Feng Chen Wang Is the Young Designer Making Waves at London Fashion Week Men's
The Chinese-born, London-based designer is one to watch.
Feng Chen Wang is one of the biggest names to watch in the industry right now. The Chinese-born, London-based creative has made a name for herself through her unique aesthetic that frequently focuses on technical outerwear and conceptual design, often inspired by her Chinese heritage and the concept of family.
In 2016, Wang was nominated for the prestigious LVMH Prize, and has since grown to become one of the most promising creatives making waves within the fashion industry right now. In January 2019, she staged her first standalone runway show at London Fashion Week Men’s, and has been a frequent collaborator with sportswear giant Converse, working on new and innovative designs for signature silhouettes as well as elevated apparel with technical influences.
Ahead of the designer’s Fall/Winter 2020 show at London Fashion Week Men’s, we had the chance to chat about everything from this collection’s inspirations, to preparing for a fashion show. Keep reading for our interview with the designer, and catch more from London Fashion Week Men’s here.
Feng Chen Wang
This will mark your 6th collection and show. How has your process changed? What growth have you seen since your first collection? How has the industry changed and evolved since you entered the scene?
Since our first stand alone SS18 show in New York, we have continued to evolve and develop our design and communications processes with a focus on building the brand both internally and externally. A huge effort is behind the scenes, from design, commercial and production, to the many collaborations and partners we work with. Over the last three years the fashion industry has become more open minded, and that has helped brands like ours grow.
What were your key inspirations for the Fall/Winter 2020 collection?
I was inspired by a recent trip to the Wuyi Mountains near my hometown in China watching the sun at dawn rising over the surroundings, with its icy greys, blues and warmer reds, it made me feel full of hope. I also looked at my Chinese heritage and the Chinese characters that make up my name 王逢陈（Wang, Feng Chen). All this reminds us that tough times may lie ahead but, dawn will surely come.
You’ve been collaborating with Converse for multiple seasons now, what does the process look like?
We have a very good partnership with Converse working with their global teams on the re-imagined launches in London and the Feng Cheng Wang show in Shanghai. I like the classic shoe shapes of Chuck 70, ERX and Jack Purcell which give you the freedom to create something different, which is also an exciting challenge for me.
Feng Chen Wang
What has the preparation for LFW Men’s been like? What are some challenges you’ve faced?
The AW seasons are always tough as they are very close to Christmas and New Years, so we must prepare well in advance, and creating new techniques or testing new ideas takes time. It is having enough time that is the biggest challenge.
What advice would you give to young designers looking to make it in such a competitive industry?
Just to be yourself and do things you love.
Feng Chen Wang
