Vivienne Tam presents 'Monster Hunt'-inspired collection at China Fashion Week
By Zhang Ke
["china"]
Renowned designer Vivienne Tam has brought her Spring/Summer 2018 collection to Beijing for China Fashion Week. The designer, known for her "East-meets-West" style, has taken inspiration from the Chinese fantasy movie “Monster Hunt” in making her new collection. 
Wuba, the monster protagonist of the box office hit is the star of Tam’s runway show. His image is featured on everything, from jackets to silk dresses in the collection. 
Vivienne Tam presents her'Monster Hunt' collection in Beijing. /Photo via chinafashionweek.org

Vivienne Tam presents her'Monster Hunt' collection in Beijing. /Photo via chinafashionweek.org

The mountains and river landscapes depicted in the film are also reflected in the clothes. The film’s rich imagery finds expression in prints and nature-inspired colors – light blue, soft green, dusky pink and other earth tones. Materials include denim, silk, chiffon and lace. 
Vivienne says "Monster Hunt" was a huge influence on her new collection. 
"I like the movie Monster Hunt very much and I was really inspired by it. The character Wuba is so cute and adorable. The landscapes and scenery in the movie are very beautiful. And I love the values of family and friendship, love and hope it conveys," said Tam.
Vivienne Tam presents her 'Monster Hunt' collection in Beijing. /Photo via chinafashionweek.org

Vivienne Tam presents her 'Monster Hunt' collection in Beijing. /Photo via chinafashionweek.org

Though now based in New York, Tam was born in Guangzhou and grew up in Hong Kong, with her designs reflecting this fusion of East and West experiences. She has always incorporated Chinese elements, such as Fengshui, Wuxing, and Majiang, to name a few, in her fashion creations. 
It also led her to find inspiration from "Monster Hunt," a movie based on the Chinese literary classic "Shan Hai Jing," or "Classics of Mountains and Seas." 
"I always love to promote Chinese culture to the world. The story of 'Monster Hunt' comes from 'Shan Hai Jing,' it's a Chinese classic. And Wuba is a Chinese animated character. This collection is inspired by the story and Wuba. What's more, I also create this yin and yang feeling by balancing the soft and feminine dresses with boxy military jackets," said Tam.
Vivienne Tam presents her 'Monster Hunt' collection in Beijing. /Photo via chinafashionweek.org

Vivienne Tam presents her 'Monster Hunt' collection in Beijing. /Photo via chinafashionweek.org

The show closed with Tam coming out with a life-sized version of Wuba who walked the runway with her in the spirit of fun and joy. 
As the Chinese market becomes a major target for growth, Tam will launch her first flagship store in Beijing at the end of this year.
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