March 28th, 2025
VOL. 003
Written and published in collaboration with ‘Not Just A Label’ - Read this article online here
Shixin Ge is a London-based designer and London College of Fashion graduate with a tailored interest in traditional Chinese style and techniques. His designs are inspired by Chinese culture and historical textile techniques. Shixin describes his work as ‘the fusion of traditional and modern, offering a fresh and contemporary perspective on oriental culture into the context of menswear’.
Fascinated by traditional materials and cultural costumes, Shixin tethers his research of Eastern heritage with his fashion, developing distinctive and celebratory creations.
This weaves into his personal wardrobe and his approach to everyday style; he appreciates purchasing vintage, hand-made pieces and values high-quality materials.
Tell me about your practice - what are your methodologies and what is currently inspiring your designs?
When I was producing my final collection I was reflecting on my personal life, nationality, and heritage. I was particularly influenced by old cultural images of social minorities in China including the Dong, Miao, and Yi people, and the traditional clothing they would wear. My inspiration was to redesign the clothing into a contemporary menswear style.
I found old archive images and pictures from the Ethnic Costume Museum which became the initial elements for my designs. In these images I was looking especially for unique cotton designs with a strong, traditional folk colour palette. Equally, I was inspired by the different dyeing techniques used, like batik, for example.
After that I begin to incorporate contemporary silhouettes into my designs, integrating suit and shirt patterns with traditional techniques.
Shixin Ge is a London-based designer and London College of Fashion graduate with a tailored interest in traditional Chinese style and techniques. His designs are inspired by Chinese culture and historical textile techniques. Shixin describes his work as ‘the fusion of traditional and modern, offering a fresh and contemporary perspective on oriental culture into the context of menswear’.
Fascinated by traditional materials and cultural costumes, Shixin tethers his research of Eastern heritage with his fashion, developing distinctive and celebratory creations.
This weaves into his personal wardrobe and his approach to everyday style; he appreciates purchasing vintage, hand-made pieces and values high-quality materials.
Tell me about your practice - what are your methodologies and what is currently inspiring your designs?
When I was producing my final collection I was reflecting on my personal life, nationality, and heritage. I was particularly influenced by old cultural images of social minorities in China including the Dong, Miao, and Yi people, and the traditional clothing they would wear. My inspiration was to redesign the clothing into a contemporary menswear style.
I found old archive images and pictures from the Ethnic Costume Museum which became the initial elements for my designs. In these images I was looking especially for unique cotton designs with a strong, traditional folk colour palette. Equally, I was inspired by the different dyeing techniques used, like batik, for example.
After that I begin to incorporate contemporary silhouettes into my designs, integrating suit and shirt patterns with traditional techniques.
How do you strive to incorporate sustainability into your work?
My first thought when designing is always ‘how can I make this zero-waste?’.
My primary method of creating ethically is through the fabric and materials I use. I source old, vintage materials that are around 30-40 years old for my designs, which can be really hard to obtain and work with! It means that I don’t have a large volume of material, so I utilize digital printing methods on recycled materials in order to keep my work sustainable.
I source my fabrics from a part of China where they are still making sustainable hand-made fabrics. They're all made from natural elements and are hand-woven, not factory-made. It’s really traditional, and I love that. I don't want anything I make to be ‘fast-fashion’ or of cheap quality. I like high quality materials, but you do have to pay a higher price for it.
When I find really beautiful patterns and old fabrics that only have limited amounts and sizes I scan the pattern and send it to a factory to be printed into more fabric samples. This way I can get the exact amount I need without needing to buy material excessively.
My first thought when designing is always ‘how can I make this zero-waste?’.
My primary method of creating ethically is through the fabric and materials I use. I source old, vintage materials that are around 30-40 years old for my designs, which can be really hard to obtain and work with! It means that I don’t have a large volume of material, so I utilize digital printing methods on recycled materials in order to keep my work sustainable.
I source my fabrics from a part of China where they are still making sustainable hand-made fabrics. They're all made from natural elements and are hand-woven, not factory-made. It’s really traditional, and I love that. I don't want anything I make to be ‘fast-fashion’ or of cheap quality. I like high quality materials, but you do have to pay a higher price for it.
When I find really beautiful patterns and old fabrics that only have limited amounts and sizes I scan the pattern and send it to a factory to be printed into more fabric samples. This way I can get the exact amount I need without needing to buy material excessively.
Can you describe a little about your design process?
I always start with finding images which I will then use to direct my design investigation. I research cultural backgrounds, materials, and techniques. I focus on learning about that first.
After that I organise all the design elements I found and define what it is I want to make. Do I want traditional menswear silhouettes or maybe I want to create something unisex? Maybe it’s a suit, or a shirt. I think about the techniques I want to use, experimenting with different draping techniques and fabric textures.
I find inspiration from other designers and their methods, such as Issey Miyake, who also prioritises zero-waste in his work.
After research and idea development I begin to make sketches and collages, mixing together hundreds of different looks to create a new design. I love to just experiment with combining all the different elements I have found. It’s all about testing and trial and error.
I'd love to talk to you about your personal ‘day-to-day’ style outside of your professional work. How would you describe your style and how does this morph with your designer persona?
I wouldn’t say I stick to a specific style, but I particularly like to wear archival, grunge clothing. I particularly love the brands 14th Addiction, If Six Was Nine, Share Spirit, and Le Grand Bleu. These brands are authentic and reflect the culture of Japan and Indonesia, I like to incorporate these traditional elements into my style. I also like these brands as they use high quality materials, I particularly love leather and brass and materials that feel old. I also like hand painted or hand woven garments.
Sustainability is at the heart of your approach to designing menswear - do you integrate this attitude into your own clothing? How are you shopping and dressing sustainably?
I avoid fast-fashion, which I have since high-school. Aside from my underwear, all of my tops, trousers, and jewellery are vintage. I find these clothes have a story and personality to them as well. I own quite a lot of clothing, but it's all high quality. If I have something I don't like I will sell it, and I will save my money and buy a high quality piece. Vintage can definitely be expensive but it is worth it to me for the quality.
Are you working on anything at the moment? What can we expect to see from you?
I think I’m too young to fully launch my brand. As a designer you have to create a lot of work with four seasons per year, each showcasing 12-20 garments. Right now I want to spend more time learning. I want to learn special and traditional techniques that will help me eventually create my pieces and brand. I also hope to grow through internships and working with fashion brands to help broaden my experience and skill set.
All images are sourced from the Ethnic Costume Museum, explore more at their official website: http://www.biftmuseum.com/nation
I always start with finding images which I will then use to direct my design investigation. I research cultural backgrounds, materials, and techniques. I focus on learning about that first.
After that I organise all the design elements I found and define what it is I want to make. Do I want traditional menswear silhouettes or maybe I want to create something unisex? Maybe it’s a suit, or a shirt. I think about the techniques I want to use, experimenting with different draping techniques and fabric textures.
I find inspiration from other designers and their methods, such as Issey Miyake, who also prioritises zero-waste in his work.
After research and idea development I begin to make sketches and collages, mixing together hundreds of different looks to create a new design. I love to just experiment with combining all the different elements I have found. It’s all about testing and trial and error.
I'd love to talk to you about your personal ‘day-to-day’ style outside of your professional work. How would you describe your style and how does this morph with your designer persona?
I wouldn’t say I stick to a specific style, but I particularly like to wear archival, grunge clothing. I particularly love the brands 14th Addiction, If Six Was Nine, Share Spirit, and Le Grand Bleu. These brands are authentic and reflect the culture of Japan and Indonesia, I like to incorporate these traditional elements into my style. I also like these brands as they use high quality materials, I particularly love leather and brass and materials that feel old. I also like hand painted or hand woven garments.
Sustainability is at the heart of your approach to designing menswear - do you integrate this attitude into your own clothing? How are you shopping and dressing sustainably?
I avoid fast-fashion, which I have since high-school. Aside from my underwear, all of my tops, trousers, and jewellery are vintage. I find these clothes have a story and personality to them as well. I own quite a lot of clothing, but it's all high quality. If I have something I don't like I will sell it, and I will save my money and buy a high quality piece. Vintage can definitely be expensive but it is worth it to me for the quality.
Are you working on anything at the moment? What can we expect to see from you?
I think I’m too young to fully launch my brand. As a designer you have to create a lot of work with four seasons per year, each showcasing 12-20 garments. Right now I want to spend more time learning. I want to learn special and traditional techniques that will help me eventually create my pieces and brand. I also hope to grow through internships and working with fashion brands to help broaden my experience and skill set.
All images are sourced from the Ethnic Costume Museum, explore more at their official website: http://www.biftmuseum.com/nation