Runway Radar: Sharon Chuang’s minimalist-masculine Non Sequitur caters to the atypical

By Gladys Ho

Gender fluidity and advocating for inclusiveness drive Sharon Chuang.

Non Sequitur, Chuang’s graduate collection, showcases intellectual, elevated menswear essentials for the creative, urban professional. Drawing influence from both Japanese and Scandinavian minimalism, Non Sequitur’s Play of Thought AW 17/18 collection features pared-down silhouettes with reworked detailing, such as disappearing plackets, playful collars, and origami pleating.

Non Sequitur will be unveiled at 2017 The Show presented by Tamoda Apparel Inc., on April 5 and 6 at the Imperial (319 Main Street). Twenty-seven other lines by Kwantlen Polytechnic University Fashion Design and Technology students will also be showcased.

For event details, visit kpu.ca/2017fashionshow or follow @wilsondesignkpu on Instagram.

Gladys Ho: Describe your collection.

Sharon Chuang: Non Sequitur is apparel for the atypical masculine customer. The brand’s philosophy is to educate about inclusiveness and fluidity in gender identities by having a diverse fit that considers non-traditional male bodies. The design aesthetic caters to the intellectual mind by using surrealist detailing to reinvent minimalistic silhouettes.

GH: Who or what was the inspiration behind your line?

SC: My collection is inspired by the social issues surrounding gender identities. Its premise is to advocate for inclusiveness and to educate people on these issues that have been left unaddressed for a very long time.

I have many close friends in my life who are greatly affected by how our society perceives clothing to be a direct representation of one’s gender. This had led me to realise the importance of having clothing that is not bound by such ideas, but rather, empowers one's inner identity.

It’s important to me that we begin to consider gender diversity as an integral part of apparel design.

GH: What aspect of design are you most passionate about?

SC: I am passionate about creating apparel that serves a practical purpose to the end customer. I think that there is more than enough wasteful fashion in this world and, as part of the next generation of designers, we really need to start looking at designing for a sustainable fashion future.

By realizing the need for quality, long-lasting apparel products, I believe that we can work towards changing the way people view fashion as a disposable entity.

GH: What lessons did you learn while completing your degree at KPU?

SC: The greatest lesson I have learned at KPU was not how to sew, or draft, but rather, the importance of collaboration and having a strong community.

The community here at KPU has fostered an environment of collective learning and this exchange of ideas has enriched my academic experience. I have built a network of peers, instructors, and industry professionals that have helped in shaping me to be a better individual and how I communicate and make interpersonal connections.

GH: What’s next for you?

SC: I am intrigued by fit, pattern development in executing complex designs, and engineering specialty fits. Thus, after graduation I would like to work in a technical apparel company as a pattern maker because I enjoy the challenge of working with these types of products.

I hope to work in the local industry within a global brand to develop products at an international level.

Gladys Ho is a final-year fashion design and technology student at KPU’s Wilson School of Design.