Fengyuan Ye

Bitter after Sweet

When I was a child, I lived in a world that felt endlessly magical. I could be enchanted by the smallest details, from the colours of candy Wrappers to the spinning lights of a carousel. But as I grew older, that wonder slowly faded. I remember the first time I realized the world wasn’t a fairytale: the toys that once held life became still, the sparkle of dreams was replaced by the weight of responsibility, and I learned to be realistic instead of fascinated. This tension between innocence and reality now inspires my project, as I explore what happens when fantasy collides with reality, and how fragments of childlike wonder can survive within the darker truths of adulthood. Therefore, I name my project <Bitter after Sweet>.

My design focuses on merging maturity with playfulness to create emotional resonance across generations. In today’s high-pressure world, clothing can become more than appearance — it can offer reassurance, nostalgia, and empowerment. For young people, my work preserves curiosity and joy during times of growth, encouraging them to face new responsibilities with confidence while holding onto their sense of wonder. For adults, it rekindles the spirit of childhood, offering moments of emotional comfort and reminding them to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and renewed optimism.