Ahhh… London Fashion Week, we meet again. We kicked off our London Fashion Week journey being graced by Hong Kong born designer Minki Cheng’s latest collection Gone Fishin’. With nostalgia playing a strong part of the brands cultural copyright, Gone Fishin’ remains consistent here. Minki, plays the lead role in her own story, as a complex young woman and her ongoing journey through self-identity and soul searching. This season’s collection marks her escape from the harsh city, heading back to nature, and well…going fishing (cause that’s what one does in nature). It explores the juxtaposition between city and nature – artificial and natural if you may – and I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever seen “going fishing” look this good.
From the get go, we are welcomed into Minki’s surrealist soft play world created by set designer Thomas Petherick, splattered with video projections of cheery models pulling silly faces alongside enormous snaking bean bag sculptures in muted tones. The garments stand strong graphically amongst the set, showcasing oversized pull overs with dripping embroidery, brightly coloured overcoats featuring wavy seams, elongated striped silhouettes going in every direction, possibly playing visual tricks on the eyes. Further detailing included relaxed drop shoulder tailoring with oversized details and printed silks with cutesy fish lures. Staying true to the concept of Gone Fishin’, the models, fresh faced as ever, sported wet hair, bleached eyebrows and stood tall amongst the scene. With a mixture of masculine and feminine elements, this collection showcased a versatile mix of contrasts that Minki is known for.
Gone Fishin’ explores Minki at a certain time in her life, searching for inner meaning in an ever confusing world. Much like many of us today, continually striving to understand our politically frustrated world, one can’t help but relate. Its complexities, its unexpected twists and contrasts are all somehow too familiar as our world appears to follow suit. Minki may be showing a certain point in one’s life, but this inner search for oneself is and should be constant. Perhaps we city dwellers should take a page out of Minki’s book and submerse ourselves in nature to find some inner meaning. And if you can look as good as Minki does while doing it, then all the more worthwhile.
Review by Matthew Wong, photography by David PD Hyde.
