Meet Carla Zhang, the visionary Founder and Creative Director behind Le Ngok, a fashion label that's pushing the boundaries by mixing and experimenting with unconventional materials and techniques. Through innovative upcycling methods, Carla breathes new life into recycled materials, infusing each garment with a fresh and vibrant energy.
Where do you usually get your inspiration for your designs?
I draw inspiration from various sources, including the places I visit, books I read, movies I watch, people I meet, art I appreciate. I also draw inspiration from what's happening in society and the world around me. These diverse influences help shape my creative vision and inspire me to push the boundaries of design.
What is the main message of your current collection?
My recent collection is titled “Oneness”.
It is a discovery in the relationship between design and its wearers—an integration of Le Ngok aesthetics and an experiment aimed at addressing the waste issue from production to end consumers.
This ready-to-wear collection aims to optimize resource utilization by creating versatile clothing designs. The collection features various styles, each creatively designed and constructed in one size. The ultimate goal is to mitigate overconsumption in fashion by creating garments suitable for long-term wear on multiple occasions. These designs are intended for individuals of all genders, diverse body types, and sizes.
When people wear my collection, the aim is for them to feel connected, aligned with their values, unique, inclusive, and feel playful when mixing and matching different pieces to create diverse and personalized outfits.
Apart from fashion design, what are the things that make you feel more alive?
I feel more alive when I'm making art and trying out new things. Both help me grow, get inspired, and connect with the world on a deeper level. Creating art allows me to express myself in various ways, while exploring new experiences pushes me out of my comfort zone and broadens my horizons.
What is your advice for other young women who aspire to be in this industry?
Everyone's path is different, focus on your own narrative and keep writing your own story in the fashion industry.
Start where you are, with what you have. Start now.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Design can become so much more than mere decoration when grounded in real experience, emotion or concept. Experiences serve only as a foundation, don't limit in any way the creative adventure open to the designer.”
Comentarios