Viscose is a new journal for fashion criticism. Launched between Copenhagen and New York in 2021, the periodical publishes critical writing and projects by a wide range of authors from the worlds of art, fashion, literature, and academia. Through specially edited thematic issues, Viscose gives space to projects that challenge and expand the possibilities of research, practice, and critique of fashion.
This special third issue, co-edited with London-based writer and director Cheuk NG, and designed by Shanghai-based echocatcher, sets out to deconstruct the notion of “Asias” through fashion. With an emphasis on the term’s plural possibilities, the issue seeks out stories deep within fashion’s global supply chain, and reflects on the porous communities of fashion producers and consumers around the world that may self-identify as “Asian.” Focusing on the regions bordering the South China Sea, with contributors from over 10 countries as well as their global diasporas, the issue contests the idea of Asia as a singular idea, image, and even place, instead engendering an array of “Asias” that are employed symbolically, economically, socially, and politically across fashion’s frenzied systems.
Based on two years of research, the issue pays special attention to how Asian fashion producers have fashioned Asia in the past and in the present, and how tactics of symbolic stylisation and self-orientalization develop and respond to the contemporary zeitgeist. From Vivienne Tam’s controversial Mao dress from 1995 to today’s heritage-hacking by designers in China, Philippines, and the UK, the issue charts an unexplored history of stylization of origin that is enormously ambiguous and often ambivalent, particularly as it plays out as fashion. Published in partnership with X Museum, Beijing.
Issue contributors include: Yat Pit, Joni Zhu, Thuy Pham/United Bamboo, Hu Yinping, Troi Oi, Sung Tieu, Joyce NG, Asai, Cheuk NG, Xiaopeng Yuan, Feyfey Worldwide, Thuy Linh Nguyen Tu, Strong The, PZ World, Bruno Zhu, Carl Jan Cruz, Ma Huilan, Luke Sylvester Quismundo, Alice Sarmiento, Elaine Wing-Ah Ho, Toton, CFGNY, Philip Huang, Korakrit Arunanondchai, Poppy Wu, Fan Yang, Shanzhai Lyric, Zairong Zhang, Sara Liao, Samuel Gui Yang, VeniceW, Keke Tumbuan, Baby Reni, Ican Harem, Mandy PinkyGurl, Arlette Quynh Anh Tran, Giang.it, Julie Chen, Rui Zhou, Simon Wu, Mara Coson, Syna Chen, Seth Shapiro/American Manufacturing, Evelyn Taocheng Wang.
6 x 8", 262 pages
7 x 14.5" faux fan sleeve
softcover
Please note: while the magazine enclosed will be in perfect condition, the faux fan sleeve folds easily. As such, dents and folds in this encasement are to be expected, particularly if your order requires further shipping.