SS22: Yuhan Wang.
Last March, as news regarding Sarah Everard’s murder broke, the nation justifiably erupted in response. Women were, and still are, angry, left reeling by the inhumane and traitorous actions of former PC Wayne Couzens. Leading the voice of reason, Labour MP Jess Phillips proceeded to read out a long list of names to parliament days later, concerning all those who had fatally fallen victim to violence against women in the last year alone. A poignant yet powerful reiteration of how “killed women are not vanishingly rare, killed women are common.”
Yuhan Wang was one of many touched by this pivotal moment. A passion that formed the core behind her recent SS22 collection, entitled ‘Juliette has a gun.’ Yes, the signature florals and elaborately embroidered lace made their inevitable return, elegantly formed into her staple ruched dresses and elongated slippers. But, paired juxtaposed with a series of gun holsters, casually slung over backs and sitting across waists, the collection held a new meaning altogether.
Moved by the power of women, Yuhan would later turn to strong female leads in American ranch and Victorian Adventuring history for further design inspiration, developing a bold new horse print for the collection - hand drawn, digitally printed and acting as a subtle ode to history’s strong women. “The collection is about women’s power, mentally as well. We are stronger minded than many men,” says Yuhan.
Now comfortably established outside of the Fashion East group, Yuhan Wang’s garments are known for shattering stereotypes, exploring the relationship between femininity and strength by crafting gentle, softly draped dresses in pastel florals but for tough, bold and compelling women. Exemplifying Yuhan’s understanding of how the modern woman can be both. The only question pertaining is as to where she’ll take this next.
Writer Susie Lethbridge.
