Creativity By design – the fine art of fashion
T he cultural arts of deconstruction and maximalism are woven through the creative concepts of College Old Boy Eric Liu. Now studying at Central Saint Martins – University of the Arts London, Eric brings his unique imagery to life with strong colour blocks that enhance each distinct viewpoint. Committed to pursuing a career in fashion design, the skilled artist plans to be a menswear designer in England, with his pieces inspired by deconstruction and maximalism. Renowned as the world’s top- ranked centre for art and design, Central Saint Martins is a dream place of design and development for Eric. “Securing a place at Central Saint Martins has been a lifelong aspiration of mine, and I'm deeply honoured to have been chosen among a select few from around the world,” he says. “It only offers fashion design places to about 60
students each year. It is harder to gain a place at Central Saint Martins than Harvard.” Reflecting on his journey, Eric explains that his “passion for art, design, and fashion came from a dream when I was 12”. “I knew then that this was my path,” he says. For Eric, his art and designs seek to challenge traditional perceptions – both on the canvas and in fashion. Fragmentation that still manages to flow is also central to his art, along with a rare capacity to deliver different dimensions. A deconstructed silhouette heightens Eric’s approach to every innovative fashion piece. Equally, vibrant colours, patterns, distinctive textures, and meaningful images are all in play within his work. Imbued by his own background and experiences, Eric delivers a diversity of style in all his art and design work. Having left his home in Nanjing, China at age 12, his formative years flow from his first
international student experience in Year 8 at Kirkwood Intermediate School in Christchurch. In 2019, Eric arrived at Christ’s College as a boarder, again moving into a new and occasionally challenging environment at a young age. “It was my family’s idea to come to New Zealand for my education,” Eric recalls. “They thought it would be a good experience for me and an opportunity to grow. I settled into life at Flower’s House, and appreciated the support I found, including from the House Matron, Karen Adams. While it was a very different place, I enjoyed my time in the House and particularly my final school year when I could focus solely on my art and designs. It all went by lightning fast.” Having long held a passion for creating stunning pieces, Eric believes that “fashion is a bridge between art and design”. “I have always been absorbed in fashion design and by combining that with my love of art, I have
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