PONDER.ER presented their Fall Winter 2021 at Paris Fashion Week in form of a digital presentation “Where a Man Belongs”. While it was selected by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode on the official calendar for the international fashion community to watch from around the world. Fashion Farm Foundation.
As the next chapter of the brand’s storyline, “Where A Man Belongs” continues to explore the identities of modern cowboys in a contemporary context. Checks and plaids, commonly seen in western-style garments are being twisted and reconfigured into abstract forms, playfully resonating with the curvy decorative style lines carefully placed in the majority of the pieces in the collection.
Textures and prints are once again the focus of the collection, often used in conjunction with one another to produce a strong graphic effect. The brand’s signature HUG shirt is reinvented with distorted patterns directly printed on top, materials such as faux leather and wool are used with PONDER.ER’s signature treatment of liquefying shapes and known garments. Frayed and lace knitwear structures have additionally added vulnerability to the looks.
The brand has also invested more time in developing its ideas with sustainable materials, the pandemic has presented the brand the opportunity to reflect on the way designers produce and create. Deadstock fabrics from factories in China are used throughout the collection, with a selection of nylon and denim textiles being cut into thin tapes for hand-knitting. Fabric wastes are given a new purpose through craft and innovative experiments.
PONDER.ER is the brainchild of creative duo Alex Po and Derek Cheng. The pair met whilst studying at the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, with both BA collections being selected to showcase at the Press Show. Po then went on to further sharpen his skills and vision at the Royal College of Art specialising in Men’s knitwear.
With a common interest in exploring the world of Menswear through an alternative approach, the creative partnership was formed in 2019 with the intention of challenging gender stereotypes and raising questions against social norms.
PONDER.ER, a gender-fluid label was born to expand and reinterpret the contemporary Men’s wardrobe through dissecting and reconstructing ideas inspired by traditional Menswear, found objects and everyday experiences in urban cities.
