Happy Birthday

While celebrating my 28th birthday this month, it felt like the perfect opportunity to spotlight the talented fashion designer Celine Kwan. Her unique design approach has always intrigued and inspired me, and her new Happy Birthday collection makes her a fitting subject for this article.

In her latest “Happy Birthday” collection for the Fall/Winter 2024 season, Celine Kwan continues to showcase her distinctive design aesthetic by seamlessly blending nostalgia with modern innovation. Renowned for her bold use of vibrant colors, quirky silhouettes, and psychedelic patterns inspired by past eras, Kwan injects a playful and whimsical spirit into her creations, aiming to evoke joy and awaken the inner child in each of us.

Drawing inspiration from her most cherished childhood memories, particularly her birthday celebrations, Kwan infuses her pieces with a personal and nostalgic touch.
My favorite piece from this collection is the “Candle” dress. Its originality and vibrant colors truly captivated me. It’s remarkable how specific objects, like candles, can evoke memories such as blowing out birthday candles from my childhood. It’s even more impressive knowing that the “Candle” dress took two weeks to sew, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail in Kwan’s work.

What I also admire about this collection is Celine Kwan’s choice to collaborate with an emerging photographer, Lee Peijin, for her campaign. By spotlighting a lesser-known artist, she provides visibility to new talents, reinforcing the importance of supporting and uplifting those just starting to make their mark in the creative world.

Having graduated from Central Saint Martins in fashion design and textile printing, Celine Kwan places a strong emphasis on textures and patterns, creating unique designs that give her collections a distinctive visual identity. Her pragmatic design approach ensures that each creation tells a story and resonates with a sense of individuality.

In addition to her creative vision, Celine Kwan’s dedication to sustainability and innovation shines through in her exploration of technologies like 3D printing. By incorporating eco-friendly materials and innovative techniques, such as using 3D printing to design floral appliqués, she showcases her commitment to creating fashion that is not only aesthetically stunning but also environmentally responsible.

Personally, her “Happy Birthday ” collection isn’t my absolute favorite,except for the Candle dress, which is a true standout for me. I really appreciate her Welcome Home collection (Autumn/Winter 2022) for its extremely original colors and patterns, which incorporate many elements from the 70s. I loved how she pushed boundaries by adding a lot of volume to her pieces, giving them a bold and unique look.

Kwan, C. (2023). Welcome Home [Collection de mode]. Instagram. THANK YOU 2022 🌸💗.https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm1CO-dyYvc/?img_index=1

As for her latest collection, Never Cute, Always Adorable (Spring/Summer 2025), I find the return of the punk-coquette style fantastic. To me, it fits perfectly within the Y2K trend, reminiscent of Avril Lavigne and characters like Effy from Skins, which brings back fond memories of my childhood

Laaglace. (2024). Never Cute, Always Adorable [Photographie de la collection de mode de Celine Kwan]. Instagram.https://www.celinekwan.com/collections/aw22

As I journey through another year, Kwan’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing joy, celebrating our uniqueness, and cherishing the playful moments of our childhood. Her creations reflect the significance of savoring life’s simple pleasures, embracing our individuality, and rediscovering the magic that illuminated our youth.

Source of the featured image : Peijin, L. (2024). Happy Birthday Collection. [Photographies] https://www.celinekwan.com/collections/aw24