MYSTERY AND MYTHOLOGY
The SS20 collection by Hong Kong label Loom Loop explores ancient cities and secrets with their trademark stylistic flourish.
[12th September, 2019]—LONDON—Launching at London Fashoin fashion weeks this September, the SS20 womenswear collection by Hong Kong designer label Loom Loop, entitled Forbidden Walled City, explores the mystery and mythology of renowned secretive cities. Loom Loop is known for its bold graphic style, traditional Chinese craft elements and use of Canton silk. The latest designs celebrate the chapters of history and heritage usually only documented in inherited stories. Inspired by the mysteries of Beijing’s Forbidden City, and Hong Kong’s now extinct Kowloon Walled City, the new SS20 collection promises new innovations, with the brand’s trademark East meets West dichotomies complementing the season’s theme.
Long-lost legends
The collection bridges and parallels the Kowloon Walled City with the famous and well-preserved Beijing Forbidden City—a source of infinite mystery during the Qing Dynasty. One: the heart of a palatial empire; the other: a bustling microcosm, where debauchery and community were intrinsically linked. The designers looked closer at Kowloon, meaning ‘Nine Dragons’ in Chinese, which conjures images of a mythical world. The new designs from the SS20 collection will feature graphics of nine distinct dragons, and weave in stories and legends about the Kowloon Walled City, from gambling dens to architectural elements, Chinese medicine shops and more.
Collection highlights
In the past, the label has used techniques including laser-cutting, leather recycling and die-cutting to create distinctive showpieces. In 2016, they created a qipao dress made with 2,000 pairs of Chinese knots. This season, they continue to innovate—the collection features flowing silk dresses emblazoned with the new nine dragons prints.
Highlights also include boyfriend-cut blazers crafted from our own developed lace: a versatile addition that elevates ensembles for different occasions. Designs feature Loom Loop’s trademark subtle Chinese details, but this time they have been deconstructed and contrasted with contemporary and classic Western tailoring and cuts.
Silhouettes are designed to work in different ways. They are loose fitting but not exaggerated forms, allowing wearers to customise and experiment with garments the way they feel most comfortable and confident. This focus on free forms echoes an oriental, zen mindset and approach, and allows the fabric and prints to stand out when worn on different shapes and in different styles.
A culture of craftsmanship
Loom Loop’s use of authentic brocade from Sichuan which sponsored by ShuSilk; Canton silk is integral to their designs and their story. As the fabric that inspired the brand, its unique finish and feel make it a delight to wear, and the designers continue to find new and interesting ways to use the material. And the sneakers of this collection sponsored by SHEME where the embroidery is another intangible cultural heritage from Sichuan. This latest collection continues their partnership with social enterprises and craftsmen and will feature Chinese knot buttons handmade by a local workshop.
“I originally learned the art of Chinese knot buttons from my grandmother,” says Loom Loop co-founder and designer, Polly Ho, “but my mother never learned how to make them. That’s why we want to sustain these small, beautiful Chinese crafts for the next generation.”
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