Colleen Zhang

Colleen Zhang
Wanderlust, 2022
Fashion and textiles

Wanderlust speculatively explores what it means to be wanderers in our urban environment. The collection is influenced by the Romantic movement, traditional camping gear and workwear clothing that reflects our interactions with the outdoors.

Some pieces demonstrate adaptability through transformative design: a coat becomes a blanket, and a skirt separates into picnic mats. These multifunctional designs experiment with the reduction of material goods by being more resourceful and sustainable than single-function garments.

Sponsored by the Australian Wool Education Trust, Wanderlust utilises wool in diverse ways. Woollen throw blankets, plaids and meshes are contrasted with modern materials such as remnant waterproof and reflective fabrics. Approaching textiles with playfulness and sensitivity, wool has been hand-dyed in landscape hues, screen printed with eco-friendly inks and quilted.

Colleen Zhang is an emerging fashion and textile designer. She is passionate about bringing more ethical, sustainable, and inclusive practices into the industry. In her work, she depicts narratives of femininity and childhood nostalgia in contemporary contexts.

Top image: Colleen Zhang, Wanderlust, two piece modular coat, 2022. Photo: Henry Zeng