We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Tong Tong about their original and creative Garment design work. Tong Tong is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original garment works.
Tong Tong ("TT") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Reinterpretation of Changshan Garment. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
TT : The main principle, idea, and inspiration behind my design is to innovate and modernize the iconic Changshan garment while honoring its timeless elegance and historical significance. Drawing inspiration from its lean yet elegant silhouette and traditional features such as the Mandarin collar and overlapping front opening, I aimed to harmonize tradition with modernity in my reinterpretation.
TT : My main focus in designing this work was to achieve a seamless blend of heritage and innovation. I sought to preserve the overall minimal and elongated silhouette of the Changshan while introducing innovative tailoring methods and functional elements to enhance its versatility and wearability. Specifically, I aimed to achieve a design that seamlessly integrates vertical seams for volume control, discreetly integrated pockets, and a modified front opening for easier access, all while ensuring structural integrity and maintaining the garment's modest appearance.
TT : Winning this award has given me the confidence to pursue small-batch production for this design. My plan is to perfect the design further, ensuring it is suitable for production, and ultimately transform it into a ready-to-wear piece. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring this design to life and share it with a broader audience.
TT : From conceptualization to the final product, this design took approximately one and a half months to complete.
TT : As a designer with a Chinese cultural background and a passion for historical garments, the silhouette of the Changshan has always held a special place in my memories since childhood. This nostalgia and curiosity led me to embark on a reinterpretation of this menswear staple. I sought to innovate while staying true to the essence of the Changshan, exploring ways to modernize and refresh its traditional elements. This journey of reinterpretation became the starting point for my design process.
TT : I conducted extensive historical and visual research to facilitate the creation of this design. To gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and the original design of the Changshan, I reviewed historical photographs and documentaries via digital databases, such as the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Museum. Their collection of Changshan from the historical period served as a valuable reference, providing insights and inspiration for my design.
TT : The primary challenge I faced during the realization of this design lay in the neck area. With the traditional neckline replaced by a series of vertical seams from the body panels, achieving the correct collar shape proved difficult initially. To address this, I conducted multiple trial iterations to refine the patterns for utmost accuracy. Following fabric cutting, I molded the neck area under steam and iron to create the smooth curve of the collar. Additionally, I pad-stitched hymo to provide sufficient structural support for the garment.
TT : Designing this garment has been a significant learning experience for me, both technically and creatively. The intricate nature of the design presented numerous challenges, pushing me to expand my skills and problem-solving abilities. Working through these challenges has not only improved my technical proficiency but also taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and craftsmanship. Overall, this project has been instrumental in my growth as a designer.
