Nature's Artistry

Chagan Moments 

In the heart of Northeast China’s winter, an ancient ritual takes place on the frozen Chagan Lake. There, temperatures drop to -30°C and ice thickens to two meters as local fishermen engage in a time-honored practice that connects human ingenuity with nature’s harsh realities. This traditional winter fishing method, marked by reverence for the environment, begins with a tribute placed upon the ice—a silent invocation to show respect for nature’s balance.

The fishermen’s meticulous process involves drilling precise holes through the thick ice layer, creating access points that will let them reach the water below. As fish are caught, the nets are carefully extracted, instantly beginning to crystallise in the sub-zero air. This rapid transition from fluid biomatter to rigid, icy structure serves as a metaphor for the Chagan Moments project, which has been nominated for the prestigious Maison O/Green Trail 2024 project.

Fashion designer Thea Si Xu draws inspiration from this age-old practice, repurposing discarded fishing nets into something entirely novel. By collecting hundreds of metres of these old nets, Thea began a metamorphosis that mirrors the transformative processes observed in nature. Through careful hand-sewing, beading, and pleating techniques, these once-practical tools become delicate fabric designs. The resulting garments stand as a testament to the potential of upcycling and finding beauty in repurposed materials.

These pieces are very different from what they used to be – where once they were tools for fishing in a harsh winter landscape, they now exist as delicate works of wearable art. This transformation transcends the physical, encompassing a shift in context from the frozen lake to the fashion world.

The Chagan Moments project evolves beyond mere fashion. It serves as a reminder that beauty and innovation can emerge from unexpected sources, and that the garments we wear can connect us to traditions and environments far removed from our daily lives.

These fashionable creations reflect the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. Just as the Chagan Lake fishermen have for generations adapted to harsh winter conditions, Thea has turned discarded nets into fine garments.

The Chagan Moments project encourages us to explore unusual materials and methods in our product creation, always aiming to reduce waste and honour natural cycles. We aim to support innovators who, like the fishermen of Chagan Lake and artist Thea, create beauty from adversity and transform environmental challenges into opportunities, fostering a resilient and imaginative future.