Biograph
Xinyue (Bella) Chen is a third year student in SAIC whose main focus is fashion design. She loves challenges and conquering them. Most of the time, she doesn’t like to play a safe card. Bella and her work are unique because of the way she turns new ideas into 3D forms or sculptures. In fashion design, she focuses on her concept that brings people a sense of comfortness in the chaotic world and makes sure every decision is related to her idea. She loves investing in the shape of the garment; at the same time, well-craft work is also in her standard. All in all, Bella Chen is a fashion design student who is always trying something new, and willing to climb to the top of the mountain.
"Hyperplasia" look1, "Hyperplasia" look1, 2021, textile, fashion design, photo by Slade
"Hyperplasia" look1, "Hyperplasia" look1, 2021, textile, fashion design, photo by Slade
"Hyperplasia" look3, "Hyperplasia" look3, 2021, textile, fashion design, photo by Slade
"Hyperplasia" look2, "Hyperplasia" look2, 2021, textile, fashion design, photo by Slade
"Hyperplasia" look3, "Hyperplasia" look3, 2021, textile, fashion design, photo by Slade
"Hyperplasia" look3, "Hyperplasia" look3, 2021, textile, fashion design, photo by Slade
Hyperplasia line up, Hyperplasia, 2021, charcoal
"Hyperplasia" muti face, Hyperplasia, 2021, charcoal
"Hyperplasia" look4, Hyperplasia, 2021, charcoal
Hyperplasia look1, Hyperplasia, 2021, charcoal
How does it feel to be a chinese student living in this COVID-19 pandemic in the United States? I am having a split brain for information coming from both countries. What should I believe? I feel I have been excluded from both countries. At the same time, I have to worry about extremely expensive and restricted plane tickets flying back to China, completely clearing out my apartment, racist accusations saying that we are the ones who carry the virus, and most importantly, staying alive. All these bubbles burst in my head like brain hyperplasia. Thinking too much also becomes a disease. I need some protection, to protect me from the virus, from public shaming, and from this chaotic world.
In this collection, I am using the N95 masks to clearly demonstrate the sense of protection. At the same time, the curvy holes in the front of the vest are also hyperplasia of guts and mind both physically and mentally. The black grid is both protection and also restriction. It represents when I have to stay in Chicago for safety but at the same time it prevents me from going back home. The fabric has Gingko which is a leaf originated in china. It represents my personal identity. Humans importantly have twelve pairs of ribs that support the body’s structure and protect organs. And I use the whalebone to stimulate these bones in my body that are trying to protect me. All the bubbles and plums are the softest part inside of my heart. I have always had a twisted and conflicted mind between the idea from the western country about COVID-19 and between the idea from the eastern country especially where I am from. So, I used the two faced garment to demonstrate my state of mind when all the messy information is in my brain.