Sophie Hong clothing that speaksLouis Ucciani Head of the Philosophy Department University of Burgundy
Through her achievements in the world of fashion, that is to say the world of visual and aesthetic representations as a philosopher, Sophie Hong definitely makes a mark in the impermanence of time: a cycle of creation, then dissemination and saturation, followed by extinction and renaissance. 'Thought' may happen to be rooted in fashion events, but in an unrivalled way, Sophie Hong gives them their full momentum. It would be wise if an incessant spirit of novelty were refrained, as well as the Aristotelian mark and model approving of ever-changing forms. For us,Western Thought endowed with Reason leads the way and prevails, while Asia and the East refer to 'the Other', as synonymous with comfort and well-being. These are Sophie Hong's pursuits. Priority is given to matter, which in itself gives meaning to forms or presentations. It stands as a challenge to the passing of time and shows the continuity of countenances in human faces and the garments they wear.
As a reference, the painting by Jean Denis Attiret, a Jesuit painter at the Chinese Empress's Court titled'La Concubine' also known as 'the Chinese Joconde', shows how East and West could conciliate through universal principles and objects as did Leonardo da Vinci.
So, time is not disposed as expected in costumes / garments by Sophie Hong, which are timeless and composed of quality materials, formal and faultless in their appearance. In terms of history and tradition, Sophie, uses the 'kuru' pigment, previously used during the Song dynasty to create special coloration. Here, with the use of the "kuru" pigment, Sophie Hong designs very unique reversible black or brown/red fabrics for her clothing. In a 2003 publication on clothing styles, Paola Zamperini remarked that Sophie Hong makes Taiwanese fashion fit into a long historic tradition, refusing the short-lived instances and standards of modernity. Garments of the Far East are indeed central, showing the human species as different from that of the animal kingdom. Confucius recognized the strict clothing code, to describe social differences and class status.
A point to be noted: writing itself, ideographic writing, translating the word 'origin' (the origin of everything!) is composed of two Chinese characters 'material' and 'scissors'! A relationship is therefore established with tradition, while the ephemeral modern Western world reveals itself deficient. It becomes an anthropological issue. When we search for a meaning, we search for creativity and workmanship, which are of prime importance. They become 'universal'. In the current context of modernity, garments have lost their complex original meaning. Confucian 'Li', respecting the social hierarchy dominated through clothing, found that it could also be applied to other contexts than those of garments, but Confucian heritage still remains valid. Sophie Hong, given her superior skills creates clothing of uncommon description: they are highly ranked and the French mark "signifié" or "outstanding" is applied. The enhancement of the body, its forms and models is not Sophie's quest. Neither is she interested in dealing with ephemeral effects,even if Western Thought frequently highlights body and sensuality.
Sophie Hong considers matter of primary importance and shape of secondary importance. Her basic productions often come from local crafts, supported by traditions, precious designs and materials. Yet, place, time, space, or any formal visual or aesthetic representation becomes unimportant to Sophie's spirit of immutability.
Clothing like costuming is an art form: fine clothing enhances an individual, in the same way that a sculptor enhances stone. Thus, fabric can be sewn into clothing yet is worn as 'matter'. It is used and crafted, and it becomes unique, unlike industrially produced garments. Representations which were first synonymous with ephemeral occurrences have thus become examples of man and his origins: he stands out beyond the animal kingdom, becomes universal, is made of 'matter' and is dressed in 'matter'. This is the source of a very real language; a language executed by Sophie Hong through her creations and which connect to our origins. Sophie Hong's creations "Speak out" . Her approach and her language remain simple. To quote Sophie Hong: "I like to use designs and materials from the past, traditional models and forms which can adapt to modern tastes and needs."
Translator: Jui Chu Tung / Ph.D,Philosophy University of Burgundy / Franche-Comté Besançon
MagicienneAdèle Naudé Santos Architecte et urbaniste américaine School of Architecture and Planning at Massachusetts Institute
Les textiles de Sophie sont tout simplement hors de ce monde. Ses vêtements, d'une conception trompeusement simple, mettent nos corps en valeur. Ils révèlent des détails minutieux autant que spectaculaires, tout comme ses créations de bijoux uniques, voire inouïs.
Les costumes originaux, parfois fous, qu'elle crée pour des événements divers nous époustouflent de façon inattendue ; sa boutique à Taipei est un lieu de perdition où l'on voudrait tout posséder.
Au-delà de ce que tout ceci nous apprend sur sa créativité, se découvre une personnalité chaleureuse et magnifique.
Joie et amusement tourbillonnent lors des événements qu'elle organise, que ce soit un défilé de mode sur un trottoir de Paris, une boutique pop-up à Taipei, un concert à la librairie française Le Pigeonnier, et lors des multiples occasions où Sophie embrasse avec grande affection ses amis, ses connaissances et ses relations.
D'une générosité légendaire, Sophie est toujours superbe à voir dans ses belles créations qui définissent son chic unique.
Elle possède une énergie peu commune et, par la joie contagieuse de sa créativité débordante, rend magique même la plus ordinaire des occasions.
Voilà ce qui fait de Sophie une magicienne, unique et spéciale.
MagicianAdele Naude Santos American architect and urban planner School of Architecture and Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Yes I know that her fabric designs are simply out of this world, her clothing concepts are deceptively simple, but enhance our bodies, the detailing of her garments is always spectacular, her jewelry is breathtaking, original even crazy, her costumes for events by others blow minds unexpectedly, her Taipei boutique is a dangerous place to visit, because we desire to own everything, and if that tells something about her creativity there is still her wonderful warm personality, the fun she induces with surprising fashion shows on a sidewalk in Paris, a pop-up store in Taipei, a concert at the bookstore Le Pigeonnier, dinners, lunches, introducing loved friends to other loved friends generous to a fault, always beautiful to look at in her great clothes, with her own sense of style, the envy of others, Sophie has the energy of many, a joy of creativity that is seriously infectious, makes magic out of ordinary everyday events, This is what makes Sophie so unique, so special and qualifies her to be a MAGICIAN!
