The Temper Fact Checker presents the 5W flashcards of our most titillating and savory ones sauntering through the China Fashion scene, one brand or designer at a time. 5W, you ask? “Who, What, When, Where, Why,” we say. Come hither, INSULAiRE. Check!
Related
The Temper Fact Checker: Artist Provocateur Xiaowu Zheng Presents His 头七
Who?
INSULAiRE is a menswear label based between Paris and Beijing, originally established by Chinese designer and Esmod le grand Paris graduate Zhikai Yang who was born and raised in southernmost China’s island province of Hainan.
Re-interpreting tradition by drawing from the ever-encapsulating Chinese heritage, the brand produces wearable garments that speak to the innovative and fresh interpretations of cross-cultures and globalized design.
Li (Minority) brocade Blet Jacket
Photographer @nothingzhuang
Model @hhhsasaki
INSULAiRE SS21, “Shuttle”
Icy Indigo Mud-Dye Shirt.
Photographer @nothingzhuang
Model @hhhsasaki
INSULAiRE SS21, “Shuttle”
Handloom Baseball Shirt.
Photographer @nothingzhuang
Model @hhhsasaki
INSULAiRE SS21, “Shuttle”
What?
INSULAiRE presents a profound understanding of craftsmanship, weaving in artisanal craftsmanship throughout the brand’s collections. From Li Minority (黎族 in Chinese) handwoven fabrics to Dong Minority (侗族 in Chinese)
natural dyeing techniques such as the indigo and mud ones.
The designs have become a poetic realization of the power of memory and the transformative nature of clothing.
Re-using the aforementioned little-known traditional handcraft endows both the process and its result with new meaning.
Related
On that rather existential note, the INSULAiRE pursues an overall natural and comfortable lifestyle. “Cherish the old, interpret the new, listen to the stories, and seek out that ultimate material for long-term crafty partnership between human, nature, and fashion, all the while embedded with emotion,” the label’s manifesto reads.
The combinations of oriental slash minority structurings with modern cuts embody the exploration of traditional techniques, as well as Chinese tradition itself, maximizing the possibility of future adaptation and re-design.
Rattan basket. INSULAiRE SS21, “Shuttle”
Indigo dye. INSULAiRE SS21, “Shuttle”
When?
2017: The brand was born following the founding father’s graduation from Esmod Paris.
2018: Zhikai Yang and his “Oriental Express” collection win big at the Porto ModaPortugal. Read more:
“It is a mix of craftsmanship and innovation, pragmatism, and conceptualism. Natural colors and comfy volumes, all the garments are a tribute to a tradition violently thrown into a measurably contemporary dimension.”
Thank you, Fucking Young!
2020: Get ready and gear up for the INSULAiRE SS21 “Shuttle” collection, a showcase of Artisan China at its finest and sleekest.
INSULAiRE
INSULAiRE
INSULAiRE
Where?
You can get your grubby little mud mode craving fingers on the brand over at
Related
Close-Up: From Hair to Eternity, Tibetan Braids Rule the Waves
Why?
By extracting inspirations from nature, artisanal age-old techniques, and memories, INSULAiRE discusses the relationship between mankind and the environment. Re-interpret, re-use, and re-design.
Fact. Illiberal, limited, narrow, prejudiced, provincial, restricted, secluded, and sequestered are all synonymous with the “insula(i)r(e) word. Not the brand. Check.
Let Chinese tradition transform your wardrobe into a new story via
Instagram: @insulaire_official
FEATURED IMAGE: INSULAiRE SS21 “SHUTTLE” COLLECTION
SPOTTED A FASHION FAIL OR HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD? PLEASE LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW OR EMAIL US AT INFO@TEMPER-MAGAZINE.COM
© THE CHINA TEMPER, A TEMPER MEDIA PRODUCTION, 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
DO NOT REPRODUCE TEMPER MEDIA CONTENT WITHOUT CONSENT -– YOU CAN CONTACT US AT INFO@TEMPER-MAGAZINE.COM
Perpetually in pursuit of the greater good that is “China Fashion”, van Paridon set up The China Temper to help promote the dynamite dynamic fashion scene sprouting within Beijing, Shanghai, and China overall. Catering to anybody and everybody who reads English and/or Chinese, Temper covers all the basics and bases. From China's street style scenery to its budding photographers, internationally renowned designers, and underground quirks plus phenomena: We present one hot-hip-happening current collective weaving The New "Made in China" tag.
The term “Made in China” is undergoing the ultimate 21st Century makeover. Escorted by the increasingly strong influence of a new thinking among China’s younger generations, regarding individuality and the expression thereof, the fashion scene in the Middle Kingdom is exploding. And stretches far beyond what meets the eye. It’s appliqué, one might say.
- Upping the ANTA: Niche Sportswear, the New Frontier In Athleisure Apparel - November 25, 2023
- China’s He Economy: What Men Want - November 18, 2023
- The Changing Role of Women in China: A Century in Clothing - November 3, 2023