London Fashion Week is being held from February 18 to 22, and features designers from all over the world. One Taiwanese designer adapted his collection and showcased it in a virtual format, allowing for new innovations in the fashion industry.
Taiwanese designer Apu Jan revealed his latest work for this year's Autumn-Winter season on Monday at London Fashion Week.
His collection is called The Ballad of a Story Keeper. Due to the pandemic, Jan showcased it in a digital format. These new designs feature science fiction and space elements, in the form of digital embroideries and prints, and accessories made with 3D printing and precious metals.
These pieces come together to tell the story of a special agent who travels across time and space, searching for the link between reality and virtual fantasies. Jan says that the tale was inspired by “Alice in Wonderland", and spy fiction books like "From Russia, With Love" and "Blade Runner".
The digital performance features several Taiwanese musicians, artists, and actresses like Alice Tseng, Dewi Chien, Josie Lin, and Mizuki. The Apujan collection showcases everything from wedding dresses to blouses and even knitted pants.
Jan says these pieces are a fusion of traditional eastern designs with western styles, along with modern technology. He also compared his work to that of a film director as both roles require much collaboration, imagination, and rising up to challenges.
Jan says that in-person fashion shows and virtual ones each have their own strengths. While the audience may experience a different atmosphere up close at a live show, a virtual show allows for more control and digital enhancements.
Since Jan's virtual runway can be viewed online, audiences from all over the world can experience his designs and travel along with the show to another dimension.