Ahead of our LCFMA17 MA Fashion Design Technology Menswear catwalk show on Friday 6 January (watch it live streamed here), we caught up with the participating graduates to discuss their final collections and why they chose to study at London College of Fashion. First up, is Zhenhao Guo, whose collection ‘A Man of Many Scars’ interprets medical sutures in garment construction.
Tell us about your final collection?
My final collection is about the wounded man and discarded bodies. I chose some elements from the medical world like tourniquet and some suture methods, and also, I read a lot about the use of plastics in medicine.
Zhenhao Guo, MA Fashion Design Technology Menswear 2017; MA Fashion Design Technology Menswear; Photographer – Michiel Meewis; Creative Director – Darren Cabon; Hair – Dora; Visage – Waka; Assistants – Christiana, Jay, Matteo; Model Antonino @ Premiere
Where did you study prior to your MA at LCF?
In China, and I majored in womenswear.
What have you found the most enjoyable and interesting parts of your course? And what have you found the most challenging?
I have loved chatting with my classmates – I think we’ve had the chance to share our minds and give advice to others. I do strongly believe we’re here to support each other. And it’s a good chance to meet people from all around the world.
The challenges have been achieving our desires. So, there might be pattern problems and sometimes its hard to achieve exactly the shape that you want.
Did you have people to help?
Yes, the technicians are pretty great. And also, I have lots of classmates who are great and can help.
Reflecting back on your MA, and thinking of any prospective students thinking about starting an MA, what would be your top tips/bits of advice to them?
- Open your minds
- Support each other in class
What was your favourite thing about studying in London?
I moved to London for this course. London is a good city because you can meet a lot of people from different countries. And you can find opportunities for collaboration, as there are a lot of designers. And it’s a good chance to communicate with them. I love London’s designers but I cannot choose one, because I think to have a favourite designer will give you limitations on your mind. Do not have preference for people but for what you like, and for good design. It’s about good design, not a good label. The most important thing is that something really good can touch your heart.
Describe your work in five words…
Plastic, knot, check, clean and calmness.
Do you have a muse? If so, who and why?
Movie stars like Tom Hardy. Models’ bodies are perfect but movie stars have more personality.
What are your future plans and how do you think the course will help you to realise these plans?
I don’t have many plans but hopefully create a label, or cultural platform. If I just create a label it means I’m just a designer and create my garments and have my customers. But if I have a cultural platform I can do more than fashion design. I want to develop thinking of good design and build taste in China.