As the youngest designer in New York Fashion Week history, Mark Gong has captivated audiences with his elemental designs inspired by Mother Earth. Incorporating both his global travels and encounters with nature into sensory-provoking ensembles, Gong continues to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in fashion. 

For MARKGONG’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection, Gong unveiled a tapestry of couture-like ensembles reminiscent of camping. The collection embodies Gong’s immersive experiences with the environment at Midland school in Los Olivos, California, featuring a mélange of handcrafted feathers, woven fabrics, and beaded droplets.

Here, Mark Gong spoke with VMAN about his evolving fashion career, as well as his compelling relationship with Mother Nature. Read the full Q&A below:

VMAN: As a graduate of Los Olivos, California’s Midland School, which was secluded in nature, and Parsons School of Design, one of the top fashion schools in the world, how does your knowledge gained from both schools play into the label?

Mark Gong: I of course, had two completely different experiences in Los Olivos and NYC. Most of the time at Midland School was spent secluded in nature without any technology – which drove me to crave and dream about the fashion world as it’s what seemed farthest away and most difficult to approach. I was born and raised in an urban city so being plopped into nature as a teenager had a huge impact. Your teenage years are a great time of transition and self-discovery, so to do that in a place so unfamiliar really gave me a unique perspective going forward. The jump from Midland to Parsons didn’t feel as drastic as I was accustom to city living from my childhood, however, I think the effects of my time in nature can be clearly seen in my design direction. I love to combine organic materials and asymmetric construction into my designs while maintaining a very clean urban aesthetic. It’s all in the small details.

VMAN: Do you feel like there’s a push and pull between your divided backgrounds in nature and the city?

MG: Initially I think there was a bit of a struggle between the two – however, as I’ve gained knowledge and maturity as a designer I think I’ve found a really good balance. I know myself more now and that’s caused me to become more comfortable with it.

VMAN: What are your thoughts on the representation of the natural world and the environment within fashion? Do you find it important given the times we’re living in? Why?

MG: Not just the fashion industry, but the entire world has started putting more effort into finding ways to reduce waste – which is inherently a representation of nature as we try to preserve it. However, the vastness of the natural world’s impact on our industry is a bit hard to define, so I think a lot of designers would find this question difficult to answer. As humans, we tend to worship the beauty of mother nature which is why it can be found in any medium of artwork – paintings, sculpture, or well-designed garments. The natural world has always inspired us to create beautiful things but as time has gone by, people forgot that our planet only has limited resources. As of now – people are starting to pause a bit and consider other options, so we can continue to create beautiful things without harming the environment as much as we have thus far. It’s a difficult task for everyone – but something we must keep in mind from now on.

VMAN: Tell us a little bit more about the Spring/Summer 2020 collection.

MG: The theme for the SS20 collection is “Camping”. As mentioned, Midland school encourages students to get close to nature and learn from the environment surrounding them. This really stuck with me, and I wanted to bring it back for a full high fashion collection. The mix of outdoor accessories and luxury dresses represent exactly who I am and who I was. A kid who loves luxury goods and designer brands so much he wore them to go hiking and camping.

VMAN: Given your global travels have led to the inspiration for your designs, which cities are your favorite to pull ideas from?

MG: The FW20 collection was inspired by several cities throughout Europe. I pulled ideas from the 16th, and 17th centuries and mixed those ideas with modern silhouettes. The mixture of old and new is something I would like to incorporate in all collections moving forward.

VMAN: Can you talk about and describe some of your one of a kind creations for your private clientele?

MG: I usually start with sketches which are based on how I see a client and the connection between us. Last November we had a private salon show at the beautiful home of one of our most beloved clients. She invited her friends to join us at the salon where we showcased previous season designs, as well as some exclusives. Throughout the afternoon I spent extra time speaking with attendees to discuss what they want and provide advice on what styles we can create.

VMAN: If you could give MARKGONG a mission statement, what would it be? What do you want the label to say or achieve?

MG: It’s all about delivering a pleasant and carefree lifestyle. Our woman is someone with a strong personality who isn’t afraid to embrace her own passion. We hope we can deliver this message through our current designs, but will also not stop seeking new ideas and ways to do so.

VMAN: Do you have favorite looks from the S/S 20 collection? Why?

MG: If I have to pick one, it’s probably the camping rope vest over sheer organza jumpsuit. The vest, in particular, features a weaving technique that was developed specifically for this collection, and it represents the full spirit of SS20.

VMAN: Being one with the earth as a result of your upbringing, do you think sustainability in fashion should increase worldwide?

MG: Yes – especially as awareness on the topic grows and being a part of the second-largest polluting industry on earth. I try to share the message of sustainability and hope that as a brand we can create something beautiful, yet harmless to our planet. Everyone should be involved and we should work together to make our beautiful home last.

VMAN: With your brand establishing in 2015 and being fairly new, where do you want or see MARKGONG going in the future?

MG: As said in our mission statement, I want MARKGONG as a brand to continue spreading this carefree and pleasant spirit in the future. We’ll also try our best to support and work with  talent we love, and make this world a little better in our own way.