Fang Yang bucks fast-fashion trend with long-lasting clothes
Chinese ready-to-wear designer is doing her bit for style longevity with fashion made to last and that doesn’t cost the earth
China’s apparel sector remains defined by mass, rapid manufacturing. And while some luxury labels are moving towards faster fashion, a handful of independent Chinese designers are bucking the trend by championing long-lasting fashion that is stylistically more timeless; their focus is on craft rather than being slaves to fast-fashion trends.
Many couturiers obviously do this, but few can afford their wares. Ready-to-wear designers such as Shanghai-based Uma Wang and Fang Yang have, though, taken slow fashion to heart.
Wang, who we interviewed weeks ago, has always insisted that her designs have a lasting appeal, and focuses on quality, long-lasting fabrics from Italy.
“It’s a global trend,” says Fang of the move towards more sustainable models. “More people are awakening to the fact that we need to protect our natural resources. Going full speed means exhaustion. We don’t need that many clothes, we need clothes that last and that you can still wear after a few seasons.”
We’re talking to the chic Shanghai designer in her workshop and studio, the headquarters for her By Fang ready-to-wear line and her Atelier By Fang custom line. The soon-to-be mother of two very much looks every bit the cool and collected designer, wearing a slick of red lipstick, slim black cigarette pants and a black and white, geometric-print, silk jacket.