Eirocori is a clothing brand born out of Shanghai, China, founded by Corie Ruochen Fan, with a very futuristic, narrative-based aesthetic. It visually combines the recent surge of subversive basics alongside Japanese streetwear seen in 90s magazines such as Fruits, with very loosefitting, relaxed silhouettes and intricately printed fabrics.

The brand originated from Corie’s love of clothes-making in combination with her current occupation in fine art, creating abstract, colourful prints inspired by nature and experience. For her first collection, simply titled ‘part one : encounter’, she printed her artworks onto clothing to represent her visual presence, with promotion including an avatar of 3D models wearing her garments.

From there on out, eirocori has gained a cult following, and this past September has released her third collection, named ‘vol 3. Universe 26’, seemingly inspired by the world the designer believes we are headed into, following societal collapse and climate change, with designs including practical yet stylish long-sleeves, interestingly printed t-shirts, layered skirts, adorable hood hats and messenger bags, representing a post-apocalyptic, yet seemingly stylish future for our civilisation.

What drew you to fashion in the first place? What does your brand contribute to the fashion world in your own words?

My introduction to fashion was actually the exhibition on Alexander McQueen at the MET, a truly life-changing experience (and a bit of a cliché)! When I was brainstorming for the brand back in 2019, I realised there was a lack of clothing that sits in between comfort and creativity. Also when I brought up putting graphics on clothes, my friends all thought I was going to make t-shirts! That cleared things up for me, I wanted to make clothes that combine comfort and creativity in my creative language (but not t-shirts!)

What are the meanings and inspirations behind your recent collection, Universe 26? Universe 26, as well as a predominant part of your work, all seem very narrative-based. What is the narrative of Universe 26? Where is Universe 26- what is its story?

Ethologist John B. Calhoun conducted an experiment on social behaviours of mice. His team constructed a utopian environment, known as ‘Universe 25’, where the mice had the perfect living conditions, yet the population eventually demised. I see it as a sort of prophecy of where our society is heading, making the world we live in today ‘Universe 26’.

What direction do you believe fashion itself is headed within seeing the rise of digital processes within fashion?

I think the rise of digital processes within fashion is actually triggering the nostalgia in us. Whilst technology is advancing, I also see more people investing in vintage, second hand pieces and young creative brands.

How important is technology to your own process and work? In what ways do you utilise the rise of digital fashion?

To be honest, I’m a bit on the fence when it comes to technology and digital fashion. I’m always drawn to traditional techniques, even when I draw I still prefer to do it physically on paper. Technology is great when it comes to presenting your vision to the world and building an online presence. But I think when it comes to physical clothing, traditions always give it a special charm.

I noticed that a lot of your pieces include your own abstract artworks- what inspires these pieces? What mediums do you use to create?

The inspirations come from everywhere, a photo perhaps, or a verse I once heard. I work heavily with colored pencils and markers on paper.

Who is the eirocori target customer to you? Who do you create for? If you could have any figure wear your brand who would it be? And what pieces would you dress them in?

People like me who have trouble finding clothes in shops because they are either too dressy, too boring, or too expensive? I haven’t thought of dressing anyone in specific. I just love to see customers wearing my pieces, and I hope I can continue to dress them!

I see that you are based in Shanghai- does the city inspire your work in any way?

Shanghai has a great creative dynamic, similar to cities like London and New York. However, I don’t go out a lot, I mostly get inspired by the people around me!

What is your message to any young designers reading- do you have any advice for individuals wishing to break onto the fashion scene?

It’s better to start small, learn how to manage it, then move on to expanding it.

What are your hopes for the future of eirocori? Where do you want the brand to progress?

The world of eirocori in my mind is very diverse. I really don’t want to limit it to just clothes, there are so many other projects I’d love to try! However, time is my greatest enemy as I’m still working solo. For now, I want to focus on making the clothing better