Ponder.er Modern Definition of Masculinity
What would you like us to know about this collection?
We started developing this collection with the idea of reimagining a college boy’s daily laundry, and how much of these layers of clothing represent our identities. The modern definition of masculinity has become quite blurry and through the creative process we reflect upon the fragments in our society that contribute to the shape of masculinity. While being inspired by the elements and constructions of these rather familiar pieces such as denim jeans, shirts and knitted sweaters that you can find from men’s wardrobes, we rethink about how we can twist these shapes and design details into something truly gender fluid. We think “Dirty Laundry” is an intimate collection, we play with the sensory aspects of fashion and it’s our way of reinterpreting the relationship between the human body and these layers of intricate textures.
How does this collection evolve upon previous seasons?
“Dirty Laundry” is the next chapter to our previous collections, with references to elements from mass media and popular culture that have been influencing fashion over the years. This collection showcases the use of our signature techniques and crafts that we have been developing since the beginning of the brand. The use of diamond-shaped smocking to liquify shapes and details for example, is being applied to a wider range of pieces, including outerwear styles such as bomber jackets and trench coats. Denim pieces and materials with washed and frayed effects continue to form the core story of the collection. Throughout this collection, we have also incorporated elements of eco-consciousness, apart from the use of deadstock fabrics in our hand-crochet pieces, we have also significantly increased the percentage of natural fibres (such as cotton, merino wool and mohair) and sustainable materials such as Tencel and recycled polyester in our collection. For the denim category, we work with materials from ADVANCE DENIM, one of the leading denim mills in China dedicating its efforts to material innovation and sustainability. The manufacturing process of these denim products is highly monitored, maximising the use of sustainable and recyclable raw materials, and the effectiveness of wastewater treatments.
The fashion audience is ever-evolving. How important is it for you to connect with Generation Z?
Throughout our design process, we never really specifically think about targeting Gen Z, but the fact is that a lot of our audience, customers, or even people we work with such as stylists, photographers, interns and other creatives are from Gen Z. I think it has become quite natural for our brand to incorporate aesthetics and ideas that will attract their attention, we think that Gen Z represents a new wave of energy and attitude that is really fast-moving and full of characters. We really enjoy seeing how people from different generations, geographical regions and backgrounds react to our work, and we always enjoy using PONDER.ER as a 2-way platform to communicate and connect with our audience.
