Yashu Zhang

The collection is called Warming. I was inspired by the nuclear waste water and then I did further research in the ocean, pollution and global warming. Then I decided to focus on the topic of coral bleaching, an environmental change in which coral lose their vibrant colors and turn white due to elevated water temperatures, causing them to expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues. Without these algae, the corals appear bleached, and if not reversed, the coral can die. This has a significant impact as thousands of marine animals such as sea turtles, fish, and crabs depend on coral reefs for survival.

The color palette is inspired by the bleaching process and the organic color of the material related to coral bleaching. To do further research, I went to the coney island aquarium and watched and did drawings from the documentaries. Based on the coral shape, I developed designs. I laser cut the leather and wet mold them to be three dimensional. Most materials are inspired by the coral community and environmental damage including fish skin, branches, ocean waste, shells, fishnet. Techniques such as fishman knots are included in products. The construction intends to be handcrafted but meanwhile focuses on detail. The whole collection intends to be organic, original, sustainable and innovative, working as a narrative story-telling and problem-solving for this serious environmental change. Four bags, one pair of glasses and five hair combs are made for collection. Hair combs are made from eco-friendly cellulose acetate which is made with biodegradable materials like wood pulp, cotton fibers, and vinegars.