“The exploration of my own culture, specifically the investigation into the environments that my Grandmothers have lived through, is how I have reinforced the relationship with my own identity. Throughout my practice, I have exhibited my cross-cultural background through a self-expressive narrative. ‘Hurl of the Orient‘ is an elevated capsule of my values and beliefs as a designer, where I explore the intersection of Orientalism and the lived experiences of the Chinese women within my family, particularly through the lens of a hospitality worker. Orientalism, as conceptualised by Edward Said, refers to the Western perception of the East as exotic, mysterious, and romantic. My designs aim to challenge and deconstruct this gaze and offer a counter-narrative that is deeply personal, complex, and grounded in the everyday lives of my family members who, through their labour, have contributed to both the fabric of their households and their workplace. By situating these women’s experiences within the larger framework of Orientalism, I aim to bring visibility to the complexities of their roles and the resilience embedded in their everyday existence. I look specifically at the garments they wear, the interior that surrounds them and the objects that they handle, particularly within the kitchen.”