CHENEY
Chan
Origami, Clams and… Butter?
Beijing based designer, Cheney Chen, has taken the brand to new heights, guiding us through stories and visual imagery within the garments that drive the eye in many directions and the mind into corresponding avenues. The 2021 Private Collection undoubtedly showed a pristine shift within the brand's voice and representation.
One garment in particular caught the eye, and the inspirations behind the piece can be seen from various angles. Notably seen worn by actress, Anya Taylor Joy, as she graced the cover of Variety Magazine, this cream structured piece holds interesting takes one could walk away with.
Inspired by Chinese porcelain and the silhouette of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, a goddess of mercy, this meticulously made garment can remind one that the way is of all. Chen recalls that learning how to make porcelain helped him notice the rotations and texture created through countless layers of circles, further wanting to express that throughout the piece. The use of structured boning, organza and layered tulle create the fluttered shape that immediately draws attention, as it seemingly crowns around the models head.
Anya Taylor Joy. Variety Magazine. Jonny Marlow, Photography.
“The structure in my memories always had a white smock with the head covered”, says Cheney Chan, when further explaining how the Guan Yin Bodhisattva inspired this look. The bellowed, shelf shaped and accentuated hips mirror the folded arms of the sculpture. While it is arranged in pristine stillness, it still plays on the eye with fluid and organic movement that closely resembles shapes we see in nature herself.