As part of our Graduate Spotlight series and ahead of LCFMA18 MA Fashion Design Technology Womenswear catwalk show on 15 February, we caught up with the graduates to discuss their final collections and why they chose to study at London College of Fashion. Taiwan native Juneyen Chen has created a collection focused on gender neutrality looking at finding a new way for women to dress. Tune into the MA18 Womenswear live stream at 7pm on 15 February.
Photography: Alyssa Boni and Stylist: Adele Cany
Tell us about your final project…
Gender neutrality is my main focus throughout the collection. I wanted to explore the possibility of gender neutral dressing by changing the body form and to identifying a way to balance masculinity and femininity, and combine them to obtain a new way of expression by dressing women.
What would be your top tips to new students…
Take other people’s advice, but make sure you balance it with your own instinct.
What made you chose LCF and London…
I have been to New York and some cities in Europe, but I was attracted to the underground scene in London. You will always meet some people who are so free and truly being themselves. I have found the experiences that I have had in London so valuable.
What were the highlights and biggest challenges of your course…
To find out what story I really want to tell and explore that by knowing my strengths and weaknesses, both of these have been really helpful for me to achieve my final project.
What song or album are you currently listening to?
I don’t really listen to music.
Have you been on a work placement or internship…
I work with a Taiwan-based designer Angus Chiang occasionally and its always so much fun to experience a different way of working.
My biggest inspirations and muses are…
I don’t really have a certain type of muse or inspiration. My inspiration could come from anything, from my friend or stranger from the street or event, everything.
What are your plans for life after your MA…
I would like to start my own label in the near future, which will be a really exciting journey. I am excited about the new journey to begin with – there are lots of things I want to explore, but I need to figure out where to start!