Chinese-born, London-based designer Feng Chen Wang is continuing to push the boundaries of innovation. Wang recently debuted her herbal tea-inspired Fall/Winter 2024 collection at Paris Fashion Week, hitting the runway with all-new Converse designs that garner a second glance.
The designer has grown a steady relationship with Converse since 2018, embracing the art of deconstruction through technical layering practices. Wang kicks off 2024 with her first take on the Chuck 70, featuring split techniques and pre-worn finishes.
The conceptual shoe comes alive with a 2-in-1 interpretation, delivering fresh colorways packed with versatile materials. The low-slung Ox cut boasts traditional canvas overlays with faded distressing, while foxing tape coatings are pinned with signature Feng Chen Wang heel branding. Double-layered rubber outsoles receive slashed wounds for a modern look, completing the design with asymmetrical midsole accents and textured gum bottoms.
Feng Chen Wang sits down with Hypebeast to discuss her approach to the Converse Chuck 70 while dissecting her Chinese influence and collaborative impact across the board.
Hypebeast: How has your partnership with Converse evolved since its debut in 2018?
Feng Chen Wang: Over the years, Converse has been incredibly supportive. From our first collaboration to our most recent one, the team has been extremely trusting and allowed me to design without limitations — I feel like that is something we both share as brands — there isn't anything that cannot be done.
Your deconstructed design language has been present across several silhouettes. How is the 2-in-1 Ox Chuck 70 different from the rest?
The Ox Chuck 70 is the first time we have done a low-top silhouette. It was really amazing being able to play with this shape. It's a classic and has been around for years! Being able to deconstruct the shoe and reinvent what it could look like was a really creative and interesting process to undergo. The details in this shoe have developed from our previous collaborations — from the intentional patina on the rubber to the small slits, which give the shoe a lived-in look.
How does your Chinese heritage continue to inform your designs, and how is this impacted by your UK roots?
My heritage will always inspire me. China is ever-evolving, and everywhere I look, I find inspiration. I think that is what keeps the collections relevant but also very personal. It's a way for me to share my personal experience and story with the world. However, my brand started in London — there is always an artistic element and avant-garde freedom that is present in my collection — being in London, surrounded by museums and creative exhibitions, continues to inform my designs.
What inspired this particular Converse collection?
My Spring/Summer 2019 collection, "My Half," inspired this collaboration. It was a physical representation of bringing two halves together. Taking two shoes and joining them together to create one defined silhouette. It was also a way to express connection to your other half, whether that is in the form of romance, friendship, or anything that completes you as a person.
What can we expect to see next from Feng Chen Wang?
Over the past few months, I have been working on exciting new directions and exploring my inspiration for Spring/Summer 2025. We will be celebrating our 10th anniversary this year — which is exciting with the ideas and inspiration I have been developing for next year.
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