Dauphinette: Gods, Girls, and Monsters

Cheng meditates on the idea of death within this 50 percent upcycled collection — a topic that is fitting as Cheng seems to have mastered the idea of rebirth. But through this range of garments, Cheng does not seek to romanticize or decorate death, but rather, to investigate the unique set of beliefs that we as humans adopt throughout the topsy-turvy journey of life. Dissecting religion, marriage, and traditional ideals of both femininity and masculinity, Cheng presents a collection that honors the “little deaths” we experience every single day. And with every new cycle, these little deaths bring forth radiant new beginnings.

Little deaths can be hopeful or auspicious. Friendships and relationships may end and bring forth a pain unlike any other, but there is a bittersweet tinge to that pain — a reminder that there is a new chapter yet to unfurl. In celebration of these moments, and the many conflicting or clashing elements that characterize us all as humans, the designer brought forth a collection full of vintage mementos — from deadstock jackets embellished with broken jewelry, collected seashells, and pre-loved potholders, to dresses and co-ord sets pieced together from vintage bedding, to lampshade corsets. Cheng also collaborated with phone accessory brand Bandolier to create six phone cases for the collection, embezzled with googly eyes and wig hair, as well as The Real Real for sustainably-sourced footwear and eyewear. And, of course, in classic Dauphinette style, the collection’s silhouettes are unexpected and larger-than-life, like everything else the designer dreams up.

“‘A god, a girl, a monster — within the single span of most days I manage to feel like all three,” Cheng shares. See the full collection below.