Wonderland caught up with the China-born, London-based designer to discuss her eponymous brand’s SS25 collection, the power of collaboration, and reflections on a decade-long journey in fashion.
The end of a calendar year is always a time for reflection. But for Chinese designer Feng Chen Wang, closing 2024’s chapter holds an even bigger meaning. In 2025, she’s celebrating a decade of her eponymous brand — and when she connects with Wonderland, she’s in her Shanghai studio (where she spends half her time when not working from her East London space) finalising her upcoming AW25 collection, set to be presented in Paris. “[It’s a] moment to reflect on the past and look toward the future,” she says. “The rapid changes in the fashion industry, particularly the integration of digitalisation and sustainability, excite me deeply. These transformations are reshaping the industry, and I look forward to contributing more to these shifts.”
Since graduating from London’s Royal College of Art in 2015, Chen Wang has been building a reputation as one of the most exciting up-and-coming names in menswear. From New York to London, Shanghai, and now Paris, she has solidified her artistic vision through explorations of heritage, time, and innovation, “aiming for designs that have both complexity and depth.” “My goal is to make each piece reflect the stories of our times,” she explains, “rooted in cultural heritage yet with a forward-looking perspective.”
Sitting down with Wonderland, Feng Chen Wang discusses the power of collaboration to leverage creativity — having racked up a handful of stellar projects since her brand’s foundation, from Levi’s to Converse — her latest SS25 collection, and what’s next for the brand. Keep scrolling…
Thanks so much for chatting with us. How are you today? Where are you based at the moment, and what are you up to these days?
Thank you! Everything is going well today. I’m currently in Shanghai, working on the final preparations for the upcoming AW25 collection. This collection carries my unique reflections on the past and future, and I am working with my team to bring it to life, from concept to concrete design. Recently, I have also been focusing on the future direction of the brand, reflecting on our growth and breakthroughs over the past ten years, while constantly exploring how to deepen the fusion of the brand’s cultural essence with a global perspective through innovation and cross-border collaborations. We are planning some exciting projects and hope to bring more shock and surprises to everyone in the coming years.
Tell us a bit about your creative upbringing. How did things start for you? When did you fall in love with fashion, and who were some of your earliest influences in the industry?
My creative journey began at a very young age, as I have always been passionate about visual arts. I truly fell in love with fashion when I realized that clothing is not just about aesthetics but a vehicle for culture and ideas. My early influences stemmed from the traditional crafts of my hometown in Fujian, as well as from avant-garde designers who dare to push boundaries and inject their personal style into their work.
What is it about fashion that you love most? And specifically, menswear?
Fashion, to me, is a form of expression — emotions, culture, and individuality. Menswear, in particular, appeals to me because it challenges traditional gender and identity boundaries. It allows for creative freedom and exploration of self and societal relations, making it a powerful medium for personal expression.
You’re based both in London and Shanghai. How would you say the creative scenes of these two cities complement each other, and how is that embedded in your designs?
London and Shanghai are two very different cities. London has a deep cultural and historical heritage, while Shanghai is a modern and globalized metropolis. I integrate these two styles in my designs, drawing inspiration from both the influences of tradition and the energy of contemporary cities. The clash of these elements pushes me to explore new creative possibilities.
How would you describe Feng Chen Wang’s artistic vision and your creations?
Feng Chen Wang’s artistic vision is about telling stories of multiculturalism and individuality through fashion. I strive to balance tradition and innovation, aiming for designs that have both complexity and depth. My goal is to make each piece reflect the stories of our times, rooted in cultural heritage yet with a forward-looking perspective.
What role does heritage play in your designs? And how do you balance industry expectations with your own creative freedom?
Heritage is the foundation of my design philosophy, providing endless inspiration. While I respect and draw from tradition, I also embrace the need to innovate. Balancing industry expectations, particularly in terms of commercialization, with creative freedom is an ongoing challenge. However, I always strive to maintain my own voice and unique design language, even within these constraints.
Earlier this year, you presented your collaboration with Converse. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the power of collaboration in today’s industry—do you think it’s important for brands to co-create? And where do you draw the line when choosing potential partners?
Collaboration is a powerful tool that breaks down boundaries between brands and creates innovative, meaningful work. Co-creation brings fresh perspectives and ideas, but when choosing collaborators, I focus on shared values and creative alignment, rather than just brand recognition or market presence.
You’ve showcased at NYFW, LFW, Shanghai, and now PFW. Talk me through this evolution over the years—how do you reflect on your artistic growth, and what motivates you and the brand to keep pushing forward?
Each fashion week presentation is a new challenge and breakthrough. From New York to London, and now to Paris, I have continuously evolved in my design approach, drawing inspiration from various cultural influences. The growth of the brand is rooted in the support of my team and the commitment to creativity. Each new project pushes me to reexamine myself and motivates me to keep innovating.
SS25! What’s in store for Feng Chen Wang? Walk us through the collection—what was your starting point and inspiration, and what story are you telling through these garments and accessories?
The inspiration for the SS25 collection stems from a deep contemplation of the concept of “time.” Through the garments, I aim to express the fluidity and transformation of time, as well as the relationship between humans and their environments. Each piece tells a story about the past, present, and future, using deconstruction and reconstruction to reflect this concept.
What are your favourite pieces from the collection?
One of my favourite pieces from this collection is a uniquely structured jacket. It combines traditional tailoring with modern deconstruction techniques, showcasing the distinctive style of the brand.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future? And what excites you about the industry at this moment in time?
I am most excited about the brand’s upcoming tenth anniversary celebration — a moment to reflect on the past and look toward the future. The rapid changes in the fashion industry, particularly the integration of digitalization and sustainability, excite me deeply. These transformations are reshaping the industry, and I look forward to contributing more to these shifts.
