here will be disadvantaged. Most importantly, I believe that people and companies will lose confidence in the country. It may show that they are not as ‘welcome’ as they once were, which will effect trading and business opportunities.
For me, as a foreigner, Brexit was one of the most disappointing things that has happened here.
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