Zita Tan
On the thoughts associated with the future of the coming generation, she says “I fear that there will be countries where people have no freedom and human rights, and we might end up losing the ability to live with authenticity” Is fashion a way to escape from reality, A medium that allows us to transcend the norm and definitions of identity.
Zita, what fashion means to you?
Fashion is a necessity, in my thinking, and my life.
What does role gender fluidity play for you and your creative direction?
I have always imagined a world without gender, and the fluidity of gender confirms my fantasy in a sense. So, there are no influences on my creative direction, I think it's more about the model casting and styling direction presented at the end.
Fashion as a medium to create identity exposure, What various other mediums do you work through other than art, that help you to do what you do?
I am also an illustrator and a stylist. These jobs contribute a lot to the creation of my fashion as well. Apart from that, I like to explore different music and films, and exhibitions, especially stream-of-consciousness films.
I wonder how it would feel to work in your studio. Can you please describe the ambiance you work in? What kind of challenges do you go through on regular bases?
As I am currently a Central Saint Martins MA fashion womenswear final year student, I now do half of my work in the CSM fashion studio and half in my rented one-bedroom apartment in London. I have a cat in my studio and my paintings are all over the walls. My working atmosphere is very focused, and I like to keep changing the paintings and clothes on my walls to remind myself of the creative continuity and new directions. Working and living at home in one environment often makes me feel like I have no time off.
What emotions do you see yourself working through in general? Is there anything that you find upsetting about our world at large right now?
Enthusiastic or Anxious.
I often see comments on the internet about very radical political views and the intensification of gender tensions, and it makes me feel worried. I fear that there will be countries where people have no freedom and human rights, and we might end up losing the ability to live with authenticity.
What do you think 2050 would be like for fashion, Is there anything you wish people be more aware and sincere about?
I want people to be more aware of the environment and to be more honest with others. I think that in 2050 fashion will be closer to technology, from a more environmentally friendly approach to optimizing production to the widespread use of digital fashion.
Speaking of the future, I’d like to know about your past. How did fashion happen to you?
Growing up in Beijing, I studied art with limitations and political correctness, which led to a strong desire for independence and creative freedom. I have been criticized since junior high school for remodeling school uniforms, but the restrictions and oppression only made my interest in fashion and art stronger. Luckily, I have a very supportive and loving family who have encouraged me from an early age to study art and now support me in starting my own art label.
Accepting the negative side of life and experiences is your recurring theme, Could you please highlight how this concept helps you create better?
I have never highlighted the negatives, it's just that my desire for art and expression came from my Dark Side and I initially was only trying to pull myself out of the depression through painting. Slowly through artistic expression, and fashion design, people started to see my work and feel empathy for it, and that gave me strength too. I guess it's because that pain is more unifying than pleasure in terms of visual perception.
Last but not least, What new are you looking forward to incorporating into your work?
The new collection I'm launching in February is working on bringing surrealism, 3D printing, and a sculptural sense of contrasting materials into the garments.
I'm looking forward to opening a furniture sub-line in the future, combining ceramic pieces and furniture design with my fashion language.
interview JAGRATI MAHAVER
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