Satellite Voices

Shanghai / 中文

Ziggy Chen

November 18, 2011

The dark force design director for DecosterConcept talks shop

• Text by Karchun Leung

At the recent Shanghai Fashion Week I found something really inspiring, a new project from the Decoster label called DecosterConcept a dark force by a certified Shanghai creative, Ziggy Chen. The design director who says of the collection: "This is all about life experience, I like historical elements such as furniture and architecture. I like texture with no luster and used items."

Satellite Voices: What is DecosterConcept? How is that different from the brand Decoster?
Ziggy Chen: DecosterConcept is a brand new project which can express our ideas, includes menswear, womenswear and an accessory line. Decoster is a brand with a 10 year history, it’s a little bit commercial.

SV: You bring us a very subtle but impactful collection, so do you think this represent something about being Chinese?
Ziggy Chen: The collection represents my taste and preference, I’m afraid I can’t say it represents anything of China.

SV: Which fashion designer do you respect the most?
Ziggy Chen: Paul Handen, I love his life style and understanding of clothes.

SV: What is most important to you being a fashion designer? Creativity or a business mind?
Ziggy Chen: The most important part of this is the passion of fashion. If I had to choose between creativity and a business mind, I will choose creativity, because you can let others do the business part.

SV: What are the difficulties you are facing now? Production, materials, anything?
Ziggy Chen: The hardest part is to create your own style.

SV: What is your plan for future development?
Ziggy Chen: Our plan is to make every season good, and to make more people love our designs.

SV: Can you tell us about the fashion scene in Shanghai?
Ziggy Chen: The fashion scene is getting better, I see some of the post-80s generation having their own understanding of fashion. I don’t look at people who are wearing all the luxury brands, and I like people who are good at mix-matching.