Dreamers: A Collection of African-Inspired Garments

An Exploration of Colorful African Wax Print Fabrics

The Dreamers collection is a fusion of cultures and styles, showcasing the colorful and intricate patterns of African wax print fabrics. Chien Ku's inspiration came from a gift - a traditional African dress - that sparked her fascination with these fabrics. She saw the potential to bring a fresh and contemporary perspective to the traditional African attire.

What sets the Dreamers collection apart is the combination of African wax print fabrics with other materials such as tweed, denim, wool, and lace. This unexpected mix creates a playful and modern aesthetic, challenging the perception of African wax print fabrics as solely traditional garments.

The realization of the Dreamers collection involves working with African wax print fabrics, also known as Ankara fabric. These 100% cotton fabrics undergo specific processes to prevent shrinking and color-fading, ensuring the longevity of the garments.

The complete Dreamers collection consists of 14 pieces of garments, each showcasing the vibrant and dynamic nature of African wax print fabrics. From dresses to jackets, the collection offers a range of styles that speak to the uniqueness and confidence of the wearer.

Chien Ku's journey in creating the Dreamers collection started with sourcing African wax print fabrics, which are not commonly found in Asia. After meticulously coordinating the combination of fabrics and design sketches, Chien Ku personally drew the clothing patterns and sewed the entire collection, with the exception of the men's shirts, which were made by local tailors.

The Dreamers collection was brought to life in Taipei, where Chien Ku designed and produced the garments. The project spanned from December 2013 to July 2014, showcasing the dedication and craftsmanship that went into each piece.

One of the challenges Chien Ku faced was finding the right interfacing to transform the Ankara fabric into a thicker and more durable texture without compromising its softness. After experimenting with different types of interfacings, she found the perfect match that allowed the fabric to be used for corsets and jackets, enhancing the overall quality of the garments.

Dreamers is a collection that speaks to the dreamers of the world, who believe in a world without borders and use fashion as a universal language. Chien Ku challenges the notion that black is the common language in fashion, instead embracing bold prints as a vibrant and dynamic way of self-expression. Through colorful prints, the Dreamers collection represents a new generation that celebrates its uniqueness and confidence.

The Dreamers collection has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Fashion, Apparel, and Garment Design category in 2017. This prestigious award acknowledges the creativity and resourcefulness of the collection, showcasing its technical and creative skills and its contribution to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.