Jessica Cao

Originally from China, growing up in Peru and residing the majority of her life in the UK, Jessica Cao focuses on cultural values, the associations of being an ideal woman in different cultures, and the understanding of being part of a Chinese Diaspora – a group of Chinese individuals that have migrated and grew up overseas.

Jessica Cao attempts to explore these subjects creating narrative personas in an emotional space, it is also about creating an understanding and coming to acceptance with associations, identifications, and categorisations that portray her. Through this it is also about creating a rise and awareness of the emotional attachments of cultural identities in a multicultural generation. 

To understand oneself is to understand others, and vice versa.

The showcase of the SS20 collection explores the question: ‘Where are you from?’, this is emphasising the confusion and struggle of trying to find a definitive cultural identity. The question that is so often asked to people who do not look like what they should look like in a particular location or society. 

What happens in those situations? 

Through this project, ideas of disconnection and rejection surfaced, therefore this collection does not visually portray a specific culture. It is not meant to. Rather it should inject ideas and questions to the audience.  

Previous projects have explored movement of fabrics with relationship to the wearer, also touching upon the surfaces of emotional expression raising questions of being a cultural misfit leading to this collection. As a recent graduate from London College of Fashion, all garments and accessories are made by the designer unless stated.

Social Media Handles:

Website portfolio: www.jessicacaospace.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicacaospace/