Thing in Itself

Thing in Itself explores the fluidity of masculinity and identity, articulated through a collection centred on a reversible tailored suit that integrates multifunctional elements, including a baby carrier, an apron and a pair of engageante-style sleeves. Inspired by my great-grandfather’s gentle presence in a Chinese tunic suit, the design translates caring gestures into structural garment language.

Each garment—fluid, hybrid, and genderless—resembles an orchid blooming under every gaze, embodying a softness as strength, and does not dictate who one should be, but frees one to become.

Ping Chen is a London-based artist and fashion designer working across experimental garments, wearable art and textiles. Rooted in personal experience and cultural reflection, Ping approaches clothing as both physical structure and cultural medium. Drawing on tailoring, weaving, knitting, digital textile processes and hand construction, he creates works that move between garments, textile objects and sculptural forms.

Ping’s work has been presented through London Textile Month, London Design Festival, Shoreditch Design Week, Dutch Design Week and FASHIONCLASH Festival.

Christine Risley Award 2025 – Winner
International Design Awards (IDA) 2025 – Bronze Award
Mittelmoda The Fashion Award 2026 – Finalist
International Creative Awards 2026 – Shortlisted
FUYI Award 2026 – Longlisted