Vancouver Fashion Week FW25 Interview with Designer Angelina Zhang of Atelier: Nameless Garments (China)
Bio -
The brand A.N.G, also known as Atelier: Nameless Garments, aims to create avant-garde garments that are ambiguous, natural and genderless. With a selection of comfortable and timeless garments made from natural fibre materials, A.N.G forms a safe space and embrace room for movement of the body. Designs are developed to be sustainable, incorporating multiple ways of wearing and styling on different types of body shapes. A.N.G is constructed upon the collision of spiritual elements inspired by the Yin Yang philosophy and Chinese culture. Inspired by the mysterious mountain and natural landscapes of the East, A.N.G enforces an ideal style of solitude in every stitch within the garments.
The SS25 Collection focuses on the theme of connection between human and nature. Exploring the freedom of movements in nature and how it corresponds to the body. The use of raw edges and keeping selvedge edges of the natural linen fabric creates an emphasis on rawness and naturalness to the garments while also reducing waste production. The prints, colours, shapes and textures for this collection is influenced by the five elements of the natural world; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water. The garments can be worn in multiple ways with intricate detail on fastenings and construction. Allowing the wearer to explore and interact with the nameless garments, making their own memories and giving them life.
Interview -
Please share a bit about your journey to embrace fashion design as a career.
I've always known that I wanted a career within arts and design. I'm drawn towards artistic expression that acts as a tool of visual communication. I was not someone who is good with words, so I've always relied on visuals to help me express myself. I think fashion, for me, is my way of expressing my culture, surroundings and how I see the world. It allows me to connect with others who might feel the same way.
I started learning visual arts at the age of 6 and was drawn immediately to the different mediums in creating arts. From sketching to painting to sculptures, these skills helped me in developing fashion illustration which led me on the path of fashion design. After studying visual arts for my IB diploma, I went to take the Foundation Diploma in Arts and Design at Central Saint Martins in 2020. I continued my bachelors degree in Fashion Design and Development at London College of Fashion, and graduated in 2024. Through these academic journeys, my skills in fashion design became more advanced and technical where I was able to develop more innovative and complex concepts.
Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?
As a designer, I would describe my aesthetic as avant-garde with a sense of zen. I am very much inspired by nature and the Yin Yang philosophy which emphasizes the importance of balance and spirituality. I envision my customer to be someone who embraces the solitude of nature. I hope that my design can bring them a sense of peace and comfort.
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
I think the easiest thing that comes for me when designing is the concept. I like to start each collection with a theme that has a meaningful connection to me. For example, it could be based on my cultural heritage, or an interesting sighting I've noticed around me, or even just through an emotional encounter. Through these concepts I then start to experiment and develop them into design aspects of color, texture and shape - starting to think and develop them to be worn on the body. This is also the stage that I enjoy the most. Where I get to experiment with different outcomes and let my ideas guide me.
However, the hardest part of this would be making these ideas into reality. It might seem easy when they are on paper, drawn or collaged. But it takes a look of trial and error within the draping and toiling process to get the physical garment to look and feel like what I intended them to. Which is why I am constantly trying to enhance my technical skills through extra practice and courses that help me to understand the construction process, especially when I experiment with innovative pattern cutting like subtraction cutting and zero-waste. This also opens for opportunities to collaborate with other professionals who may be more skilled in this area. Together, we can combine our strengths and form a greater result.
Most of my inspirations for my collections come from a mix of cultural influence and natural landscapes. I am drawn to traditional landscape ink paintings that depict an imagined world enveloped by layers of mountains and trees. My use of color is also inspired by this. Which is why most of my designs are in neutral monotone colors. They reflect the natural landscape and create a calming effect to the wearer.
Readers would love to know more about the collection you be showing at Vancouver Fashion Week.
My collection for VFW is a continuation of my graduate collection at London College of Fashion. It contains 12 looks in total. The theme of this collection is finding the connection between human and nature. To explore the freedom of movements in nature and how it corresponds to the body. The use of raw edges and keeping the selvedges of the natural linen fabric emphasizes rawness and naturality. This collection also aims to reduce waste production within the creation process as subtraction cutting and zero waste pattern cutting are used. T
The prints, colors, shapes and textures for this collection are influenced by the five elements within the natural world; wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The garments can be worn in multiple ways with intricate details on fastenings and construction. It allows the wearer to explore and interact with the nameless garments, making their own memories and giving them a home.
Do you have a favorite look in this collection?
I am personally very proud of this collection as it is my first time debuting it on the runway. Each look is very important to me. But I would say my favorite look within this collection would be the final look which I have decided to use for the closing of the collection. It is a coat made from subtraction cutting and draped with linen and printed silk fabric along with an extension of silk organza around the collar which acts as a built-in scarf. The thing that I like the most about this look is the movement it gives. It is very flowy and loose fitted with the long printed fabric trailing behind. It is almost like a cape that is protective and comforting as it hugs around the body softly. I think there are a lot of possibilities and ways to style this garment allowing the audience and wearer to find different ways and make it their own style.
My designs are still not officially on sale. But if there are interested customers, they can contact me directly to place an order. I am working on creating an online store that allows broader audience accessibility.
What's next for you as a designer and your brand?
I think the next step for me as a designer is to expand my collection and brand accessibility. I will continue to develop further collections for the brand but I need to find ways for them to reach the audience. Because in the end, they shouldn't just be for the runway, they should be worn by people who appreciate them. As an independent designer, I am currently the only person working for my brand. Therefore, it would also be great if I could expand my team and find others who wish to join me in creating my vision for Atelier: Nameless Garments.
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