Dear Shaded Viewers,
A gloomy riverside, industrial buildings and bamboo outskirts all fusing together to present itself as a moment of stillness amongst the chaos. For the A/W21, Sean Suen questioned the essence of normality and abnormality in society, while presenting a collection of clean-cut silhouettes in search of symmetry and warmth.
The season’s video was shot in the designer’s hometown Chongqing, China. Though the designer initially started out with fine arts and graphic design, his path ultimately led him to fashion, “My mother ran a clothing store when I was a child. I think that was my enlightenment to fashion and clothing. Later, the internet gave me more access to fashion, and fine art has a commonality with fashion.” Suen explained.
The collection in its simplest sense was “…about the human mind. How to feel and how to get along in the current society.” he expressed. A critical take on the implicit and explicit rules which define our path in society. “Follow the guidelines without fail, and you are the perfect replica. But what if another path opens in front of your feet? What if self-awareness ignites within you?”
A designer who goes by the lessons of being persistent and prepared, this collection was called “The Mediocre Monster” which featured sleeveless vests, fringe cut tops, denim jackets, oversized floor-length wool coats and clean-cut suits. There were again resembles of military and workwear references that Sean Suen deeply dives into. But this time combined with textured wools and abnormal structures to hide the body from all its surroundings.
The designer is no longer a stranger to digital shows, as this collection was the second time he presented digitally and with much less excitement. But as many other designers can agree, “Fashion week without the human interaction is a lot less fun. I’m not really into just living on the internet.” Suen admitted.
As for what to expect with the new year, “The brand is changing because me and my team are mentally changing. All I really hope for 2021 is, freedom. Freedom with responsibility.”
