The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2024 - Issue 36

bitecatwalk W hen I first experienced Yuhang Wang’s catwalk show, I became fixated on its similarity to the 1980s New Romantics style. This comparison festered in my mind when I saw the opening model, but it only solidified when I was introduced to the sixth look in the collection. With ruffled lace sleeves popping out from beneath a tailored blazer and an asymmetric ruched skirt, there was a delicate balance of femi- nine and masculine features embedded in Wang’s design. This motif came later as flowers decorated several garments, while heavily constructed jack- ets and trousers accompanied others. As the presentation continued, I began to un- derstand that Yuhang Wang’s true inspiration (historic and influential female legal profession- als) embodied both sexes’ success in their roles. As the legal profession was carved out exclusively for men, women often had to hide their feminine side, which Wang presented at the beginning of her show through gender-neutral looks. She honoured those who courageously worked to create spaces for women in the legal field by constructing powerful visuals that remain delicate underneath. Later in the collection, delicate lacework overtook the outfits until each piece became overpowering- ly female. Legal documents were draped over the body to create tops, and white garters were styled over skirts to accentuate the females breaking into this male-dominated space. What Wang created with this collection was a story visually stimulat- ing. It is a tribute to those who paved the way and explains the growth of professional femininity. https://yuhanwang.co.uk WANG YUHANG FASHION WEEK LONDON Autumn/Winter 2024