The Statue of Ambiguity - Creating Sculptures with Fabric

Syuan Jhen Lin, a talented bridalwear and evening gown designer from Taiwan, came to London to further her studies at The London College of Fashion after achieving top honors in a wedding dress design competition. Heavily influenced by Asian and European cultures and possessing a deep understanding of garment construction, Syuan Jhen Lin decided to establish her brand: Syuan Lin.

She succinctly and passionately summarizes her design philosophy: "To me, clothing is like soft sculptures attached to the human body. Through experimentation and transforming traditional garment patterns and structures, blending elements from men's and women's wear, I create unique silhouettes to interpret diverse qualities and express the stories I want to tell."

"Creating Sculptures with Fabric."

The concept of "The Statue of Ambiguity" was inspired by various forms and stories of sculptures, reflecting how society often shapes predetermined images of behavior, leading us to judge others without truly understanding their multifaceted nature. We often make judgments, but in reality, each person has many different facets, and everyone is unique with their own stories. This also applies to life; we often fail to see the true nature of things and only perceive a small part. Our understanding of others is relative and limited.  

The "Sculpture trousers" design is crafted from the familiar woven fabric used for traditional suits. It appears as a flat and ordinary pair of trousers when viewed from the front. However, when observed from different angles, its shape transforms into diverse, unique forms.

 This design incorporates common clothing styles we encounter in our everyday lives, such as trousers and white shirts. Using scraps of material to create the white shirts minimizes waste and adds a unique expression to each piece. The philosophy behind this design is also rooted in returning to the essence within, avoiding the meaningless hierarchy of traits. Whether one prefers a modest or extravagant style, it is crucial to cherish each other's qualities because the universe is interconnected, and all things are interlinked. The traits possessed by others, whether we appreciate them or not, are also parts of ourselves.

The talented London-based hip-hop artist, Refound, and his team showcased the Statue of Ambiguity project at their gig on August 3rd, 2023, at the Night Owl in Finsbury Park, London. The collaboration celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of each individual, which resonated with the design concept.

His music leads listeners on a brave journey, showcasing his unique charm through his trademark vocal range and lyrics. Refound's present up-and-coming projects include a joint four-track, co-produced EP titled "Sugar Cane" by himself and GregorBeBaD, and a self-produced six-track EP titled "Deadflowers III." Both are due for release before Autumn.

Additionally, Syuan Lin has collaborated with the London-based blogger/photographer, @london.nanzhi, who captured this design through his unique experiences and gentle lens, presenting a different perspective of the visual world immersed in the essence of this project.  

As a designer, using clothing to challenge societal norms and promote a more inclusive gender perspective is innovative and impactful. Fashion wields the power to influence ideas and disrupt established paradigms, and this concept holds immense potential to inspire transformative change. 

From Syuan's designs, she breaks free from traditional fashion norms and embraces the beauty of individuality. She blurs the lines between menswear and womenswear, culminating in a stunning fusion of styles that know no bounds. She tells stories through her designs. The garments speak volumes about the diverse characteristics of those who wear them, from bold patterns that exude confidence to subtle drapes that embody elegance, interpreting the essence of every individual.