Ruth Huang Xu is a multi-disciplinary creative who was born in China and grew up in Singapore. Her recent explorations include the themes of memories and recollections,extension and empowerment beyond the individual body, as well as the relationship between others and self.
Collection Notes
The title of the series is SHEƎI, pronounced as “she”. It is a visual expression of extension beyond the individual body. The collection is inspired by clothing practices and fashion trends in different cultures that were restrictive or limited to certain beauty standards. The designer seeks to discuss those trends in the past and present, making each garment an extension of the wearer's body, exaggerating body forms beyond what is natural, and giving the wearer a sense of strength and power. The grand aim is to give new meaning to old garments, using them as a means to empower rather than suppress and have control over what we choose to wear.
The designer aims to showcase the reality of these garments and the possibilities of diverse beauty standards, adapted from the unitary beauty standard of the past. Having diversity and control over choices allows us to flourish. It is even more encouraging to review the past that restricted and suppressed us and turn it into something that empowers us.