In the enchanting city of Florence, where art and fashion collide, designer Mingze Sun is carving a visionary path at the intersection of avant-garde and ready-to-wear. With a graduate collection that pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion, Mingze invites us to delve into a world where independent ideology meets unsettling power and metamorphosis.
Design: Mingze Sun mingzesun.com / Instagram: @mingzesunn
Photography: Mamé / Instagram: @leaxmayyy
Lighting: Caterina Stolzi / Instagram: @cateesse
Model : Mandi Armand / Instagram: @armand.mandi
Linyi Zhang / Instagram: @zhang01_zzzly at @majormodelsmilano
Taking inspiration from the aesthetic of violence, Mingze seamlessly weaves together elements of contemporary construction, art, and architecture to create a collection that is both daring and thought-provoking. Each piece tells a story, with architectural influences translating into captivating shapes and structures that span various categories.
To capture the essence of this strident and fierce vision, Mingze chose a backdrop of Black Metal Fence spiral stairs, effortlessly linking the symmetrical outfits in a bold and captivating manner. The result is a photo shoot that encapsulates the unyielding spirit of the collection.
Join us as we step into the world of Mingze Sun, a designer who fearlessly redefines the boundaries of fashion, where avant-garde and ready-to-wear find their harmonious union.
Collection Concept
Drawing upon the raw power of the artist and contemporary architecture, Mingze aims to ignite a new metamorphosis in the world of fashion. By embracing a brutalist approach, Mingze reconstructs an independent ideology that challenges conventional norms and paves the way for a new aesthetic. Violence becomes the language of expression, giving shape and form to a collection that defies expectations.
Integrating architectural elements and installations, Mingze seamlessly translates their concepts and shapes into a diverse range of categories. The result is a collection that invites us to question and reimagine the boundaries and possibilities of fashion.
Shooting Concept
Strident and fierce, the photoshoot for Mingze’s graduate collection demanded a visualization that captured the essence of its avant-garde spirit. Against the backdrop of Black Metal Fence spiral stairs, the symmetrical outfits took centre stage, creating a visual harmony that mirrored the designer’s meticulous attention to detail. Through this striking shoot, Mingze’s vision comes to life, embodying the boldness and ferocity that underpin their unique aesthetic.
As we explore the world of Mingze Sun, prepare to be transported to a realm where innovation meets artistry, and where the boundaries of fashion are blissfully blurred.
KALTBLUT: Tell me how you first became interested in fashion; and why you decided to become a fashion designer.
In my childhood, I was most interested in contemporary art. My interest in fashion was sparked when I discovered the power of clothing to express the association with art and unlimited potential.
Over time， I hope to use fashion as a carrier to express and convey my thoughts and the aesthetics I have built. So I started my fashion student career in Italy four years ago.
KALTBLUT: Tell me a little bit about your journey that led to you releasing your new collection.
Through the past 4 years with highly intensive work pacing and efficient working habits. I‘ve got a strong base in garment construction and several skills. Being able to develop fragments of ideas and link them up in a collection.
From the last year, I began to gradually determine my direction and target. I started to have a strong passion for Avant-Garde. And I think it’s very subtle to make different levels of grayscale matching in dark colours.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe your style and fashion?
I’m focusing on the intersection between Art & Avant-garde & Ready to wear. I want to express the methodology of how to translate my cultural references. Experimental art is always my priority when I’m doing research.
I’m a person who really cares about the sensory experience and the subjective feeling of the entire process. I think the application is the best method of testing. It’s also associated with my metamorphosis concept for this “Ostracism ”collection.
Freedom of expression played a really important role in my working process especially when I‘m using several unconventional ways to experiment and realize clothes.
KALTBLUT: Are there any fashion icons who inspire your design?
Is Rick Owens! I can’t describe the wealth and aesthetics he created in my poor language.
His philosophy and the values he spread have always been my guide.
KALTBLUT: What would you say makes your design stand out against other brands?
My unwavering commitment to innovation and experimental spirit. By blending unexpected materials, experimenting with textures, and pushing the boundaries of conventional silhouettes, I want to provide a subversive vision.
KALTBLUT: Where do you find your inspiration for your work?
Experimental art is always my priority when I’m doing research.
I’m a person who cares about the sensory experience and the subjective feeling of the entire process. I think the application is the best method of testing. It’s also associated with my metamorphosis concept for this “Ostracism ”collection.
The concept is about brutalism and the aesthetics of violence I fictionalized an independent ideology that reconstructs the unsettling power of artists and contemporary architecture to obtain a new metamorphosis. Represented by the aesthetic of violence.
KALTBLUT: What advice would you give to people who want to experiment more with the clothes they wear?
Always try to explore something that you never expected and don’t follow the trend. Keep experimenting and producing work. When you have done enough work, you will find yourself in the process of going up level. And don’t determine your style too early. Try to jump out from a subjective perspective.
KALTBLUT: What are your favourite pieces from your collection?
I did several knitted puffer pieces in this collection. By blending various materials, such as utilizing knitwear combining fabric, and applying them to several different categories like puffer tops/skirts…Which brought me a subversive and innovative visual effect.
This led me to rethink the association & possibility between knitting and weaving.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe the local fashion scene/industry in your home town/ country?
I’m from Beijing, China. It’s full of potential and fresh energy. Countless excellent new emerging designers showcase their brands here or move to here. It provides a whole industrial chain for the fashion industry. From brand headquarters to suppliers and manufacturers, it is very complete.
KALTBLUT: What does being an independent designer mean to you?
Being an independent designer to me means having the freedom to express my aesthetics without constraints. It’s about having the right to explore many ideas and experiment with unconventional materials.
It’s joyful to have my own small territory in the grand fashion system and oversee every stage of the process. It makes me feel deeply connection with different people and audiences.
KALTBLUT: If your brand was ice cream, what flavours would it be?
It’s definitely yoghurt. I never thought that a gentle sensory experience would be replaced by a strong sense of excitement.
KALTBLUT: What was the last music track you listened to?
Suuns
Suuns is an avant-garde music band that blends elements of post-punk, electronic, and experimental rock. Their ability to create a sense of tension and release through a combination of haunting vocals, pulsating beats, and intricate guitar work sets them apart in the indie music scene. I was deeply attracted by their uniqueness. It also gives me the motivation to create.
KALTBLUT: Finally, what can we expect to see from you in the near future?
I will keep producing new work no matter if I will move anywhere in the world. This has become a part of my life and I am very glad to see the results of my cultivation.
In the near future, I will spend more time doing self-introspection, I need to find a balance in this fast-paced era.
