Quirky, Soulful, Homegrown Womenswear

Vega Zaishi Wang

Paris, London, New York, and Beijing? She was once the slightly frumpier Asian counterpart of the major fashion hubs, but in the wake of a local economic boom and skyrocketing demand for high-end style, the Chinese capital has emerged as a global design destination to be reckoned with. Driving the upswing is a new wave of bright young homegrown stars, including Vega Zaishi Wang, whose stunning Autumn/Winter 2012/13 collection release in August coincided with her new showroom opening in Dongsai.

Since graduating from the illustrious Central Saint Martins design college in London, and establishing her brand in 2008, Wang has garnered praise for the originality of her predominantly hand-made womenswear garments. Her latest collection, titled ‘Jaran Zagaan Aduu’, features a generous helping of Wang’s trademarks – dramatic silhouettes, globally-sourced fabrics (in this case wools and leathers), and both Eastern and European influences.

Gradient red, grey, royal blue, olive green and gold accent the structured pieces, giving a regal and in some cases military feel, vaguely reminiscent of her late mentor Alexander McQueen’s elaborate style. Wang’s historically and culturally-inspired designs are perfectly suited to her new digs, a grey-brick hutong structure housing a workshop and showroom. A traditional Chinese courtyard and classic lattice-work accent the space, but the sleek modernity of the logo signage reminds passers by that the success story being written within is nothing short of cutting-edge.