Apu Jan SS19 at London Fashion Week

London based, Tawainese designer APUJAN is renowned for integrating patterns and knitwear techniques to illustrate themes inspired by fantasy and literature.

SS19 collection titled ‘Those Vanishing Creatures’ draws its inspiration from the flow of time reminding everyone of those fading endangered species and those that have already become extinct.

Prints feature the critically endangered Taiwanese salmon swimming amongst water plants and peering at the moonlit skyline above whilst the leopard cat and other strange creatures that exist in the great unknown beyond hide amidst the trees. 

APUJAN knitwear ranges from the traditional hand knit to the neat modern computer knitting include beautiful merino wool knit hats

Also in the collection are modern cheongsam dresses improved from simulated embroidery effects...

pure silk dresses and shirts

jacquard  and chiffon dresses

Photography by Simon Armstrong 

www.apujan.com
On the front row was the beautiful Kuo Shu-Yao aka Yao Yao

Video of finale:

Apu Jan AW18 at London Fashion Week

Titled 'Drifting In A Million Stars', the collection tells a story about the distance between the stars.

Photo by Chris Dawes. 

Just a note- look closely and you can see frumpy to funky (blonde hair) on the front row of the above image! Sorry I was drifting myself there. Now back to drifting in a million stars!
Tiny sparkles remind us of the stars in the sky but are also reminiscent of the lights alerting us to the presence of friends and family members online in messaging and social apps.
The numerous signals are the connections between countless sparkles drifting between us.

Whilst creating an original theme, this collection has also been influenced by many different styles of science fiction literature such as those written by Philip K Dick, Isaac Asimov and Orson Scott Card and their psychedelic imagination of the stars afar.

Jacquard, prints and natural draping create timeless silhouettes which may be interpreted as retro or futuristic. Look closely and you will see space, stars, orbital tracks, astronauts, stellar clouds, spaceships, sheep, trains and paper plane on the below print.

Fabrics consist of different types of wool such as cashmere, merino, lamb wool

and also pure silk yarn in knit.

ApuJan has also developed its own fabric in collaboration with manufacturers including semi 3 dimensional, imitation embroidery fabric,

Which also can be seen on the footwear.

Plus pure silk and digital print.

The combination of traditional and oriental elements with a contemporary twist; blending bold with a touch of casualness can be found in each collection and recognised as Apu Jan’s essence.

Photography credit: Simon Armstrong and Chris Dawes
Video finale:

Apu Jan SS18 Collection at London Fashion Week

In this season, Apu Jan tries to convey his thoughts on short-lived flowers and their withering.

He uses colours and textures to imitate falling petals,

Titled 'Before Last Petal Falls', the collection pays homage to O Henry's The last Leaf and remotely echoes the theme of Edgar Allen Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher.

Patterns include: blossom petals, fallen petals, leaves, trees and  spring snow,.

Hidden amongst the leaves and petals are ink pots, manuscripts and artist's palettes to echo the theme.

You'll also find storybooks, clocks, fantasy beasts and paleantology - all elements central to the brand.

 Apu Jan mixes various knitting techniques; machine and hand knit, creating a series of fine gauge knitwear that are suitable to be worn in the warmer months of spring and summer.

Apu Jan heavily uses silk knitting and prints in his design
Fabrics include his self developed unique jacquard and chiffon.

In tailoring, Apu Jan includes oriental style element such as the mandarin collar and horse hoot sleeves.

Main colour palette is grey, black and white

 with a smattering of pastel blue and pink to symbolise the petals.

Photographer: Simon Armstrong