Private Policy Shows New Fall/Winter 2021 Collection During NYFW

With these unprecedented times, PRIVATE POLICY brings awareness to this important historical achievement and acknowledges the xenophobic feelings of that era for their Fall-Winter 2021 collection during New York Fashion Week. With the worldwide global COVID-19 pandemic being perceived as an Asian virus, people are speaking up about ongoing racism and prejudices against Asian immigrants.

PRIVATE POLICY has chosen to retell the story of the Chinese railroad workers to acknowledge the phenomenal attributions older generations have contributed to, not only within their own communities but also to the nation. Combining western workwear with 19th Century Chinese garment details, we are inspired by the railroad workers’ layering style and the mix of eastern and western clothing based on functionality as seen in historical photographs. The PRIVATE POLICY FW21 collection aims to capture the essence of each worker’s unique and utilitarian aesthetic.

The collection also takes on a modern approach to traditional elements by reimagining stylistic motifs such as incorporating the mandarin collar and knot buttons, with Private Policy NY 90’s New York youth culture. The Private Policy signature soft harness has been reimagined as has the diner checker PXL pattern. These elements seamlessly showcase the mesmerizing attitude and characteristics of the surprisingly swaggy railroad workers.

Symbols and graphics for the collection were carefully selected and redesigned. Private Policy uses a crane, for example, an animal that represents longevity, elegance, auspiciousness, and loyalty in the Chinese culture and modernizes it in their own way. Throughout the collection, the crane is illustrated flying, (and reaching for a flag), mimicking the familiar imagery of the iconic American bald eagle and flag.

Additionally, the “Not Now” graphic, inspired by a quote from the famous indie art film CHAN IS MISSING (1982) is used throughout. The quote, “We don’t have wonton soup, we have wonton spelled backwards, not now!” is a very humorous line from a Chinese immigrant cook’s frustration with his lack of understanding of Chinese cuisine. This quote teases, and gives a nod, to the theme of the fall winter 21 collection, mirroring other culture’s general lack of understanding and appreciation of Asian American culture.

Private Policy has also collaborated with the Museum of Chinese in America, who has provided extensive research materials vital to the collection’s inspiration. A special t-shirt design will launch, along with other initiatives, to bring awareness to the NYC-based museum. The collection’s lookbook was shot at the museum, featuring a cast of diverse Chinese descendents who each share their unique story as it relates to their cultural roots.

This collection aims to become an educational introduction to spark more discovery and interest; and to hopefully bring to light this unique cultural history. Even though individual stories may now be covered in snow, blown away by sand, or lost in time, we will look harder to uncover and remember the Chinese railroad workers and their epic tales.

To learn more about Private Policy please visit: http://www.privatepolicyny.com/.

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Source: Private Policy, Agentry PR