Yiyao Nie's "River To Ocean": A Fusion of Art and Fashion

Wearable Sculpture Collection Debuts at London Fashion Week 2020

The "River To Ocean" collection is inspired by the concept of self-discovery and acceptance. Drawing from a Chinese proverb, "The small me meets the big me," Nie and Kou created wearable sculptures that symbolize the journey of finding one's true self through past experiences. The collection is a metaphorical representation of the moment when one bravely faces and accepts their true selves.

Nie's 3D printed sculptures, resembling splashing liquid frozen in time, were incorporated into Kou's designs as hats, vests, and shoe decorations. These wearable sculptures mimic the forms of water droplets on flowers and the collision of water with rocks, capturing the essence of nature in a wearable form. The collection's unique properties were showcased at London Fashion Week 2020, where it received widespread acclaim.

The wearable sculptures were created using 3D software and printed into small parts using resin material. These parts were then painted, assembled, and crafted by hand into wearable sculptures. Despite their large silhouettes, the pieces are lightweight and designed to be worn or displayed in a gallery. The multiple branches of the vest can be easily broken down and restructured into new forms, adding a dynamic element to the design.

The "River To Ocean" collection was made for and showcased at London Fashion Week 2020 F/W. The design process spanned from December 2019 to February 2020, with the making process taking place in New York and California. The collection explores the potential of 3D manufacturing processes based on resin materials, pushing the boundaries of fashion and sculpture.

Yiyao Nie's "River To Ocean" collection was awarded Silver in the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The award is a testament to Nie's artistic skill and the collection's unique blend of fashion and sculpture.