@feifeicicada | www.fefeicicada.com
Words by Kimberly Haddad
BASIC: Tell us about the meaning behind this collection and what inspired you to bring it to life?
FEI FEI: My mantra behind this collection is: “broaden the mind to make it inclusive; humble the mind to make it tolerant; rest the mind to make it recognize the natural law; present the mind to make it manage the changes in the world.” Having dreamt of this collection for so long, I eventually indulged in my vision. This collection is a creation of life, somewhere between dreams and reality. I designed the dresses as if they were for royalty, yet belonging to no country, time or space.
BASIC: When an artist develops an idea in their head, they typically have a very particular image that goes along with it. Did this line stay close to what you had originally envisioned or did it expand into something completely different?
FEI FEI: There are two ways I explore my creative concepts. First, I follow my feelings, mind and mood and sketch the design. As it evolves into becoming a garment, it also evolves into something different. Secondly, I never have a final look in my mind. I only follow feeling. I enjoy the draping process, which includes a lot of changes. During this part of the process, I will forget the space and time, almost like I am in a dream. And I will stop draping when the garment has its own temperament, once it starts telling its own story.
BASIC: If there was a soundtrack to your collection, what three songs would we hear?
FEI FEI: “The Butterfly Lovers” Violin Concerto, “Gone with the Wind” and “Down” by Sally Gardens.
BASIC: What is one of your most defining moments in life and how has it influenced your career?
FEI FEI: I have many defining moments in my life. I think the starting point and defining moment of my fashion dream took place when I was around 12 years old. I never learned fashion drawing or tailoring, but I made my father’s pants into a corset and my mum always said I was a good fashion designer. The second defining moment was when I got the offer to attend Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts in London). If I didn’t get in, I’m not sure I would have ever become the designer I am today. I truly found myself and my voice as a designer there. It was a very important time for me. My tutor Sarah Gresty gave me such support and confidence. I am honored to have been her student.
BASIC: If you could have your very own fashion show in any place in the world, where would it be and why?
FEI FEI: I would love to have my very own fashion show in a very far away place, in some epic nature setting. Perhaps, there would be no audience. My fashion dream FEI FEI CICADA has always been inspired by nature, to go back to nature, to the beginning.
BASIC: What kinds of emotions or reactions do you hope people will have when wearing your collection?
FEI FEI: When I designed and draped this collection, my mind was beautiful, confident, kind and pure. I hope that the people wearing this collection will have their own, authentic reactions. This is important to me as I think the garments have their own language to communi-cate and share their stories and dreams.
BASIC: Describe your brand in three words.
FEI FEI: Romantic, dream-like and unique.
BASIC: Tell us about a collection or design you’ve always wanted to create, but still hasn’t become a reality.
FEI FEI: I have many ideas which have yet to be-come a reality. Elements of futurism and nature are sure to be seen in my coming collections.
BASIC: What is your favorite piece of this collection, and why?
FEI FEI: The first garment of this collection that I made when I was around 12 years old! What was originally my father’s pants, I wove into a woman’s corset. It was this piece and my mum’s encouragement that gave me the inspiration to become a designer.
