Humanwear designer Tianan Ding creates with experimental thinking. Born in China but studying and living in London , her multicultural experience has influenced her designs. Through constructing garments and materials as an art language, her work aims to deconstruct street culture and menswear from the perspective of a Chinese female.
Having set up her clothing line, ALA TIANAN during the global pandemic, Tianan’s work focuses on the concept of ‘Humanity’: cultural identities, mental health issues, and opinions.
Inspired by Tianan’s experience living in London as a “Kids from Another System”, her project explores the youth culture in diaspora communities and the lifestyle and journey of the generation finding “home” and acceptance.
The concept of revaluing and repurposing is at the core of this collection. This Season-less collection presents a tender, genderless version of streetwear and menswear. Following the ALA TIANAN ethos of “re-value”, the distressed, peeled leather and pleather fabrication has been reborn with unique hand-engraving and dying techniques.
Inspired by 90s Asian gangster styles, her deconstructed motorcycle outfits contrast with typically protective, armour-like designs, exploring the notion that young people should express and reveal their vulnerability.
