Please don’t get up, graduate designer Ada Fong wants you to stay in bed

What dreams are made of.

Dreams, in both the ambitious and narcoleptic definition, are often magical and aspirational spaces. For her graduate collection, Ada Fong wanted to harness that sense of emotional and physical unity we achieve while we’re asleep, but also the luxury of staying in bed all day.

We chatted with Ada about her designs, comfort zones and what comes next after graduation.

Hey Ada! Your collection is pretty conceptual, can you give us an overview?
Stay in Bed is a capsule collection about both the emotional comfort of bed and the sense of touch. I made six outfits including tops, pants, dresses, coats and accessories. The capsule includes sleeping positions, bedding layers, the environment and sleepwear as concepts and inspirations.

Why sleep?
My bedroom is my comfort zone, where I can freely be myself. I like to sleep and I don’t need to care about others when I’m there. It’s tiring to face reality sometimes, and lying in bed is the best meditation for me. Another reason is that sleep is a luxury to all fashion design students. We have a strong desire to sleep.

What does this theme mean for you personally?
I believe that many people share the same idea as me: that no one wants to leave their bed, especially on cold days. In the last few years, depression has influenced me and my work a lot. I was considering changing my way of thinking and to start [the design process] with something that gives me emotional comfort. And that’s my bed. 

Talk us through the fabric and production of the pieces. What is unique about your collection?
The collection uses beddings and sleepwear as references. I used old pillowcases, fitted sheets, and a quilt cover I found at op-shops and played around with mannequins to brainstorm ideas. I looked into their materials, sizes, fastenings, details and techniques and then transformed them into wearable garments. I try to keep everything rectangular so some of the pieces can be put back in bed as pillowcases or blankets. I used premium cotton and wool fabrics to enhance the experience of comfort.

What do you hope others take from this collection?
People can choose their own way to interact with the garments to find comfort. The pieces have such a simple shape and people have no idea on which is the right way to wear it. I wanted the garments to act as a moveable bed that can be worn and taken anywhere to sleep. No restrictions!

I hope others can also find emotional comfort through my pieces by releasing their stress and sadness and having fun with them. It can also help with creative stimulation. If you’re at a roadblock, why not take a nap? It may help clear your mind and help you to come up with a solution. 

What are your next steps / what is planned for your career?
Applying for Masters and internships. I’m not ready for a full-time job yet and intend to broaden my design range outside of fashion. I have a strong interest in styling, so I look forward to collaborating more with other young creatives.

adafong.com