In the world of fashion, where trends and styles come and go like fleeting moments, there are designers who dare to venture beyond the surface, delving into profound and existential themes that transcend the fabric of time. Ziyu Ma, a visionary designer, has embarked on a captivating journey that intertwines the abstract concepts of time, space, and human existence into tangible designs. In this trailblazing feat, Ziyu’s creations not only challenge conventional fashion norms but also redefine our perceptions of life, death, and the eternal significance of existence.
Ziyu’s fascination with the enigmatic nature of time and space finds its roots in childhood stargazing, where she often pondered the insignificance of humanity in the vast cosmos. Inspired by the works of the renowned Chinese science fiction novelist Liu Cixin, particularly “The Three-Body Problem,” Ziyu embraced the notion that, like tiny bugs, humans may be inconsequential in the grand scheme of the universe. However, within this idea lies a glimmer of hope, a belief that even the smallest beings can leave a profound impact on the world.
“If human life really ends with death, then in the long river of time, what can prove that we have existed and been in this world?” Ziyu contemplates.
With this profound insight, Ziyu weaves a profound narrative through her fashion designs, capturing the essence of human existence and celebrating the traces left behind by individuals. But Ziyu’s approach is not merely to represent high-dimensional concepts in low-dimensional space; rather, she seeks to demonstrate the tangible connections of human life in the three-dimensional world.
“As long as a person has existed in this world, it will not disappear. Death is not the end; we forever exist in the documentary of time, though we may not realize it,” Ziyu explains.
With this profound insight, Ziyu weaves a profound narrative through her fashion designs, capturing the essence of human existence and celebrating the traces left behind by individuals. But Ziyu’s approach is not merely to represent high-dimensional concepts in low-dimensional space; rather, she seeks to demonstrate the tangible connections of human life in the three-dimensional world.
In Ziyu’s latest project, her designs serve as a testament to the life and experiences of her grandmother. Drawing inspiration from her rich personality, unique habits, and memories shared with the parrots she cared for, Ziyu crafts a collection that transcends traditional fashion boundaries. Every piece becomes an homage to the evidence of her grandmother’s existence.
The design process entails an extensive exploration of fabric textures, patterns, and even memories, as Ziyu endeavors to encapsulate her grandmother’s essence. From hand-sewn fabrics reminiscent of her skin texture to print designs extracted from cherished memories, each element serves as a symbol of her presence in the physical world.
But Ziyu’s creativity goes further, as she ingeniously incorporates elements that represent her grandmother’s connections with the world around her. A heartwarming story from their childhood, where her grandmother designed a unique and “ugly” stage makeup for Ziyu, inspires an abstract and beautiful print design that signifies the blurred yet everlasting nature of memories.
Furthermore, the relationship between her grandmother and the rescued parrots becomes a source of delight and humor. Ziyu skillfully designs and hand-makes parrot-shaped accessories, equipped with magnets that allow them to perch on different parts of the garments, mirroring her grandmother’s shoulder and head. This playful representation captures the essence of her grandmother’s connection to the world of living beings.
As Ziyu unveils her collection, the audience is drawn into a realm where time intertwines with fashion, and the evidence of existence is etched into every seam and stitch. But the significance of this visionary project extends beyond the confines of the fashion industry. Through her designs, Ziyu seeks to instill a newfound perspective on life and death, challenging society’s fears and uncertainties.
“We just need to live this unique and interesting life that we have experienced as our life, and we don’t need to worry about leaving ourselves with nothing when we die. We not only have a unique sense of experience on the spiritual level, but perhaps the whole life we experience will also be observed and even touched by higher dimensional creatures,” Ziyu shares.
As Ziyu Ma continues to explore the complex interplay of time, space, and human existence through her avant-garde creations, she leaves an indelible mark on the world of fashion and beyond. Her designs serve as a gentle reminder that every moment lived is a testament to the profound significance of our existence – a beautifully woven tapestry in the eternal fabric of time. In this bold fusion of fashion and philosophy, Ziyu Ma leaves us with an inspiring message: embrace the present, cherish each moment, and bask in the certainty that our existence transcends the boundaries of time and space, forever immortalized in the cosmic tapestry of life.
To see more of Ziyu’s work visit her instagram here.
