CHATS by C.DAM is a fashion brand established by designer Cuong Dam with the aim of creating cultural and architectural-based apparel with elements of the present.
With the sentiment of cultural preservation and development, the brand released the “Artifact” collection as a transformative step in combining fashion and sculpture. “Artifact” is the collaborative collection between Designer Cuong Dam and Sculptor Khong Do Tuyen.
1. UNCONVENTIONAL IDEAS
It can be said that the outstanding theme of this collection is the bridge between two artistic fields: fashion and sculpture. The collection is the love child of the two artists’ stories.
With an intense research & development process, the team at C.Dam conducted extensive research on contemporary sculpture, exploring the distinct traits of sculpted works through color, form, texture… The designer C.Dam also visited the studio of sculptor Khong Do Tuyen to draw inspiration.
The grand investment in the brainstorm stage as well as field trips undertaken by the design team also helped the brand maintain a deeper perspective on culture through art, exceeding international standards.
2. CONSISTENCY IN ARTISTIC CREATION
If sculpture is about firm, concise carvings on marble, then fashion is on the sensitive, fluid ripples of the fabric. But both fields have one thing in common: the transient nature of human emotions.
Like the creative sculptures of wood and marble, the “Artifact” collection displays the condition of the female psyche: sometimes gentle and flexible, sometimes strong and decisive.
IMAGE: C.DAM
3. RENEWING MINIMALISM THOUGHT
One of the key elements in the designs at C.Dam Studio is the spirit of minimalism. Combining sculptural inspiration, the designer seems to renew the concept of 'Minimalism' with a youthful, comfortable form and neutral, modern, highly functional tones that are equally luxurious and elegant.
The special highlight of this collection is the combination of trendiness and a stroke of Vietnamese traditionality. In addition, to make the collection more complete, the designer may consider mixing with new colors such as pink, orange, emerald green ... to evoke contemporary sculpture art through the perspective of the current generation of young artists.
4. OF SCULPTING ON FABRIC
Originally an architect, the design principles of designer Cuong Dam emphasizes the principles of form and processing of smart materials. The technique of manual drawing, shrinking, lowering the waist combined with a puffy skirt shape, or an oversize vest shape shows the rhythmic movement of the outfit.
Other than this, the styling of metal accessories finalized the harmony of the “Artifact” collection as well as the adjacent sculptures purposefully placed.
5. REIMAGINING THE WOMAN
Not only an avid researcher of culture, C.Dam as a brand always respects the image of the Vietnamese woman, constantly looking for ways to portray it to the highest quality. The firm quality of sculpture is the reimaging factor of the conventional, traditional image of the submissive woman, turning her into a strong, independent and confident version of herself.
What’s remarkable about the collection is the design of the women’s vest usually designed for menswear.
To create a collection combining contemporary and traditional forms of Vietnamese culture, it is an arduous project with commitment of skill and intellect.
In the future, more projects from designer Cuong Dam and his brand C.Dam will hopefully bring more groundbreaking works for fashion and art in general.