After a revelatory conversation between Wang Yue Feng and Chen Hang, the founders of SIMPLE PROJECT, on a coastal bike ride in 2016, SIMPLE PROJECT was born. The collaboration made a lot of sense between them—Wang and Cheng had known each other since high school and had always had a mutual interest in cycling and fashion.
-- Founders Wang Yue Feng (left) and Chen Hang (right) in the early days
Having similar aesthetics, Wang sketched up some designs based on their combined outlook on life. The goal was to create a “simple community.” Wang and Chen shared that their MBTIs are INFP and ISFJ, respectively, making them a strong creative and driven duo.
In its early days, SIMPLE PROJECT had a heavier focus on street style. It eventually evolved into a fusion of nature, with pieces that are stylish and comfortable enough for daily wear. Reminiscing on the launch of the label, Wang says “My family were very supportive and even wore the pieces that we made. The very first items we made were a pair of cropped suit pants and a basic T-shirt. From not knowing how to manufacture pieces to now, we have always relied on our passion to keep us going.”
-- Founder Wang Yue Feng with his current bike
When they first started out, Chen was still running his own bicycle shop and wanted to produce eye-catching yet practical clothing for people who like cycling. Wang helped him bring his vision to life by designing a T-shirt with pockets on the back, which freed the arms of a cycler.
SIMPLE PROJECT’s current team is made up of about 40 people, and Wang and Chen are mainly responsible for two areas. Wang oversees development, production, and creative direction while Chen oversees sales channels, marketing, and e-commerce design.
-- SIMPLE PROJECT team shoot from a couple years ago
-- SIMPLE PROJECT studio
Cities and nature are Chen and Hang’s biggest sources of inspiration. The designer duo aim to communicate their subtle observations on the world through their designs. While Chen Hang has a more minimalistic style, Wang Yue Feng prefers military-inspired pieces.
In recent years, Wang has been studying traditional folk elements and techniques such as beading, knotting, and pleating. Anything related to humanities and culture serves as inspiration for them. Some of the things that spark inspiration are Tibetan cloth pieces, objects that Tibetans use in their daily lives, their primitive crafts, and colors that are symbolically rich in their culture.
-- Product research by Wang Yue Feng
Lately, SIMPLE PROJECT has been more interested in taking inspiration from China’s ethnic dialects, paying homage to the cofounders’ homeland. Wang and Chen have been planning on taking a trip to Shangri-La, Yunnan, to learn about the origins of some ethnic groups.
Of course, SIMPLE PROJECT not only takes inspiration from ideas but from people too. In the past, they have been inspired by graphic designers, fashion models, and even fashion design students. Observing the world around them is part of Wang and Chen’s design process.
-- @poggytheman
Wang's main fashion idol is Poggy. He is endlessly inspired by Poggy's style and how he mixes the new with the old. Wang says, “I have a tendency to combine my present self with my past self. Our clothing represents my aesthetic and is a reflection of my daily wear, to some extent.”
As a child, Chen observed how his mother picked out garments. He believes his mother’s love for vintage clothing has greatly influenced his style today.
When it comes to creating new collections, the designer duo doesn’t rely on a fixed framework. Instead, they draw from their current aesthetics, life experiences, and sometimes take inspiration from past collections.
Discover SIMPLE PROJECT SS24.
Available now, exclusively at VERSEAS.
