Behind the First Collection
The first collection couldn't just be an aesthetic launch. I wanted it to be a statement on self expression and my view of the world in fabric form. It took just under 7 months from conception to final product, a mixture of my inexperience but also my high standards.
Rooted in the philosophy of yin and yang, this collection explores the space between structure and softness, where form meets flow and opposites don't compete, but rather, they complete. At its core it is the most obvious representation of my design thinking and brand values. It was the most direct way I could show the world what MadebyMin was about.
Coming from a background in textiles, I was particularly sensitive to the fabrics I chose. I was seeking something that embodied the yin yang dichotomy itself: thick but light in weight, sturdy yet soft on the skin.
Each piece carries a quiet nod to Chinese heritage: a nostalgic calendar graphic, functional frog clasps, silk panels printed exclusively for this collection. The idea was to hide the thought in the small details. Easy to miss, but they make a lot more impact to those who notice.
As more things gradually lose their meaning, I wanted fashion to be a constant that connected people, from a colour, a cut, to a graphic that evoked some memory or significance.
I wanted to use MadebyMin as a platform to pay homage to my heritage, my ancestors, my culture. But also to build a bridge, so we can understand each other a little better, beyond the surface. It is an incredibly difficult and delicate task, both because of differences in interpretation, and the extent to which I can represent this idea within the confines of my abilities.
At the end of the day, I see fabric as my canvas, and this collection is my first artwork. It is not mass produced, and it is not trend driven. Every piece is pattern cut, fabric sourced, and detailed by hand.
MadebyMin will continue to stay true to itself. Two worlds, one wardrobe. Life is About Balance is the first attempt.