Claudia Wang Debut Catwalk Show for LFW
Lfw day 4 Claudia wang
Taiwanese designer Claudia Wang made her London Fashion Week debut with a unique video game-inspired immersive experience on 17th September 2023.
Claudia Wang's immersive fashion show blended virtual reality with real life. Held in the tate modern museum with a colourful mix of patterns on both the menswear and womenswear pieces. Models walked out and stood on podiums as though they were avatars.
The Brand was born in 2020 with their S/S24 collection - "Temporal Rose, Second Quadrant" consisting of 31 looks. The collection was showcased through a lively tech-blended event.
Drawing inspiration from the playful world of virtual spaces. This unique presentation showcases the designer's new collection and its emphasis on the role of video games in shaping our perception of reality.
The models were positioned on platforms throughout the venue, donning pieces from the S/S24 collection, while the curved walls of the Tate Modern gallery were lit up by a custom computer game designed by Claudia Wang.
Digital feline avatars could be seen roaming around the screens, sporting digital versions of the new collection that mirror the physical showcase space.
In Claudia Wang's custom-made video game, players will encounter avatars representing the 12 creatures of the Eastern zodiac.
This immersive experience aims to take viewers on a journey through time, spanning past, present and future. Wang hopes to showcase the significance of virtual worlds in freeing our minds from the limitations of everyday existence.
Through her collection, Claudia Wang explores the longing to transcend reality and immerse oneself in virtual realms, while also acknowledging the inherent limitations and beauty of being human.
This dichotomy is evident in her vibrant and playful pieces, which feature her unique interpretations of video game zodiac symbols, as well as a recurring rose motif that serves as a grounding reminder to stay connected to the real world.
Claudia Wang's design process, from its inception, involves utilizing digital processing. As a sustainability-focused brand, she chooses to create her patterns digitally as the first step, minimizing any unnecessary waste.
Her approach serves as a compelling showcase of how a harmonious blend of physical and digital elements can elevate both life and art.
The unveiling of this presentation ushers in a fresh era of art and fashion fusion, transporting audiences to a whimsical realm. One that prompts deep contemplation on the themes of love and life.
Seoulista Beauty sponsored the makeup team led by Lan Nguyen-Grealis, Guru Makeup Emporium and Bodyography provided the makeup. Zsolt Nagy was the Creative Director responsible for hair.
My Verdict
It was a very creative show. Choreographed differently to other shows I had attended during fashion week. Most pieces were not to my personal taste, however there were a few items of interest, such as a multicolor, mid length ruffle sleeve dress.
What I wore
I sported a cream corset top layered on top of a long white blouse. I combined this with a black fitted mini skirt with knee-high cream boots in a chunky sock style. To complete, I added a stunning mirror necklace gifted to me at the Frolov fashion show the previous day.
As a highlight of Frolov's latest Spring Summer 2024 collection, this exquisite necklace graced their runway show for their September 2023 London fashion week presentation. Hailing from the esteemed Ukrainian luxury brand Frolov, the necklace bears a distinct and breathtaking design.
Frolov's Moloda collection mirror necklace added a whinsical element to my outfit - reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland.
The location
Tate modern
Tate Modern, situated in London, is a renowned art gallery that hosts the UK's national collection of contemporary and modern artwork. As a member of the Tate group, along with Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives, it has become an integral part of the city's cultural history.
Discover the story behind London's most iconic and beloved gallery. In December 1992, the Tate Trustees revealed their plan to establish a distinct gallery in London dedicated to showcasing international modern and contemporary art.
In 1994, the previous Bankside Power Station was chosen as the location for the new gallery. The following year, renowned Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron were hired to convert it. Their plan to preserve a significant amount of the building's original charm greatly influenced the decision.
Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed the iconic power station, which was constructed in two stages from 1947 to 1963. The remarkable turbine hall, measuring 35 metres tall and 152 metres in length, was accompanied by the boiler house and a single central chimney.
However, with the exception of an active London Electricity sub-station, the site has been unused since 1981. In 1996, the design plans for the site were revealed and construction commenced after securing a £12 million grant from the English Partnerships regeneration agency.
The equipment was then cleared out and the structure was stripped down to its original steel and brick elements. As a result, the turbine hall was transformed into a striking entrance and exhibition space, while the boiler house was converted into galleries.
Since its opening in May 2000, Tate Modern has welcomed over 40 million visitors, making it one of the UK's most popular tourist destinations. Annually, London reaps an estimated £100 million in economic benefits from the gallery.
In 2009, Tate began a significant project to expand Tate Modern. Collaborating once more with Herzog & de Meuron, the renovated museum utilizes the striking obsolete oil tanks of the power station, resulting in a larger gallery space and upgraded amenities for visitors.
Positioned to the south of Tate Modern, the upcoming building crafted by Herzog & de Meuron will emerge from the power station, serving as a striking new feature on the London horizon.
Similar to its predecessor, the new Tate Modern was also crafted by renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron. It will showcase a captivating blend of both rugged and polished elements, incorporating industrial structures with modern 21st century design.
The exterior of the building will feature brick that complements the current structure. However, it will also introduce a unique element - a perforated brick lattice that will emit light from the interior at night.
The windows and terrace will serve as breaks in the brick design. Standing at 64.5 metres tall and spanning 11 levels, the building's height is a direct response to Giles Gilbert Scott's iconic power station chimney.
Just as the Turbine Hall marked Tate Modern's initial phase, the massive oil tanks located at the building's base will likely become synonymous with its new addition. These rugged industrial areas will maintain their gritty ambience and transform into a remarkable setting for performances and exhibitions.
The redesigned galleries showcasing the Collection boast a wider range of sizes and shapes compared to the museum's original layout. In addition, there is now a bigger area dedicated to temporary exhibitions. The newly added Tate Exchange offers a platform for groups to share their expertise and creative concepts.
The updated space also features new seminar rooms and an innovative Media Lab. For socializing, visitors can enjoy the new Members Room, dine at the Level 10 restaurant, or relax on the public terrace on Level 11, all with breathtaking views of the city.
Sustainability
The structure will serve as a prime example of eco-friendliness, establishing unprecedented standards for cultural institutions throughout the UK.
By utilizing heat emitted from EDF's transformers in the neighboring Blavatnik Building, the new structure will significantly reduce its energy consumption.
With a focus on high thermal mass, regular natural ventilation, and maximizing daylight, it is estimated that the building will use 54% less energy and produce 44% fewer carbon emissions than required by current regulations.
The Architects
Herzog & de Meuron, a partnership guided by five Senior Partners - Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, Christine Binswanger, Ascan Mergenthaler and Stefan Marbach - was founded in Basel in 1978.
Since then, the practice has expanded to include offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, New York and Hong Kong. They have an extensive portfolio ranging from private residences to large-scale urban design projects.
Among the notable accomplishments of this firm are numerous acclaimed public structures, including stadiums and museums. However, their portfolio also boasts a number of distinguished private ventures such as apartment complexes, office buildings, and factories.
As a testament to their excellence, the practice has received several prestigious awards over the years, including the 2001 Pritzker Prize, the RIBA Royal Gold Medal and the Praemium Imperiale in 2007.
Notable works include the Pérez Art Museum Miami, USA (2013); the New Hall for Messe Basel, Switzerland (2013); the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, New York, USA (2012); the Blavatnik School of Government in Oxford, UK and the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Germany.