Autumn is here and I’m thrilled to finally do some creative layering! In this post I’m back sharing an interview I had with Fashion designer, Cecilia Chang the face behind CECI. Now before I divulge anything about this inspiring collection, lets explore a bit about the label.
About CECI
Tenderness embodies a slow gentle rhythm of life. Nothing affects the spirit as we are nothing more than silhouettes.
CECI optimises that in simplicity and assertiveness. A state of mind that navigates between passions and reasons; sculpting a playful way of wandering through existence. An honest substance in life, creating refined contours and sculpting a genuine and honest style.
CECI, a soft state of a mindful inner self.
At her studio in Taipei, Cecilia walked me through her A/W 17 COLLECTION “STATELESS VAGABONDS” Inspired by the nomadic stateless tribes, the collection emulates a sense of easiness and effortless elegance.
Q. Tell me about your A/W Fall 2017 collection, it’s inspired by African Nomads correct?
I drew inspiration from the nomadic Tuareg people of the Sahara Desert. Also called the ” Blue People.” They are a stateless tribe who to me is the embodiment of free-spirited, and are able to live and travel freely without constraints.
Their long, loose-fitting clothing and functional aspect are somewhat synonymous with my design philosophy.
Q. How would you describe the collection?
A collection for confident women, who seek both elegance and practicality. Comfortable pieces that are easy to wear and when you wear them, you wear them without restraints thanks to their free-flowing silhouettes and effortless forms.
Q. How much has your collection’s aesthetic been influenced by your concept?
Some of the pieces in my collection, for example, the pants, long shirts, and jumpsuits are inspired by the long robes, and wide leg pants that the Tuareg men wear.
Not only was I inspired by the traditional dress of the nomads, but I took inspiration from their ever-changing habitat. The fraying and bold lines in the denim pieces represent the erosion from the wind in the desert. The black velvet leaf burnout pieces are reminiscent of the nomads looking at the leaf’s shadow at night.
Q. What are the defining pieces of this collection?
The heavy layering is one of the key components of the collection along with frayed long-line denim coats and thick black fur jackets. They help create volume and dramatic silhouettes. I like playing with these different fabrics because it mixes luxury with informal fabric. The drapery in shapeless tops and wide-leg trouser combinations create easy wearing fluid-like gowns. The velvet burnt textures in mystic black and silk navy fabric are made into flowing full-length dresses, which add an easy elegance.
Q. Tell me about the dark color palette?
I love colors, but black always makes me feel so calm and peaceful, and also easy to go with everything.
As for the collection, the colours comprise of all shades of the desert and Tuareg blue. The gloomy black and navy blue describe the spirit and depth of the nomad’s solitary life.
Q. The jewellery pieces are beautiful! Did you make them yourself? How do they tie into the collection?
Just like the Tuareg jewellery, these pieces were made for the wearer when travelling. They carry a sense of beauty and pride that reminds the wearer of their uniqueness and spiritual self. You could say that these jewellery pieces are like lucky charms. And yes, I made them myself and only for this collection.
STATELESS VAGABONDS
”A land of sands ocean wide,
where home is only a
momentary illusion.
Abandoned by the cosmos,
I walk on, with less
possessions to weight me down.
Finding the oasis where misery will cease.
Free of conformity,
because
freedom has no constraints,
and I have non either.
And whilst my eyes wander,
constantly pulled in all directions,
I become a stateless vagabond”
