SENSE OF VULNERABILITY AND INNER STRENGTH
Verbal abuse and attacks is not something that is easily explained to the outsider. You can say it is a very personal experience, one that no one should have to go through. B.F.A. Fashion Designer Dongying Jiang uses her collection to give those who have
suffered or are going through verbal abuse a voice, and to truly strike emotion to her viewers. “The transparent fabrics symbolize fragility and exposure, which directly convey the sense of vulnerability of those who are verbally attacked. When this
happens, their weaknesses are exposed without any way to protect themselves,” describes Jiang. Her choice of exposing rather than covering expresses the helplessness and despair that occurs in the face of attack, and highlights the impact.
Her use of transparent fabrics on the outer layer of the silhouettes implies that
especially in vulnerability, there is still a need for protection. Her lightly saturated red
inner linings provide that internal coverage and protection for the victim. That also
means that in the time of abuse, their internal emotions and personalities are exposed.
The materials she used for this immense interpretation includes chiffon, transparent,
and sheer fabrics. The restricted, and uncomfortable looking necklines are also included
to captivate the emotion through the clothes.
Other special elements you can expect to see is her incorporation of Chinese
shadow puppets and knots. “Such a design integrates historical and cultural elements
into modernity, highlighting the cultural background and the individual’s inner
struggles,” says Jiang. “Growing up in China I got inspired by so many things, but
coming to the United States has given me the confidence to stand and speak up about
these issues that really matter,” Jiang says. Jiang possesses the capability to transform a
comprehensive story for every collection she owns, and takes pleasure in fusing various
textiles to produce eye-catching and captivating prototypes. This Spring 25 collection is
Dongying Jiang’s take on fluffy silhouetted transparency.
Words by Itzel Morales, B.F.A. Fashion Communication and Styling
Runway photography by Ed Jay.
Conceptual Makeup Lead: Chelsea Mari Heintzman. Hair & Makeup Team Produced by Brandi Moore Agency. Lead Hair: Brittany Jordan. Lead Makeup: Lilia Christo-Ferrigno . Makeup Product: Morphe.
