ROU-ZHEN WANG

Age 21:The Bird and The Journal

Description

This collection is inspired by the silhouette of my pet parrot from behind.

In a moment of play, its mysterious and intriguing feather profile became the starting point for my very first design sketch.

At 21, I am going through a profound personal transformation, re-evaluating future possibilities. Every day, I write down a to-do list in a notebook or on sticky notes, crossing items off as they are completed. This daily ritual reminds me of the process of self-construction: "Every task completed is like clipping a feather and attaching it to myself."

These feathers are cultivated step-by-step by my own hands.

Regardless of the pain, choices, or confusion along the way — or the half-finished, incomplete fragments — all of it becomes nourishment to build my ideal self.

Eventually, the wings grow full, transforming me into the shape I aspire to be.

The "cutouts" in the clothing symbolize the marks left by clipping feathers.

Using laser-cutting technology, I created cut-out patterns on the fabric and re-integrated these perforated textiles back into the garment structures.

Juxtaposing feathers with cut-out fabrics showcases both the achievement of goals and the marks of the journey, while for the first time exploring how to maximize fabric utilization.

This collection not only captures my growth at 21, but also explores how I transform limitations amidst challenges to keep moving forward.