《智族 GQ》Brings Chinese New Generation Designer “8ON8”to London Fashion Week
“Wait Rose!” Fiery Roses Illuminated Youth
智族 GQ was proud to support Chinese new generation designer 8ON8’ again to present its Autumn/Winter 2020 collection during London Fashion Week Men’s. 2020 marks the eighth year since the launch of “智族 GQ PRESENTS” project, (previous participants include emerging Chinese designers Xander Zhou, Kay Kwok, Sankuanz, , Sean Suen, , Ximon Lee, Pronounce, Staffonly and Private Policy)
“智族 GQ PRESENTS” aims to provide the best international platform for new prominent Chinese design talent, for this reason, it has become a key moment on The London Fashion Week Men’s schedule. Over the years, the project has gained momentum, empowering Chinese fashion to promote its global influence and recognition of Chinese designers in the international arena. Designer Li Gong created his menswear brand 8ON8 in London in 2017. The presentation of each season of 8ON8 merges the past and future. The fusion of cultural symbols, colliding colours and unique style linguistics looks back to a golden age he so admires.
For Autumn Winter 2020 the creative process was intertwined with the thinking of youth culture and self-interpretation of the post-90s generation. In 2020, people born in 1990 will become 30 years old. Will they reminisce about their frivolous younger years while at the same time worry about what they will look like when they turn 70? It is a reflection proposed by designer Li Gong for himself and to his peers. He imagines a scenario for this season at a high-end private party for ageing celebrities in a luxury private club hosted in a virtual community built by 8ON8. How would the guests present their proudest and most youthful attitude at this grand party?
This collection is a key departure for 8ON8’. Li Gong seeks a sense of wholeness from different levels of design and styling to showcase various professions, identities and personalities at this party. The consistent high saturation colours create a scene where all flowers are in bloom, young models are aged with makeup to give the sense of future and humour. Li Gong likens abstract life experiences and youth to fiery roses of the past that everyone wants to keep. “Wait Rose!” The title of this collection is vividly portrayed with gorgeous but absurd silhouettes on the runway, random but full of youthful power. Fabrics, such as Harris Tweed, a British hand-made fabric, are changed in silhouette and colour. The crisp 8ON8 signature suit silhouette has added more exaggerated accessories, adhering to the 8ON8’s consistent humorous way to give classic elements a futuristic expression. The classic manual rinsing process still plays an important role, running through different categories.
8ON8 have teamed with Kappa this season, a big highlight of the show. The spark of chemistry of two brands that are extremely sensitive to colour shines through. At the 50th anniversary of Kappa’s Omini Logo”, designer Li Gong boldly translates the classic logo into his own design language playing with colour and creating an exclusive hand washed satin tracksuit, a hugely recognizable style in youth culture. Kappa’s classic “Banda” elements have been extended to more categories, such as suits, coats, hats, handbags, shoes, etc. Li Gong uses products to demonstrate his understanding of Kappa, a century-old Italian sports fashion brand. The partnership echoes youth fashion aesthetics unique to this era under the 智族 GQ PRESENTS platform.
