Projects
- The Story Of Chineasy: Breaking Down The Great Wall Of The Chinese LanguageAn increasingly large percentage of the Chinese population is learning English. However, in the Western world the Chinese language continues to feel allusive, complicated and unobtainable to most. The Chinese language does indeed seem daunting to a new learner of the language, with over 20,000 characters in the average comprehensive dictionary, and that’s before we even get into the tones! However, Chineasy founder ShaoLan is breaking down these psychological barriers with an innovative approach
- Hausie: Discover the world of fractal fashion Prolific mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot coined the term ‘fractal’ in the 70’s. The French-American intellect was the first to recognise how the seemingly chaotic patterns and shapes which form the world around us are actually intricately ordered. Mandelbrot discovered that the infinite complexity of these beautiful patterns can be formed from a comparatively simple maths equation. His discovery unified science and art in a way never seen before. The irregular repeating shapes of fractals can be seen all around us – in the formation of clouds and the waves of the ocean, even the rhythms of the human heart can be visualised through fractals. Mandelbrot’s discovery revolutionised many fields ranging from computer science to medicine. Since the discovery, fashion designers have embraced the visual potential of geometric fractals to outstanding effect. Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen never shies away from experiment and innovation. Her radically original pieces often carry organic themes, reflecting her observations of nature and the human body. Her infamous skeleton dress reminds us of the self-similar fractal patterns that can be found within our own biological makeup. Van Herpen’s Crystallization piece is inspired by the transformation of liquid into crystal, her study of this fundamental scientific process explores the beauty found in the laboratory. “Van Herpen’s work reveals the secret structures of our existence giving us a multidimensional experience of what it is to be alive, it is an investigation into the past, present and future in all its primal and mythological forms.” Gwendoline Christie. The pattern of trees is one of the most prominent examples of fractals in nature. Over 500 years ago, Leonardo Da Vinci noticed that there was something more to the tree’s spiralling chaos, he saw that the tree branches were split with mathematical precision. Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad’s “Enchanted Forest” collection uses this self-similarity in his couture designs, the repeating pattern of barren tree branches creates an ethereal elegance in-keeping with the essence of his brand. Turkish designer Aişegül Telli pays tribute to the beauty of our underwater world in her Undersurface Collection. Inspired by her dives in the Indian Ocean, Aişegül has innovatively created a series of wearable coral pieces. Drawing our attention to the mesmerising fractal patterns found in coral reefs, the talented desinger offers an insight into the mysterious language of nature. Begada’s opulent jewels are created utilising designer Bhavin Gada’s talents in embroidery and craft. Each piece is intricately hand stitched to create hypnotising pattern and detail. Begada’s statement pieces are made all the more intriguing with their repeating fractal patterns, his ingenious designs bring to mind evocative occurrences and images of nature, such as the feathers of a peacock or cascading waterfalls. Fractals are reoccurring by definition, their reoccurring patterns are infinitesimal in the world around us. How can we not be intrigued by the patterns which form our world? Fractals are images embedded in our very DNA, so it is natural that artists and designers will continue to be inspired by their mysteriously chaotic forms. Commenting on the introduction of the fractal geometry of nature, Mandelbrot claims; “Clouds are not spheres, mountains are not cones, coastlines are not circles, and bark is not smooth, nor does lightning travel in a straight line.”
- Chineasy: What is your style of travel?I love to travel. Over the years traveling has taken on many different forms for me. From living as an expat in Hong Kong, backpacking around Asia and even being a tourist in my own country. I love to discover new places and cultures. So, as traveling is one of my passions, it seems particularly important to learn how to relay my interest to my Chinese speaking friends in Mandarin. There are two main ways of saying ‘to travel’ in Mandarin. ‘lǚ xíng’ and ‘lǚ yóu’. This is interesting as there are two different meanings implied in these two phrases. ‘lǚ xíng’ (pronounced, loo shing) can be broken down into two components. Lǚ – which means to walk, to go or to travel and ‘xíng’– which is a combination of step and an adult man. This phrase implies that you are traveling for slightly longer and with purpose. ‘lǚ yóu’ (pronounced, loo yo) on the other hand suggests that you are traveling for pleasure and entertainment. I have traveled for both ‘lǚ xíng’ and ‘lǚ yóu’. When I moved to Hong Kong to work, I was traveling for ‘lǚ xíng’ – with purpose. However, when I took a holiday to Thailand, I would say I was traveling for ‘lǚ yóu’– pleasure. However, there are certainly many crossovers in both instances. Even though I was in Hong Kong for work, I spent many weekends exploring the city as a tourist, from eating at the world’s cheapest Michelin Star restaurant to visiting the famous Big Buddha on Lantau island. Another useful phrase is ‘lǚ tú’, which is used to describe a journey. When I was backpacking in China, I took many long train journeys across the country as I traveled from province to province. I can describe these journeys as ‘lǚ tú’. Do you have friends who love to travel? Be sure to wish them well on their trip by saying ‘lǚ tú ping ān’! ‘Ping ān’ means safe, so together the phrase means ‘safe journey!’ We can use the word ‘lǚ kè’ to describe someone who travels, so ‘wǒ shì lǚ rén’ means ‘I am a traveller’. ‘Nǐ shì lǚ rén’ means ‘you are a traveler’. Give Ep 068 a listen and discover a fascinating conversation between ShaoLan and Erick Tseng, Product Director at Facebook, who share their impressive traveling stories. From hosting a wedding in Antarctica to living with indigenous people in the Amazon!
Work history
Copywriter
Rugby, United KingdomFull Time
Working on the company's eCommerce platform, I record technical details such as measurements, fabric compositions, headlines and creative descriptions adhering to brand tone of voice. Working towards daily targets, the ability to self-edit is hugely important.
Editorial ContributorHausie
Freelance
Sourcing and creating engaging editorial articles on topics spanning fashion, art and design. In this role I have interviewed designers and industry leaders - notably the Creative Director of Harris Tweed. I have covered several events in London and I recently worked at the Premiere Classe trade show in Paris, where I was in involved in the organisation of shipping logistics, the visual merchandising for the booth and acted a representative of the brand.
+ Show more
Skills
- Copywriting
- Office
- Travel Writing
- Campaign Advertising
- Work Ethic
- Communiation
- Indesign
- Wordpress
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Content
- Editorial
- Blogging
Education
English Studies
-
English Language, Literature, Creative Writing and Philosophy.