Nov 3

Nov 3 Sugar-Coated

Danny Feng is a 2020 fashion design graduate from the Art EZ University of Arts, in the Netherlands. He directed SUGAR-COATED as an editorial means of sharing the coming of age story of a group of misfit hikikomori boys, and their experience dealing with fear and social anxiety before finding pride and confidence. Though fictional, this story is one based on Danny’s own childhood spent seeking out a sense of belonging. Taking inspiration from the Japanese anime and manga culture that influenced his youth, SUGAR-COATED emits a feeling of fighting for a place in the world, but where in finding that place, “The sugar-coating they [hikikomori boys] put on because of social discrimination will wear off eventually, and they won’t be so sweet anymore.” His fashion designs aim to push the boundary of menswear so that “it’s not so serious”, but slightly comedic or sarcastic instead. Meanwhile SUGAR-COATED aims to bring awareness to mental illness and social discrimination.