One of the world’s most iconic cars, the MINI has acted as a source of inspiration for up-and-coming fashion designers worldwide. In a new collaboration, three designer labels have been invited to create a collection and special windbreaker to reflect the design of the latest MINI models.
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) is proud to announce a collaboration with MINI Hong Kong to support local design. Three past YDC designers were each invited to create special collections inspired by MINI’s quintessentially British and versatile style, including a special edition windbreaker that will be made available at a charity sale. The collections will be revealed on 8 September, during this year’s YDC.
The new MINI HATCH and MINI COUNTRYMAN, launched earlier this year, are quintessentially MINI, presented in new eye-catching colours and offering the latest automobile technology. Long considered the designers’ car, MINI’s challenge to the three labels, REDEMPTIVE, YLYstudio and YEUNG CHIN, was to produce a collection inspired by the new models.
REDEMPTIVE, a new menswear brand from Wilson Choi, possesses the DNA of a rebellious younger generation, and the designer uses his brand to speak out on social issues he cares about.
While doing an internship in Germany, Choi was impressed to see so many MINIs on the streets He regards it as a young person’s car, as it stands out from the crowd and is meant to be noticed.
Using a two-tone combination of khaki and one of MINI’s new colours, Emerald Grey, REDEMPTIVE’s windbreaker additionally incorporates the brand logo’s stripes and curved lines. The front pocket, a quintessential element of street fashion, references the new MINI’s headlights. The logo stripes are put on the right shoulder for a sporty element, while the 3M elastics are a nod to automative design.
The new MINI’s British roots are expressed in the latest models with Union Jack motif tail lights, inspiring Choi to infuse British classic design in REDEMPTIVE’s special collection, where he has added his signature street wear touch to the shirt and blazer, the latter of which is made with water-resistant fabric, melding tradition with the latest textile technology.
“I’m greatly impressed with MINI’s emphasis on personalisation, individuality and freedom, things that are all important to the younger generation. I plan on getting my driver’s licence this year so I can experience a new way of travel and the new experience it brings,” says Choi.
Established by Lilian Tsang and Matt Hui, YLYstudio is committed to giving knitwear and embroidery a modern facelift so it has a place in contemporary fashion.
The designers are especially drawn to the MINI’s duality: ultra-modern yet exuding an unmistakable 1960s feel. A classic design that is constantly evolving. “This is also something that we want to achieve with YLYstudio. We want to keep the traditions of embroidery, hand knitting and craftsmanship alive but always change with the times,” says Tsang.
The round lines and silhouette of the new MINI provide the basis for the special edition windbreaker. The sheerness, achieved by using a thin, water-proof nylon fabric, comes from the Space Age reference. It allows for other details to be visible, such as the zig zag pattern on the fascia inside the new MINI and the colours of the LED ambiance lights that the designers have incorporated into the special collection.
The contrast piping seam used throughout the windbreaker is a nod to MINI’s iconic stripes. While a windbreaker is usually considered casual and sporty, this one actually looks like a biker jacket with a collar and zipper, making it as versatile as a MINI.
“I’ve always loved MINI because it’s got personality. It’s fun and makes you think,” says Hui.
Inspired by this collaboration with MINI, YLYstudio is launching menswear for the first time as part of this special collection.
YEUNG CHIN is all about challenging the accepted aesthetic through different art forms like dance, movies and sculpture.
“I love MINI’s vintage feel, but on the other hand, it can be rock, punk, dark humour or even Mr Bean! It has retained its Britishness yet is always open to new ideas,” says Yeung.
Yeung’s avant-garde approach to fashion is not unlike MINI’s. He examines the history of fashion and thinks of ways to deconstruct and reinterpret it to provide new meaning.
For this MINI special collection and windbreaker, Yeung uses Piano Black and new shade Solaris Orange, which he poetically describes as darkness after sunset. The different shades of black, in matte and sheer and covered with embroidery and coating, create an interesting mix of colours and textures, and pay tribute to the new MINI’s LED lights.
Like MINI, the windbreaker can be personalised. The longer design makes it look like another British essential, the trench coat and it is reversible with detachable parts. With the Union Jack motif adopted at the front, it is sporty but wouldn’t look out of place when worn out for a drink.
“I’m someone who prefers old things so I’ve always loved the old MINI and its vintage design. But I have to say that the new MINI is winning me over with all its advanced technological features, comfort and ability to make a personal statement while staying true to its British heritage,” says Yeung.
