Check Out Peicen Jiang’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Peicen Jiang

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a young age, I’ve felt drawn to the space where art and fashion collide. That pull led me to dig deeper into the psychological and societal pressures we place on our bodies—especially how these forces weigh on women. My work comes from a personal need to make sense of the distorted images of femininity that both history and modern society impose. I first found myself exploring historical garments like corsets and crinolines, reimagining them with darker, more surreal influences like those of H.R. Giger.

What started as curiosity evolved into a practice where fashion and sculpture merged. I love experimenting with exaggerated silhouettes and working with materials that feel tactile and raw—like leather and organza—adding details that reflect the harsh realities women often face. For me, it’s always been about pushing people to see beyond the surface, to think about the unsettling relationship between beauty and brutality.

As I grew in my career, I’ve had the privilege to work with brands and artists who’ve really shaped my journey. Whether it was refining my technical skills in patternmaking or designing custom pieces for Ashnikko’s music videos and tour, each experience has helped me refine my voice as a creator. Those collaborations have been pivotal moments for me, reminding me how much I love using fashion as a form of storytelling.

I’m grateful for the recognition I’ve received along the way, like being a finalist for the 2024 Hand & Lock Embroidery Prize or winning the Luminarts Award. But at the heart of it, my work remains personal. I’m committed to continuing to explore the darker aspects of human experience and using my designs to spark conversations about femininity, power, and the anxieties we don’t always talk about.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely been far from smooth, but I’ve come to appreciate that the struggles are part of what makes the journey so meaningful. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been staying true to my vision while navigating the demands of the fashion industry. There’s always pressure to create something that fits into certain commercial expectations, but I’ve never wanted to compromise the deeper themes and messages behind my work, even when it means taking a more difficult path.

Another challenge has been proving myself, especially because my designs tend to explore darker, more unconventional ideas. It hasn’t always been easy to have people immediately understand or connect with what I’m trying to say through my pieces. Being named a finalist for the 2023 CFDA Scholarship Fund was a moment that really stood out for me—it was a reminder that there’s space for my voice, even if it doesn’t fit the traditional mold. It felt like validation that the risks I’ve taken were worth it.

There have also been plenty of logistical hurdles—things like sourcing materials—a lot of the leather I used was from deadstock in Italy—managing tight deadlines and dealing with unexpected complications. I remember one particularly stressful time when several of my pieces were stuck overseas right before a major show, and I had to make some quick adjustments on the fly. These kinds of moments can feel overwhelming, but they’ve taught me how to stay resilient and think on my feet. I’ve realized that the bumps in the road have shaped who I am as a designer. Every challenge has pushed me to grow, both in my craft and personally, and I’ve learned that the setbacks are just as important as the successes.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work centers on exploring the psychological and societal pressures placed on the body, particularly the female form. I’m fascinated by how history and culture have distorted the image of femininity, and I express this through garments that blur the lines between fashion and art. A lot of my pieces draw inspiration from historical silhouettes like corsets and crinolines, but I deconstruct and reimagine them in ways that challenge conventional ideas of beauty. I use materials like leather, wool, and organza, often incorporating raw, visceral textures that mimic the harsh realities women face.

What sets me apart is that my work isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. I use fashion as a medium to provoke conversations about deeper, often uncomfortable themes like power dynamics, societal anxiety, and gendered violence. My designs are sculptural, and I often present them alongside sculptural elements like meat hooks, creating a jarring contrast between beauty and brutality. I want people to not just see the clothes but feel the message behind them.

One of the moments I’m most proud of was designing custom pieces for Ashnikko’s “Possession of a Weapon” music video and world tour. That project allowed me to merge my artistic vision with a broader platform, reaching an audience that resonated with the darker, surreal elements of my work. I’m also proud of the recognition I’ve received, including being named a 2023 CFDA Scholarship Fund Finalist and a finalist for the 2024 Hand & Lock Embroidery Prize. These achievements have pushed me to keep refining my craft and breaking boundaries.

What really sets me apart is my dedication to exploring the darker aspects of the human experience through fashion. I’m not afraid to tackle uncomfortable themes and present them in ways that make people think and question. For me, fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a way to tell stories, challenge perceptions, and spark conversations about the complexities of femininity and power.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has definitely played a role in my journey, especially in moments when my work has been recognized. Winning the 2024 Luminarts Award, the 2024 MUSE Design Award Silver, and the 2024 DNA Paris Design Award felt like a mix of luck, timing, and dedication. Those moments gave me validation and the confidence to continue exploring unconventional themes in my work, showing me that there’s a place for what I do.

I also feel incredibly fortunate to have had a strong support system throughout my career. My friends, teachers, and family have all been so encouraging, offering guidance and standing by me even during the most challenging times. And, of course, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the mentorship of Nick Cave, who has consistently pushed me to stay true to my vision. His belief in my work has been a huge influence on how I approach my art and career.

I believe luck—whether good or bad—has shaped my path, but it’s the support of the people around me and the lessons from those difficult moments that have made the most difference. Having that kind of backing has given me the strength to persevere and grow in ways I couldn’t have on my own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://peicenjiang.cargo.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6jiang6/

Image Credits
Model @always_athok
Photography @onemorecig_
Stylist @jmknz_