Private Policy Challenge Asian Stereotypes in Punk-Focused SS19 Collection
Designer: Private Policy
Location: London, UK
Season: SS19
Key Pieces: The entire 'fit in #8 is one of the best cases of pattern mixing we've seen, but the leopard trousers alone are a look. Elsewhere, the boxy jackets and fetish-inspired bondage gear are key, while the slouchy green suit in #12 is making a serious case for relaxed summer tailoring.
Editor’s Notes: For Private Policy's debut at London Fashion Week (the brand had previously shown at New York Fashion Week), the label decided to focus on Asian representation.
The show's notes criticize the lack of nuance in media representation of young Asians in the West. The label says that unlike previous generations who felt pressured to assimilate, the new generation is "exhibiting their Asian culture in unique ways."
Drawing on the brand's Creative Directors Haoran Li and Siying Qu's own experience as young Asian immigrants, Private Policy merge punk, hip-hop and grunge elements alongside influences from their background — think Mandarin knot buttons sitting alongside goth spikes. The result is a subculture-inspired collection with enough changes to keep things interesting.
In other style news, snakeskin and bold prints were all the rage at London Fashion Week Men’s SS19.