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Classic? I once had a strong admiration for Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto. (I still love them!) During my first two university periods, I aspired to be an artist creating romantic and iconic garments akin to those of these Japanese brands. I wanted to project an aura of uniqueness, and wearing clothes from Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto in New York made me feel like I was on the path to becoming an artist. Attending fashion school in NY, I felt like a true fashion designer already. Reflecting on my past and contemplating the direction of my brand, I came to realize that I had been too arrogant, striving to create avant-garde clothing merely to emulate Yohji Yamamoto or Junya Watanabe. Without my own identity, I was merely producing imitations. (I believe this phase helped me develop my identity in fashion.) Once, during a design class presentation where I proposed that my brand should be classic, a professor asked me what classic meant to me. I hesitated for a good 10 seconds before answering, “Classic like vintage clothes or old-fashioned sensibilities?” The professor pointed out that classic wasn't just about antiquity, leaving me confused, realizing I had no clear understanding of what I truly wanted. What is classic? Why did I want to create a classic brand? During my two years of studying fashion, my fashion identity became entangled. What did I really desire back then? What truly defines classic?
Time flew by, and after 7 years, I decided to pursue Technical Design courses at school. What did I do during those 7 years? Experiencing life and different cultures, I hit rock bottom and was lifted up by the Grace of almighty God. My aesthetic and fashion identity have matured over time, I hope. In 2021, I came up with an idea: I wanted to name my brand Burning Bush. While I still aspire to the classic theme, now I have a clear understanding of what classic means to me. Classic, to me, is about creating garments that transcend trends, remaining relevant year after year. Additionally, the garments must embody a certain spirit. Slow production with ethical sourcing and labor conditions, sustainable goals with local community involvement—these are essential. I must be aware of what I create and where it will end up once its lifespan is reached. I agree with the phrase that says “Classic never dies,” and I believe the sincere heart and the message will remain forever within the garments.