Inspired by Dadaism + mathematics + much more, ARC LUO uses fashion to explore philosophy + creative concepts. The label’s most recent collection, “In-arti-culate”, focuses on the perception of art and how it shifts from person to person. These themes are not hidden; throughout much of the collection, imagery of toilets makes a prominent appearance — a bold move that shows the brand’s willingness to explore topics not often covered in the fashion world.

PHOTOGRAPHER: ASTRID JI AT FLYNG SOLO, NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

A Talk with Qiuyi Luo about ARC LUO X 33 MAGAZINE #33talks

Describe yourself as a designer and how did you start?

I like to use a variety of media, such as music, videos, body and various experiments, not only use fashion language to express idea. My initial interest in clothing came from a Japanese cartoon called Sailor Moon. When I was young, I liked to play dress-up games on the computer. As I grew up, I discovered that the costumes of the characters were all inspired by big-name brand couture.

How do you manage the creativity process exactly?

There are many ways to design. Most of the time, the inspiration may come from a picture, a sentence, a story, and I will make secondary creations based on it, such as collages, videos, and then transformed into clothing design language. Sometimes I will start from a piece of fabric ，to find the most suitable garment structure and drape method based on it.

When did you land your first internship and what was the most valuable thing you learned from this experience?

My first internship was at 3.1Phillip Lim .

Standardized production is the most valuable thing I learned from there.

What was your first job out of college, and how did you land that position?

I worked as an assistant designer at 3.1 Phillip Lim, which was recommended by my classmate. At the very beginning, I still studied at school. I can only go there for one or two days each other, as I had to work on my graduation project. I am glad that I made it, so I have a job to do after the graduation, especially, considering how difficult it is to find one during the pandemic.

What was the biggest rookie mistake you made when just starting out?

I guess it would be the opportunity I have missed to work with others.

What’s the main impact of social media in fashion industry in both ways, fashion buying and brand marketing?

More opinions about clothing brand from various groups have been acquired through the social media.

Social media accelerates the bond among designers, brands, buyers and consumers.

What is your favorite and NON-favorite part about being part of the fashion industry?

I make the design that I like and get other’s recognition.

Waste of resources and no pay for interns.

Can you tell us how your brand makes a difference in fashion industry?

I don’t want to deliberately make a distinctive brand. I hope that at certain moments I can make choices that don’t follow the trend.

I always make choices between art and business.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for a fashion designer?

Keep the sustainable output with vigor.

Define sustainable concept nowadays in fashion industry in five words .

Inevitable ，Anti-desire ，Expensive ，Beautiful ，Popular

How do you think sustainable can play an important role in fashion industry?

Fashion is not necessity, clothes are.

They key of the Environmental protection is about the thoughts of consumers, while, the concept of environmental protection itself is conflicted with the promotion of consumption.

”The essence of the sustainability is to lower people’s desire to buy. There are many options for manufacturers to change, the application of the environment-friendly material, the energy saving of production and the adjustment of design version (for instance, zerowaste). They have to change, as the consumers change. What really need to adjust is what and how to advertise.”
– ARC LUO STUDIO

As a designer, I hope that my work is either a work of art, expressing a certain idea, or a classic item that can be kept in the closet for a long time.

What do you think about the opportunity of selling your collections online nowadays?

People all get equitable opportunity and they can be seen by more people. Except for the vision, I would like to see more other feelings can be delivered by the internet, such as, how is the feeling to touch the clothes, the smell and temperature.

Imagine that you must write a letter yo your FUTURE SELF. What would you write?

The one who used to be simple will not disappear, remember to give him a call to hang out together.