Fashion designer Kuo Wei presents his latest collection, ‘The Raven’, highlighting innovative designs that blend sustainability and narrative-driven storytelling during London Fashion Week.
Kuo Wei, the founder of the innovative fashion brand INF, recently showcased his latest collection, ‘The Raven’, during London Fashion Week, a design achievement that melds deconstruction and reconstruction in a way that captivates audiences. Following his graduation from Shih-Chien University & Institute, Wei established INF in 2011, focusing on bold silhouettes and diverse patterns, making his garments accessible to a broad audience.
Attending the runway presentation provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the artistic vision behind the collection, as well as to engage in a discussion with Wei. A central theme of the conversation was his long-standing intrigue with the fashion industry, which he traces back to his childhood. “I have always liked to decorate since my childhood, whether that’s decorating myself or other people,” he explained, emphasizing his desire to create trends that reflect individual style.
At the heart of INF’s ethos lies the belief in fashion’s ability to empower individuals. Wei advocates for “a new flow” of creativity, stemming from the idea that personal expression can significantly impact the world. He expressed his ambition as a designer by stating, “I wish myself to become one of them too,” referring to those who influence the world through their aesthetic choices. “I believe fashion is a soft power of revolution within this world, I think it can make this world a better place,” he added.
The transformative nature of INF’s designs is a distinguishing feature of the brand. Wei’s focus on creating garments with the capacity to reinvent their form allows wearers to explore diverse identities through fashion. “Silhouettes are the first eye-catching part beyond other details,” he noted, highlighting how fashion serves as a tool for challenging stereotypes and raising self-recognition.
Sustainability is also a foundational aspect of Wei’s design philosophy. “At first, I’m just trying to enrich the detail of every design,” he shared, discussing his journey of experimentation that led him to design multifunctional garments. Items such as skirts or T-shirts can transform into tote bags, reflecting a commitment to reducing waste in the fashion industry.
Wei’s approach to color and design structure is noteworthy as well. He has built INF around a concept he describes as “infinite dark fashion,” beginning with a palette of black and white to explore the complexity of form and detail. His designs include a striking black overcoat influenced by the raven, characterized by elements that echo the bird’s feathers and wings, merging storytelling with fashion.
The designer elaborated on his creative process, which he described as deeply narrative-driven. “I absorb as many stories as I can,” he stated, underscoring that his designs frequently stem from thorough research and engagement with various narratives. Wei believes in starting from meaningful concepts, saying, “It’s hard for me to just create something from nothing. I need to feel it, being touched by it first.”
Reflected in his work is a commitment to merging Eastern and Western fashion elements. Wei explained his obsession with adding new dimensions to traditional narratives, stating, “Based on the differences of culture, we actually fit in each other’s missing parts, and that’s what makes the creation perfect.” This blending of cultural influences is a hallmark of his design ethos.
Kuo Wei’s ‘The Raven’ collection stands as a testament to his artistic proficiency, effectively combining narrative-driven designs with multifunctionality. The collection not only showcases the richness of his storytelling ability but also illustrates his dedication to innovative, sustainable fashion. The presentation at London Fashion Week solidified his reputation as a notable figure in the fashion industry, emphasizing the transformative power of his unique designs.
Source: Noah Wire Services
