CHINA – SHANGHAI
Uma Wang is a Chinese designer who has quickly made a name for herself with her aesthetic, minimalist and timeless creations. Critically acclaimed from the outset, Uma Wang, real name Wang Zhi, studied at China Textile University, before spending a few years at Central Saint Martins in London.
In 2009, the designer launched her own brand under the name Uma Wang, with collections presented in Shanghai, London and Milan. Following this, she was hailed by Vogue Italia, which put her in the spotlight, adding that she was a talent to watch closely. Over the years, the designer has made a name for herself in the fashion industry, and her label has become one of China’s leading global brands.
Thanks to skilful blends of knitwear and quality fabrics, Uma Wang manages to strike a balance between sophistication and timeless aesthetics that brings strong designs to life. But she also enjoys taking the time to carry out ongoing research into the transformation of materials and images into precious fabrics, not forgetting the work on shapes that takes the designer on an endless journey around the world. She is always on the lookout for inspirations gleaned from cultures and their histories.
“Fabric research is very important, and I work exclusively with Italian weavers. My collections are also produced in Italy, where everything is sewn by hand,” explains Uma Wang.
Through unstructured, almost minimalist silhouettes, the pieces become sensual with a rustic elegance between neutral tones and raw edges. But it’s above all thanks to her unique understanding of fabrics that Uma Wang has built her international reputation.
At a time when fashion lines are moving towards a more sustainable industry, Uma Wang recalls growing up in a family that instiled in her the importance of preserving the planet from an early age. A zero-waste philosophy that she adopted years ago, reusing in other creations such as plush toys for children. It’s also worth mentioning that the brand has been offering sustainable clothing from the outset, thinking up pieces that can be worn more than once, with no real seasonality, and with particular attention paid to the quality of the designs.
THOMAS DURIN