Ponyo Porco, based in Taiwan, is a print & textile design company focusing on fine art, fashion, and graphic design with the intention of their painterly prints being used across the spectrum. Ponyo Porco's hand-painted print designs lend themselves to uses from home decor to fashion and more and has landed the brand a coveted spot in New York Fashion Week this year. Take a look at our recent interview with Crystal Lupa and Larry Chen, the creative design duo behind Ponyo Porco.
Ponyo Porco at 2016 New York Fashion Week.
I saw your runway show at
NYFW this past fall, is this
the beginning of Ponyo Porco being
a part of the
international fashion industry?
Lupa: It
was really a good start for us to share our concept and creations
around the world as we are a very new team. It’s not easy but we
are working hard on developing our brand to be more connected with
the international creative industry.
How did you become
interested in working for the fashion industry?
Larry: Ironically,
we started our careers not that interested in the fashion industry
but we both liked
to create and design with prints. And since Lupa graduated with
a focus on
fashion design women’s wear, we combined
our specialties to create a brand that is
not
just about
fashion, but more so
a
print lifestyle brand.
Artist Crystal Lupa, one of the creative forces behind Ponyo Porco.
I noticed that each
collection has an excerpt or poem that goes with it, what came first
as inspiration – the writing or the collection?
Lupa: You're right. Each print has it’s own poem and original artwork. The
poems are always written once the artwork is complete and serves as a description.
Original artwork for Ponyo Porco prints.
Original artwork for Ponyo Porco prints.
Since your designs have a
fairytale aspect (especially with the use of writing) are their any
childhood stories, folktales, and stories etc. that inspire the
design process?
Lupa: My
painting style is definitely inspired from childhood stories and folk
art. I often create characters with self-invented logics about the
world, and love to express a glimpse of cold, dark charm in the style
of naïve amusement. I’m especially attracted to seemingly
inanimate organic forms. While trying to endow them with personified
characteristics, I also like to demonstrate an event or scene
narratively.
Original artwork for Ponyo Porco prints.
What is each of your
favorite pieces, or favorite collections you have worked on?
Lupa: My
favorite pieces are the prints of WITCH&CROWS coat and the POOL
pleated dress.
Larry: I
like the printed coats in all prints!
Do either of you have a
fashion icon that you find
inspirational?
Lupa: Frida Kahlo
Larry: Yves Saint Laurent
Since, Ponyo Porco is based
in Taiwan, how does that influence your work?
Lupa: Although
we founded the brand in Taipei, most of the education in art and
working experience is in London. So I can say that there is a mixture
of cultures in the creation. Taiwan is a beautiful island filled
with
oriental visual inspiration as
well as
various foreign influences,
both
of which
greatly impact
our work.
How does Ponyo Porco want
their buyers to feel when they wear your collection?
Larry & Lupa: Unique,
bold, delicate, and playful!
How much does the type of
material and fabric influence each piece? Is there a specific
way in which you
select them?
Lupa: For
Ponyo Porco the textures and characteristics are very important.
Before we confirm the fabric for each piece, we digitally print on
more than 15 kinds of materials for samples. We use 100% polyester
fabric for pieces that need to be pleated, because the cotton won’t
stay in pleats after a few washes. And for the coats and bomber
jackets, we use 100% cotton with a satin finish to bring a subtle
glow for more formal occasions.
What do you hope to see
Ponyo Porco to become in the future?
Larry: So far we have developed our print ideas into a diversity of
products such as clothing, accessories, paper products, and
packaging. As we move forward we look to cooperate with brands, manufacturers, and studios from various fields to develop creative products in even more forms. There will also be a great 2017 calendar and a menswear capsule collection. Overall, we hope to become a strong design team and feast for the eyes of
the print lovers around the world.
By Jamie Lee, Interiors by Jacquin intern
