CHENEY CHAN COUTURE FALL 2024
In the heart of Paris, Cheney Chan unveiled the “Dream in Bloom” collection under the Cheney Chan Private label. Drawing from the rich tapestry of classic Chinese stories, the designer infused the collection with twelve profound characteristics: purity, courage, charm, resilience, endurance, passion, freedom, heroism, independence, clarity, responsibility, and authenticity. The “Dream in Bloom” runway show epitomized the brand’s unique DNA, seamlessly integrating elements of Chinese porcelain—a perennial favorite of the designer. This season, the collection delved deeper into ancient Chinese pottery techniques, celebrating the traditional art of shaping and refining.
Chan’s vision blossomed through the symbolic use of flowers and butterflies, conjuring dreamlike images that resonate with the transformative journey from cocoon to butterfly. These ethereal representations pay homage to the multifaceted lives of modern women, capturing their grace and resilience. The silhouettes, shaped by the delicate rotating lines of pottery techniques, reveal a harmonious blend of form and function, echoing the elegance of ancient ceramics.
The collection, a tribute to the cyclical nature of time and life, is imbued with the mystical significance of the number “12”—a number that reverberates through the 12 months, the 12 hours, and the 12 signs of the zodiac. This cyclical motif underscores the concept of rebirth, beautifully woven into the collection’s narrative. Each of the twelve characteristics is personified in the designs, celebrating the radiant allure and diversity of contemporary women.
“Each flower symbolizes the delicacy and vitality of women; each butterfly embodies their transformation and radiance,” reads the collection notes. This poetic approach illuminates the designer’s intent to portray the eternal cycle of growth and renewal, both in nature and in the personal journeys of women. Over the past twelve years, Cheney Chan has carved a distinct niche in the fashion world. The “Dream in Bloom” collection marks a significant milestone, reflecting the designer’s personal evolution and the brand’s dynamic growth. It signifies the start of a new creative chapter, resonating with the perpetual motion of fashion and life.
The show commenced with a classic, understated black theme, featuring 25 models whose appearances were artfully enhanced with eyeshadows resembling ink on paper and lip colors as vibrant as freshly bloomed flowers. Meticulously crafted headdresses adorned with fresh flowers, silk blooms, and white porcelain elements added a touch of whimsical elegance, perfectly complementing the collection’s silhouettes. Each garment emerged as a protagonist, showcasing unique personalities and embodying qualities such as innocence, courage, responsibility, charm, and resilience. This sartorial symphony was not just a visual delight but also a heartfelt tribute to feminine elegance and strength.
In “Dream in Bloom,” Chinese porcelain remains a central inspiration, with the exploration of ancient pottery techniques bringing forth new essences and silhouettes. The garments, refined to a jade-like texture through meticulous processes, reflect Chan’s dedication to the art of ceramics. The circular lines shaping each piece are reminiscent of pottery techniques, highlighting the beauty of form and the brand’s distinctive worldview. Cheney Chan’s “Dream in Bloom” is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, celebrating the transformative power of women and the timeless allure of Chinese artistry. This collection stands as a testament to the designer’s visionary approach, inviting the audience to partake in a journey of perpetual rebirth and elegance.
Images courtsey of Cheney Chan