Zen Explorer: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation in Fashion

Kuan Lu's Award-Winning Design Marries Cultural Heritage with Sustainable Practices

What sets Zen Explorer apart is its unique approach to fashion. The project, titled "The Tao of Fashion: Re-cycle of Life," aims to subvert the stereotypes of the fashion industry. It begins with the collection and classification of historic textiles, followed by the incorporation of new material dyed using the traditional "Indigo Dyeing" technique. All the craftsmanship is handmade, respecting and retaining traditional crafts and graphics while incorporating contemporary upcycle design concepts. The result is a unique, durable, and updated daily dressing code that carries on the traditional oriental culture.

The realization of Zen Explorer involves the use of mass-produced natural indigo dyed materials, combined with a small amount of precious recycled textile. The production process is natural and environmentally friendly, devoid of industrial chemicals. The ethical considerations and sustainable fashion development inherent in the production process underscore the importance of material recycling, a key purpose of the design and production.

The Zen Explorer is not just a wearable item; it can also serve as an artistic installation. The prototype structure of a suit grows out of an original antique "Hundred Sons" blanket. The ready-to-wear looks are designed for a size 48 male form, with the concept item measuring 180 cm in width and 200 cm in length.

Designed and produced in 2018, Zen Explorer was presented in 2020 at the China National Silk Museum. The design process involved extensive research into material properties, with each piece of material classified based on its unique "character." The project represents a design experiment in slow fashion and limited supply, combining the collected antique fabric with new materials. The result is a sustainable and contemporary fashion practice that creates less waste and offers durability.

The Zen Explorer project faced several challenges, particularly in the development of sustainable fashion and the inheritance of slow handwork. However, the project successfully balanced the demands of the sustainable fashion industry with the need for original and unique products, creating a new aesthetic market. The project is a testament to how design thinking can lead to innovative solutions in the fashion industry.

The Zen Explorer project is a reverse exploration experiment on the non-standardization of fashion. It is a testament to Kuan Lu's commitment to creating original and unique products that balance the demands of the sustainable fashion industry with the need for a new aesthetic market. The project's success is evidenced by its recognition at the A' Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Award in 2023, where it was awarded Silver, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.