River to Ocean: A Journey of Self-Discovery through Fashion

Qiongxin Kou and Yiyao Nie's Award-Winning All-Gender Collection

The collection, divided into three themes - "Meet with flowers", "Meet with air", and "Meet with earth", encapsulates diverse experiences in life that lead to self-realization. Each theme consists of one female and one male look, sharing the same pattern but different color palettes, reflecting the designers' commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

What sets "River to Ocean" apart is its innovative use of materials and design techniques. The designers created their own fabrics for the flower and air themes, exploring new ways to achieve zero waste. Kou developed a new fabric manipulation method that not only re-uses leftover fabric pieces but also presents them as an abundant mix-textured quality piece. The collection also features romantically dynamic constructions, with layerings, pleats, and hand-made flower details that sway with the movement of the fabric.

Adding to the uniqueness of the collection, some pieces were created using 3D technology. Nie designed superstructural constructions to mimic different forms, such as how water drops on flowers or collides with rocks. These pieces were 3D modeled and printed with white resin, resulting in wearable sculptures that are as much a work of art as they are fashion.

The collection was showcased at the London Fashion Week 2020 F/W and was made in New York and California. It is a testament to the designers' commitment to sustainable design, human well-being, and social mental care. The designers' exploration of nature and humans' place within it is evident in their work, providing a fresh and thoughtful perspective on fashion.

"River to Ocean" was awarded Silver in A' Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Award in 2021, a testament to its innovative design and unique approach to fashion. The award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This collection is a perfect example of such a design, admired for its strong technical characteristics, splendid artistic skill, and its ability to introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.