Self restraint and the austerity of the ascetic life were used as the main inspiration behind Yifang Wan’s Autumn Winter 2013 collection which echoed her fascination with art performance and in specific, the work of Marina Abramovic. Those familiar with the designer’s previous works, must already know that her intention to prove ‘less is more’ is quite evident in all of her designs. The new offering which came into the form of long line coats, tunics, tailored pants and dresses, was no different, featuring elongated silhouettes and square cut minimalistic details. Treating the body as a unique sculptural form, Wan combined light fabrics such as cashmere wool with an extremely limited palette of just four colours including dark violet, deep emerald , black and indigo, to give her designs a strict yet contemporary edge.
The very same edge could be found in the sharp stainless steel accessories, used to break the ‘uncomplicated’ nature of the clothes and complete the looks. Borrowing inspiration from several religious symbols, Wan managed to turn simple accessories such as belts, necklaces and cuffs, into high-fashion pieces which gave the idea of layers protecting the soul from mental flagellation and worldly pleasures. Sharp, avant-garde and brilliantly executed, the new collection could not justify better, Yifang Wan’s title as the winner of the prestigious Fashion Scout ‘Merit Award’ for AW 13/14.