Christina Wong
“With environmental consciousness, the collection re-evaluates how materials can be combined to develop three dimensional forms for enhanced versatility and movement.”
“I assist in developing fashion collections using deadstock fabrics with local companies to reduce our carbon footprint and help them restore value in their assets.”
Christina Wong
Sourcing & Sustainability Executive
BA (Hons) Textile Design
Glasgow School of Art
Statement
“Interested by how the fashion ecosystem creates interconnected relationships between humans and nature, I am a designer who constantly questions how we can do fashion better to protect the hands and resources involved.
My graduation collection in 2019 explored how woven structures can be manipulated and controlled to create self-forming 3D textiles. The hypothesis of this research was to experiment how pleats could add comfort to clothing and reduce waste in pattern cutting. The work of Issey Miyake influenced my design journey to test fibres, understand their natural properties and take advantage of those to design 3D shapes. Material research was therefore a core process, starting with carefully selecting fibres based on their carbon footprint.”
Materials and Techniques
“As a weaver, three principles – context, materials and movement guided my design process to explore how similar values can be transmitted in contemporary fashion. With environmental consciousness, the collection re-evaluates how materials can be combined to develop three dimensional forms for enhanced versatility and movement. By testing the natural properties of materials to achieve controlled shrinkage, the three-dimensionality of the textiles were self-forming rather than an added manipulation after weaving. The boundaries of warp and weft were thus pushed to minimise additional finishing to the fabric.
Tencel, wool and organic cotton are the main materials used in my collection after thorough research evaluating their environmental impact. My research assessed their water consumption, toxicity and transparency within the supply chain.
To promote gender neutral clothing and extended wear, primary colours and neutrals are the main tones of my colour palette.”
Awards, Exhibitions and News
“After graduating in 2019, I embarked on a new journey to India to work as a textile designer at Ascent Decor – a company exporting to worldwide customers. I had the chance to develop collections working with artisans in block-printing and hand-embroidery. Being exposed at such a diverse and rich environment helped me see all the possibilities of textiles, combining all techniques of weave, print and embroidery. In May 2020 I decided to leave India due to the pandemic, and return to my homeland Mauritius. I was very privileged to find a job at a start-up called Abana which aims to highlight the apparel expertise of Africa. As the Sourcing & Sustainability Executive, I assist in developing fashion collections using deadstock fabrics with local companies to reduce our carbon footprint and help them restore value in their assets. As part of my role, I look into small details such as labels and poly bags to ensure we select sustainable alternatives where possible. I also write monthly articles published on our platform to shed a light on sustainability and Africa.”
Lockdown
“I was in lockdown in India from March 2020-May 2020. This time has proved useful in thinking about how I see my career in the next 5 years. When I requested to leave India to go back home, I made the decision that the next job I take would either be in sustainable fashion or just any job which is involved in sustainable development, even if it will be a change of field. I was ready to leave textiles behind and just focus on what really drives.
My job as the Sourcing & Sustainability Executive appeared as a miracle – the perfect job role at the perfect time. I feel very privileged to be where I am now, and I realise it only happened because I had the courage to start a new chapter. I guess lockdown really forces you to re-think your intentions and ambitions. “
