Ahead of our LCFMA17 MA Fashion Design Technology Womenswear catwalk show on Thursday 16 Feburary 2017 at 7pm (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. Hew Wang’s collection is inspired by the work of feminist artist Hanna Wick.
Hew Wang – MA Fashion Design Technology womenswear, 2017. Photography by Felix Cooper, styling by Anders Sølvsten Thomsen, hair Roxy Attard, make-up artist Celia Burton; models Yasmina Atta, Tschan Andrews, Anna Pye.
Could you tell us about your final collection?
My final collection was inspired by feminism and Hanna Wick. She’s was a feminist conceptual artist. Most of my work is based on her sculpture, drawings and photography. I started reading about the likes of Patti Smith and other feminists artists as well. The first look in my collection is topless. Because I was told not to do it but I think that inspired me more to do it. Also, I did a lot of accessories, backpacks, shoes. But I didn’t see them as accessories because for a long time, the female has been seen as an accessory to the male and I hate that idea. The backpacks and things were designed from the beginning of the collection. They were not created to complete a look, they were the full look.
What have you found the most enjoyable and interesting parts of your course? And what have you found the most challenging?
Its challenging because I’m not a good time management person, so I pushed myself really hard. Because when you do an MA, your course leader isn’t going to be there pushing you or controlling you, you have to do it yourself. So that’s a big challenge.
The exciting element is working with other people. Like the pattern makers or technician – they can teach you a lot of things. And also collaborative opportunities – Nigel, gave us great opportunities to work with brands, so I worked with Coach.
Why did you choose LCF and MA Fashion Womenswear?
This is the best university. Also, compared to other universities, it combines business and art. And it’s really important to have that balance. My idea of fashion is business, but you have to put a creative idea behind it so you have to combine and keep the balance.
Reflecting back on your MA, and thinking of any prospective students thinking about starting an MA, what would be your top three tips/bits of advice to them?
Time management. And you have to keep your mind open and listen to other people’s advice to develop your collection, and sometimes that can complete your look or collection.
What was your favourite thing about studying in London?
I love London. It’s very open minded. And there’s lots of exhibitions, museums and galleries. I love that I can go and see exhibitions and get inspiration. I do think its important for design. You can take a small part from different exhibitions and when you bring it together it becomes your own idea.
Describe your work in five words…
Free, powerful, elegant, casual and conjunction – because I want to combine these parts together. I think that’s when it becomes interesting.
What are your future plans and how do you think the course will help you to realise these plans?
I want to create my own brand, but I want to see if a good opportunity comes up first. If not, I’ll work for another designer for one or two years.
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