From the VFW website -
Zhang Peng, the founder and Art Director of JUMPER ZHANG, is a celebrated figure in the world of fashion design. With invitations to design for the prestigious Trands brand, Zhang has been recognized as China's Best Womenswear Designer and has received nominations for Best Menswear Designer. His talent and creativity have placed him among the Top Ten Fashion Designers in China, earning accolades such as the "Golden Scissors" awards in both Liaoning Province and Dalian City. Zhang's leadership extends to his roles as the Vice President of the Liaoning Province Fashion Designers Association and the Dalian City Fashion Designers Association, as well as a committee member of the China Fashion Designers Association Fashion Art Committee. His artistic prowess is not limited to fashion alone; Zhang is also a national champion in Tai Chi Quan and Tai Chi Sword at the National Martial Arts Championships.
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While skillfully blending Eastern aesthetics with contemporary haute couture, Zhang Peng opened a boutique in Vancouver in March 2024. This marks his first store in North America, signifying the international expansion and increased influence of his brand.
Zhang's latest collection revolves around the theme "Circle," drawing inspiration from humanity's reverence and worship of the sun—one of China's oldest abstract decorative patterns. This concept is articulated through the traditional and ubiquitous "circle flower pattern." JUMPER ZHANG interprets this motif with a blend of haute couture techniques such as bead embroidery, needlework, appliqué, layering, weaving, and rhinestone decoration, all meticulously crafted by hand. This collection not only pays homage to the beauty of the natural world through the form of flowers but also encapsulates Zhang's deep respect for traditional Chinese aesthetics, re-imagined through the lens of contemporary high fashion.
In 2008, I embarked on my journey as a professional model, a career that spanned five years. This experience deepened my interest in fashion, leading me to a significant milestone in 2013 when I founded my own brand, JUMPER ZHANG. In the same breath of inspiration and ambition, I also established a haute couture workshop that year, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my creative endeavors.
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During my youth, I was a professional martial artist and was fortunate enough to win the national championship in both Tai Chi and Tai Chi sword in 2003, achieving the rank of master athlete. The philosophy of Tai Chi, embodying the essence of Chinese classical scholarship with its emphasis on internal and external harmony, strength and flexibility, and the beautiful balance of yin and yang, later provided me with endless creative inspiration as a fashion designer.
My father was among the first to venture into business as a clothing merchant, and my mother was one of the first fashion models sent abroad by the government. Growing up in such an environment, I developed a deep love for the art of fashion. After retiring from professional sports in 2008, I became a model. During my time in modeling, I fell deeply in love with the field of fashion art, which inspired me to establish my own fashion brand, JUMPER ZHANG, in 2013.
My father was among the first to venture into business as a clothing merchant, and my mother was one of the first fashion models sent abroad by the government. Growing up in such an environment, I developed a deep love for the art of fashion. After retiring from professional sports in 2008, I became a model. During my time in modeling, I fell deeply in love with the field of fashion art, which inspired me to establish my own fashion brand, JUMPER ZHANG, in 2013.
Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?
I design luxury fashions that pursue beauty and elegance with a simple, natural, and clean design, showcasing the beauty of urban elites through exquisite tailoring. My brand emphasizes ergonomics, harmony, and comfort in wear, featuring grand, meticulously crafted cuts with intricate details as its signature style.
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
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Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is colour to your design process?
The medallion pattern is a traditional and common decorative motif in China, characterized by various designs drawn within a circular outline. Typically, the medallion pattern refers to the "large medallion pattern," which includes dragons, phoenixes, flowers, mythical beasts, cranes, butterflies, and other designs within a circular frame. On the occasion of the JUMPER ZHANG brand's 11th anniversary, under the theme of the "large circle medallion," the natural forms of flowers are artfully presented through purely handmade techniques. Utilizing haute couture crafts such as beading, embroidery, appliqué, layering, weaving, and rhinestone embellishment, the natural beauty of flowers is seamlessly brought to life. Sparkling colorful flowers, combined with materials like crystals, pearls, and 7D colorful laser sequins, set against the luster of glaze and natural mulberry silk fabrics, result in exquisite embroidery patterns that burst forth like blooming secret gardens, spreading poetry in every thread.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
Newly opened boutique on Granville St., Website, and Little Red Book (Chinese Social Media)
What's next for you as a designer and your brand?
My father was among the first to venture into business as a clothing merchant, and my mother was one of the first fashion models sent abroad by the government. Growing up in such an environment, I developed a deep love for the art of fashion. After retiring from professional sports in 2008, I became a model. During my time in modeling, I fell deeply in love with the field of fashion art, which inspired me to establish my own fashion brand, JUMPER ZHANG, in 2013.
How did you learn your skills?
During my youth, I was a professional martial artist and was fortunate enough to win the national championship in both Tai Chi and Tai Chi sword in 2003, achieving the rank of master athlete. The philosophy of Tai Chi, embodying the essence of Chinese classical scholarship with its emphasis on internal and external harmony, strength and flexibility, and the beautiful balance of yin and yang, later provided me with endless creative inspiration as a fashion designer.
Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?
Exposure to art during my time in France helped to establish my brand's French romantic flair. Handcrafted details with artistic depth, precious fabrics, and unique patterns convey Jumper Zhang's harmony, nature, and intelligence. Choosing the right materials is very important. I work with top-grade natural fabrics that reflect my brand's craftsmanship and bring a comfortable yet exquisite texture. My aim is to provide wearers with a sense of ease and comfort, presenting urban aesthetics in simplicity, uncovering the inner charm of high-net-worth individuals, and adhering to a philosophy of pleasing oneself and others.
My brand - JUMPER ZHANG - offers enduringly modern designs imbued with a spirit of romantic fashion. My work adheres to the philosophy that "life and dress are both forms of art," emphasizing a comfortable yet exquisite lifestyle, making life full of ceremonial sense and love, and promoting a lifestyle where "life and dress are both forms of art."
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
The easiest part is finding inspiration.
The hardest part is breaking through my own existing limitations to ensure that each new release is more spectacular than the last.
The hardest part is breaking through my own existing limitations to ensure that each new release is more spectacular than the last.
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Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is colour to your design process?
This season's inspiration theme is "Circle," reflecting the beauty of all things in the circular realm. The "Circle" is derived from humanity's reverence and worship of the sun, making it one of the oldest abstract decorative patterns in China. The "I Ching" (Book of Changes) states, "From the Great Ultimate comes the Two Modes, from the Two Modes come the Four Forms, and from the Four Forms come the Eight Trigrams." As a national champion in both Tai Chi and Tai Chi sword, and a national master-level athlete, Zhang Peng is deeply influenced by Tai Chi in his designs. The "Zhouyi · Explanation of the Trigrams" records "Qian represents heaven and is circular," indicating that in the primitive Chinese cosmology, the circle was considered the shape most capable of change, perfectly embodying the unique aesthetic concept of the Chinese nation, hence possessing extremely vigorous vitality.
The color scheme should be harmonious and unified, suitable for both motion and stillness.
Readers would love to know more about the current collection you will be showing at VFW.
The color scheme should be harmonious and unified, suitable for both motion and stillness.
FW24.Regarding the "Circle" pattern - Medallion Pattern
The medallion pattern is a traditional and common decorative motif in China, characterized by various designs drawn within a circular outline. Typically, the medallion pattern refers to the "large medallion pattern," which includes dragons, phoenixes, flowers, mythical beasts, cranes, butterflies, and other designs within a circular frame. On the occasion of the JUMPER ZHANG brand's 11th anniversary, under the theme of the "large circle medallion," the natural forms of flowers are artfully presented through purely handmade techniques. Utilizing haute couture crafts such as beading, embroidery, appliqué, layering, weaving, and rhinestone embellishment, the natural beauty of flowers is seamlessly brought to life. Sparkling colorful flowers, combined with materials like crystals, pearls, and 7D colorful laser sequins, set against the luster of glaze and natural mulberry silk fabrics, result in exquisite embroidery patterns that burst forth like blooming secret gardens, spreading poetry in every thread.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
Newly opened boutique on Granville St., Website, and Little Red Book (Chinese Social Media)
Throughout my career, I have always carried a sense of gratitude, adhered to industry rules, and never forgotten my original intentions. Along the way, I've received help from many people, and I hope that one day I can give back to society and the industry. I will do my utmost to advocate for Chinese designers.
Links -
- Website - www.jumperzhang.ca
- Facebook - JumperZhangCA
- Instagram - @JumperZhangCA
- Youtube - @JumperZhang
- Twitter - @JumperZhangCA
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