We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jie Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of my most significant undertakings is my thesis collection, NEO⋅GENESIS, where I explore mythical themes through the medium of fashion, presenting a unique fantasy narrative on the creation and operation of the universe.

My journey with NEO⋅GENESIS began with the search for a compelling theme for my final college project. Passionate about storytelling, I immersed myself in YouTube videos exploring mythical and niche fairy tales about the origins of the universe during the summer preceding this collection. The fundamental yet ultimate question— the origins of existence and the creation of the universe— naturally became the central theme of my thesis. Dissatisfied with conventional narratives from religious, scientific, and cultural perspectives, I aimed to articulate my own subjective understanding.

In NEO⋅GENESIS, I took on dual roles as both designer and creator—a modern-day god shaping a worldview. Just as a designer curates a collection, I crafted a genesis story inviting wearers and viewers to immerse themselves in a universe I created. This universe encourages interaction with the garments, revealing transformative features that resonate with their creativity.

To bring this narrative to life, I designed a 3D pop-up book adorned with my original graphics. Drawing inspiration from the mechanics of pop-up books, I seamlessly integrated transformable elements into wearable pieces. These garments not only make bold fashion statements but also act as portals into a narrative realm where imagination and personal expression converge. Thriving on challenging projects that push me to learn and create from scratch, developing the pop-up book adorned with my illustrations was a delightful side project that brings me great satisfaction.

This project holds profound personal significance for me as it marks the culmination of my college journey—a period when my skills peaked in school, enabling me to bring my creative visions to life through unrestricted exploration and boundary-pushing, free from the constraints of the trend-led ready-to-wear fashion industry. Entering this industry now, I often reflect on the ‘painful’ days of pulling all-nighters to pursue my creative ambitions. These experiences not only shaped my skills but also instilled in me a deep passion for pushing artistic boundaries and exploring new horizons.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At the core of my design philosophy lies a profound fascination with apocalypse, wasteland, fantasy, and futuristic aesthetics. These themes are not just inspirations but foundational elements that shape every aspect of my creative process. I see these aesthetics not as disparate elements but interconnected narratives that explore the continuum of human existence—from collapse to renewal.

The juxtaposition of the desolate landscapes of apocalypse with the possibilities of futurism forms the heart of my artistic vision. I perceive this fusion as symbolic of the universal cycle of death and rebirth, where destruction gives rise to new beginnings. This philosophical underpinning informs my designs, infusing them with a narrative depth that transcends mere fashion.

In practice, I translate these conceptual ideas into tangible garments that embody my aesthetic preferences. I am passionate about sustainability and consciously integrate eco-friendly practices into my work. One of my guiding principles is the revitalization of wasted materials. By repurposing and transforming discarded fabrics and objects, I give them new life within my designs. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also imbues each piece with a unique story of regeneration and resilience.

Through my creations, I aim to challenge conventional notions of fashion and advocate for a more inclusive and environmentally conscious industry. Each garment becomes a statement of creativity, sustainability, and the enduring cycle of transformation inherent in our world.

I firmly believe fashion should be inclusive and not constrained by gender norms. Specializing in adjustable garments that accommodate various body shapes and sizes, I promote comfort and confidence.

My commitment to non-gendered fashion extends beyond design—it’s rooted in diversity and inclusivity. Offering flexible sizing options and versatile styling empowers individuals to express their authentic identity through clothing.

In a world valuing personal expression, my designs embrace a modern approach that celebrates individuality and breaks traditional barriers. By emphasizing versatility and accessibility, I aim to redefine beauty standards and ensure everyone feels empowered and embraced in the garments made by me.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Regarding resources, I’ve come to understand that the creative realm is not just about individual effort but a collaborative team endeavor. This realization dawned on me during my initial experience producing fashion editorial photographs. I had a hard time finding people, browsing through social media to look at their previous works and find photographers and artists who could help me realize my vision within my budget. I appreciate the convenience that platforms like Instagram provide, offering a portal to discover individuals whose works align with my creative vision.

As a designer, sourcing resources and building connections with hair and makeup artists, photographers, studios, and model agencies is essential. It’s a skill set acquired through the creative process when aiming to scale up projects. Achieving the end result that satisfies me requires orchestrating individuals who share similar vibes or can contribute to bringing my vision to life.

I’m still in the process of learning these skills, yet I aspire to master all aspects of styling and photography to eventually work independently. However, the ability to source and maintain trusted connections with people who can collaborate harmoniously is crucial for realizing larger creative visions.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

My creative journey has been deeply personal, evolving alongside my growth. Art and design have consistently guided my self-discovery and personal development, helping me uncover my potential and identity through creative exploration.

Navigating social interactions with difficulty, I find solace in the sanctuary that creativity provides—a realm where visuals convey what words often cannot. Each creative pursuit becomes a journey of self-discovery, revealing hidden facets of my identity. My fascination with art and design lies in their ability to illuminate aspects of my personality that social challenges may obscure.

I embrace the creative process, welcoming its unpredictability with a blend of apprehension and enthusiasm. Whether the journey leads through moments of pessimism or optimism, each experience contributes crucial pieces to my ongoing path of personal growth.

In recent years, I’ve focused on channeling my personal insights into impactful and socially responsible expressions. I strive to ensure that my creativity doesn’t remain confined within myself but serves as a bridge to connect with the diverse and multifaceted people and experiences I’ve missed. Connecting with others who resonate with my work brings me profound satisfaction. Art and design have become my vehicles for forging meaningful connections and understanding within the beautiful world around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chenj845.wixsite.com/my-site
• Instagram: _j1015c
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jie-chen1015/

Image Credits
Fashion design/stylist: Jie Chen Photographer: Zaccheo Zhang Model: Megumi Roony Makeup Artist: Jianqiao Lu Assistant: Amber Qiu, Shuyu Zhou