If your spring wardrobe is looking a little dull, Susan Fang is here to change that. The London-based fashion designer has teamed up with & Other Stories for a collaboration, and it offers all the fantasy that can be found in her eponymous fashion brand.
The Susan Fang x & Other Stories Co-lab offers romantic dresses, crochet knitwear, broderie anglaise pieces and stylish accessories. Each piece exudes a dreamy mood, whether through their soft, pastel colours or their airy fabrications. Those elements are a signature of Fang’s surreal designs for her fashion label, as are nature-inspired motifs. There are plenty to be found in her new collaboration, from the laser-cut petals of the blue Treasure Dress—which was inspired by Fang’s love for trees and the beauty of sunlight filtering through leaves—to the beaded details on the knitwear pieces, which are meant to resemble water droplets.
There’s also an abundance of floral prints used throughout the collection. Those delightful prints were made by Fang’s mother, who also works with her at her fashion label’s studio in Shanghai. “My mother used to be a farmer, which has given her an in-depth knowledge of how flowers grow and what they actually look like,” shares Fang. “We created the prints from her drawings and marble paintings, and merged them on Photoshop to achieve a blend of emotion and contemporary aesthetics.”
Below, Fang tells GRAZIA Singapore more about the inspirations, the craftsmanship and the styling possibilities of her & Other Stories collaboration, which launches at the & Other Stories store at Ion Orchard on 18 April.
Your & Other Stories collaboration is full of your design signatures, but what are some new elements that you brought to it?
SUSAN FANG (SF): We were able to incorporate many signatures into the collection, like the laser-cut flower petal dress and skirt, the unique prints, the crochet pieces, and the broderie anglaise. One new element was that I finally realised some design ideas I’ve wanted to do but couldn’t before, like the dreamy beaded “water drops” on the broderie anglaise.
You’re known for your textile innovations. What are some interesting techniques you used in crafting this collection?
SF: This collection was produced on a much bigger scale than my mainline collection, so we had to work on solving how we could produce some of my signature finishes. But I was really impressed by the remarkable finishing we could achieve, especially on the blue floral Treasure Dress. In my mainline collection, we use a unique technique to make flower petals out of organza laser cuts, and assemble them into a dress that feels like you’re floating in organza flowers as you walk. For the & Other Stories co-lab, we were able to recreate that effect in the laser-cut flower petal dress, which also has a flower print painted by my mother, redesigned to look both photographic and hand-drawn. The final result is so beautiful. I am so happy!
Sustainability is a big part of your fashion brand. How did you bring that to your & Other Stories collaboration?
SF: We used 100% recycled cotton and 100% recycled polyester for all garments in the collection, the sandals are made from chrome-free tanned leather and the large diamante pieces are made from recycled acrylic.
What are your favourite pieces from the collection and how would you wear them?
SF: The first is the blue floral Treasure Dress. I’d wear it to a special occasion, and also if I wanted to cheer myself up and feel happy, or bring brightness to a grey day. I feel as if you can put on this dress and pair it with trainers and a cardigan and it will instantly spark joy and put a smile on your face. At least, that is my aim! The second is the 3D-printed flower necklace. I had a dream about a transparent flower. I wasn’t sure if it existed in real life, so I had to make one! It is a signature accessory in my mainline collection, and we were able to make a lighter version for the & Other Stories collaboration. This can elevate any look and I hope it brings a burst of happiness.
If there was a song, a film or any piece of art that could sum up the mood of this collaboration, what would it be?
SF: I think it might be the Italian movie Il Postino. I loved the ending scene, where the postman records sounds of the ocean, the wind and the city for his friend who left the island town. I hope our collaboration pieces can be like that, where people can be reminded of moments with nature and also a hint of warmth and love.
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