Fashion Design School of Design
Xifeng Chen
Xifeng Chen — Concretecore
“Concretecore” is a pioneering fashion project that not only fuses the stark aesthetics of brutalist architecture with fashion design but also ambitiously seeks to redefine and deconstruct classic garments. This collection is a bold dialogue between the rigid, geometric lines of brutalism and the transformative nature of contemporary fashion, challenging and reimagining the conventional forms of everyday wear.
Drawing inspiration from brutalist architecture, known for its uncompromising use of concrete and monolithic forms, this project translates these structural elements into the realm of fashion. The exploration started with an in-depth study of brutalist designs, focusing on how their starkness and play of light and shadow can be mirrored in clothing. Additionally, there’s a deliberate playfulness in deconstructing and repositioning elements of traditional garments like shirts, bomber jackets, trousers, hoodies and so on.
The collection involves a creative dissection of these familiar forms. Sleeves, collars, and other components are reimagined in unconventional positions, creating garments that are both familiar and strikingly novel. This deconstruction is not just a design choice but a commentary on the fluidity and versatility of fashion.
In terms of materials, the project marries the tactile, often rough textures reminiscent of concrete with more pliable, sustainable fabrics. This choice ensures that each piece is not only visually aligned with brutalist principles but also adheres to responsible design practices.
The resulting collection comprises garments that defy expectations. They maintain a balance between architectural rigidity and fashion’s dynamic nature, designed for individuals who embrace bold, avant-garde style. The color palette remains largely monochromatic, drawing from the hues of brutalist structures, with strategic color accents symbolizing life and resilience.
“Concretecore” is more than a fashion line; it’s an exploration of how the seemingly impenetrable can be made wearable, and how traditional garment structures can be revolutionized, all while paying homage to an architectural style that continues to captivate and provoke.