It’s All About Knit, Match And Fix
Ex Central Saint Martins student, the talented Shao Yen has worked alongside names such as Hussein Chalayan and Alexander McQueen. Taiwanese of birth, he does not betray his good asiatic traditions in being able to work and assemble disparate fabrics and materials: nylon, cashmere, lycra and copper. Urban knitwear that mixes in a convincing potpourri sporty attitude and whispered eroticism. In short, there are not many young designers who can say they’ve created a bespoke suit for the legendary Björk.
Tell us something about your life in Yilan. What do you bring with you around the world and which suggestions do you impress in your creations?
Yilan is a very simple and friendly city. I grew up there, so whenever I return, I feel at ease. I think I have gained the love of nature and a kind of relaxing attitude towards life from my time there, which I think I carry within me wherever I go and when I create.
You did some interesting internships at Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan. In which way their kind of touch, their poetry and style have influenced your fashion approach?
Apart from their influential work, I was most impressed with their passion and attitude for work. My experiences at their studios also made me realize how hard this industry could get even for notable designers like them.
What is your idea of Woman?
Fashion is about the exterior, but a woman has to have the confidence and wisdom to manage what she’s wearing. I hope my designs will offer more imagination for a woman to re-create herself.
Knitwear and embroidery, mixing materials and matching surfaces: when practice becomes an integral part of garments. What does it mean for you?
Although they might be labour and time consuming, these techniques allow designers to have more room for innovation. The experimentation with fabric or textile is something I always want to keep in my designs.
Just a curiosity: what a stunning and mind blowing honor has it been designing a dress for Björk?
She is such an inspirational artist and she always keeps pushing the boundaries of art and music. I’ve been a big fan. So having this opportunity is like a dream come true for me.
