johnnyw0ng

[johnnyw0ng]

What does "Quality" mean in fashion?

"Quality" is often confused with the price of a product, as it seems that it should worth more because of the steep price of luxury products. This is usually not the case as a lot of luxury brands use the same factories that apparel brands use. "Quality" could mean the time and effort artisans put into to manufacture these products. However, I beg to differ.

I recently started my research for one of my modules on the Ainu people of Japan. In which I found out that the women of the culture were believed to embroider patterns into clothing, and the reason is to insert their feelings toward their intended recipients into the cloth itself.

"Stitch by stitch as the embroidery is sewn, the heart of the seasmstress is inserted into the cloth of the garment... and the wearer is protected by the passion," (Foundation for research and Promotion of Ainu Culture 2007, 5)

The patterns are also believed to ward off evil kamuy (spirits).

We all think that whenever our mother or grandmother cook for us, it is often better tasting than when we go anywhere else to eat. This is because of the love and care put into the food. "Quality" is not just the cost of the product or the time and effort spent on making the product but the love and care of the journey of making the product with intention of treating a customer, a friend, a family member, etc. with passion.

Reproduction of an Ainu ruunpe (cotton appliqued robe) from the Hokkaido University Museum collection, produced for the “Handprints of Our Ancestors exhibit” (2009). Replica woven and embroidered by artist Yamamoto Miiko (quoted in the chapter excerpt).

[johnnyw0ng]

Invest in Heritage

I was in a lecture by Saleh Kelarge, he talked about how a lot of the arts of crafts from generations before are now lost. This happened because of globalisation and the continuous evolution of the internet. He discussed a lot about the traditional architecture of his home country, Syria, which then also telling us that it has influenced and inspired a lot of his architectural, fashion and art works.

He really inspired me to connect on a deeper level with my own culture and heritage. As Hong Kong isn't a very historically rich city, I have to work harder to dig for things that are important for how Hong Kong is today. The culture for always updating new technological products and getting rid of old things have made Hong Kong one of the least environmentally friendly places in the world. The culture of buying second hand things is looked down upon. The sales for fashion in Hong Kong is also more than Europe as whole which is another reason why people in Hong Kong should try their hardest to preserve the arts and crafts from decades ago.

Photographer: Dan Hodge (CNN) Date: 07 March 2021 Publisher: Lilit Marcus

[johnnyw0ng]

Fashion Titans: How They Captivate A Vast Audience.

Dylan Rieder? Sure to the average person it would be an unfamiliar name, but to me he's always been someone I've admired. From his presence to the unhealthy lifestyle he promotes, I've always found him as an intriguing individual. He had a chokehold on the skateboard community's style which then catapulted to the general public. From Alexander Wang suits to Vetements hoodies and also to 60$ Vans Old Schools, the more pratical and messier style really resonated with a lot of young people since it was accessible and easy to wear. Since his death in 2016, people have started shrines for him and even brands like Fucking Awesome and Supreme have paid homage for him.

A lot of men don't realise this (not even me until 23/10/11) but the standard of how men should look set by Hedi Slimane was a huge influence on them including me. Especially for naturally skinnier guys, the easily achievable lean and toned look was also popularised by Brad Pitt in Fight Club. However, this was also an unrealistic standard for a lot of men which made them very insecure and could lead to eating disorders. Mark Wahlberg for Calvin Klein, did quite the opposite, he popularised the muscular and lean look for men which lead to body dysmorphia for a lot of men. This look is still very popular and unseemingly seemed through the cracks of the fashion industry even into the health and fitness industry.

As a whole we should definitely strive to promote healthier and more realistic body types.

Source: Ron Galella Collection Date: 03 June 1993

Source: Paul Rodrigeuz Date: 12 October 2016

Source: "Reflection" by Hedi Slimane (AW 02)

[johnnyw0ng]

What does home mean for me?

Habitus is a set of acquired patterns of thought, behaviour, taste that are internalised and become a part of a person's way of being.

"A quality that is acquired through study or deliberation and is difficult to change." 350 BC, Metaphysics 5.20.1022b3-10, Aristotle.

Basically a lot of biased preconceived opinions and ideas and make a person who they are. Home is not only a location for me, it should also include the people. Home for me is like a utopia, an oasis. It should be comfortable, fun and peaceful. Personally, there are a lot of places that I consider home. Skateparks, basketball courts, beaches, etc. Places where you can relax freely, have unlimited fun and be yourself without judgement.

I am going to be designing a collection based on the theme "Habitus". I am thinking of taking each of these places, that I consider is home, and coming up with situations that happen at these places. With these situations, I will then be designing looks for each of them. This will give me a directional prompt, it would also be very much personal and means a lot to me since these looks would be like "home".

[johnnyw0ng]

Dressed for Purpose

The reason of why us humans wear clothes is still being sought for till today.

Scientists estimate that humans started wearing clothes around 500000 years ago. A couple of theories why would be: to protect, for status, to stay modest/immodest, etc.

History.com editors. (2024) Tang Dynasty. A&E Television Networks.

Sumptuary laws and social standards are the main reason people dress up today. I dress up probably coz of the same reasons. However, I love dressing up to elevate how I'm feeling on a particular day. Like how people have different things on a palette to eat, I have different things in my wardrobe to wear.