Sultry Virgin is an independent, upcoming fashion brand that you'll want to keep under your radar.
The label was founded in 2020 by Xu Yan and Wang Quige. The brand first made its debut with the collection 'The Fem Beach' at the latest Shanghai Fashion Week. Their designs immediately went viral among fashion lovers on Twitter with fans describing themselves as 'obsessed' with the Y2K 'chick-flick' aesthetic that radiated from the collection.
Despite the clothing feeling ultrafeminine, Xu Yan and Wang Quige describe their designs as being unisex, for anyone to wear. Shanghai Fashion Week describes Sultry Virgin as hoping to 'conduct gentle resistance […] to the normative gender aesthetics and gaze in the current society.’ Ultimately this means, Sultry Virgin's designs are actively aiming to defy the 'male gaze' and break down gender norms.
In case you didn't know, the 'Male Gaze' was a term coined in 1975 by feminist theorist Mulvey. The 'Male Gaze' describes women in the media being viewed through the eyes of a heterosexual male, thus, they are ultimately objectified.
“I don’t recall seeing any brands discussing gender issues before 2019. (Designers) these days are certainly more daring and eager to express themselves.” Jacky Chen, Founder of Voguing Shanghai to Sixth Tone
Wang Quige stated that Sultry Virgin is not about hostility towards men, it is about empowering women, stating 'we just want girls to be proud of who they are'.
With just over 1000 followers on Instagram, the brand is in the early stages and is definitely one to keep an eye on if you are into feminist fashion and the re-emergence of the ultrafeminine, 'Y2K' look.
Researching into smaller labels is extremely valuable when thinking ahead to my future career. By the time I graduate from University, I imagine a lot of these smaller labels will have grown within the fashion landscape, therefore, will have more roles open. Keeping an eye on smaller brands that I love and connect with, could be what helps me find an opening for an incredible role in the future.
I love the ultra-feminine aesthetic that Sultry Virgin’s clothing and overall brand identity exudes. I would be particularly interested in a role of graphic design or art direction for Sultry Virgin, as I love their current visuals and how they are not afraid to be ‘playful’, taking the brand into a fresh, youthful direction. It keeps me wanting more, and I cannot wait to see what comes next. I will continue to follow their journey over the next few years, and keep an eye out for any opportunities within the brand.
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