Terence Zhou, the visionary designer behind Bad Binch TongTong, has been awarded the prestigious CFDA/Genesis AAPI Design + Innovation Grant. This recognition marks a significant milestone in his career, as he joins a lineage of talented designers who have previously received this honor. The grant, presented by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Genesis, is a testament to Zhou's exceptional talent and his ability to blend cultural heritage with contemporary innovation. The program's primary goal is to empower AAPI designers by providing financial support, mentorship, and a platform to showcase their unique collections that explore cultural identity through innovative design.
The grand finale of this journey took place on a Thursday evening at Genesis House in New York, where the finalists, including Zhou, Allina Liu, and Kim Shui, presented their exquisite collections. The event was a celebration of creativity and cultural fusion, with each designer bringing their unique perspective to the forefront. Tedros Mengiste, the chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America, expressed his admiration for the designers' transformative journey, stating, 'It has been inspiring to witness the creativity and cultural perspective each designer brought to this program.'
Zhou's winning collection, a three-piece masterpiece, delved into the concept of innovation as a state of incubation, where heritage and modernity coexist harmoniously. Inspired by the Chinese creation myth of Pan Gu, the collection featured translucent sculptural forms that housed garments with deliberately softened, partially concealed details. The design drew parallels between the cosmic egg and the Korean moon jar, symbolizing a progression from origin to transformation to forward motion. This interpretation of innovation as refinement rather than rupture set Zhou's work apart and showcased his unique approach to fashion.
The CFDA/Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant not only provided Zhou with a substantial financial boost of $100,000 but also offered additional resources to further develop his business. This includes $60,000 to enhance his business operations and $40,000 from Genesis, the automotive brand, to support the creation of his collection. During the five-month program, Zhou and his fellow finalists embarked on a cultural journey to Seoul, where they drew inspiration for their final collections. This immersive experience allowed them to explore and incorporate cultural elements into their designs.
Zhou's journey to becoming a renowned designer began at the Parsons School of Design, where he graduated in 2020 with a degree in fashion design. He also participated in a student exchange program at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, in the U.K. His passion for art and fashion led him to found Bad Binch TongTong in 2021, a fashion and art brand known for its avant-garde silhouettes, surreal aesthetics, and theatrical runway moments. The brand has gained recognition and has been worn by prominent figures such as Kim Kardashian, Sza, Lizzo, Kris Jenner, Eileen Gu, and Karlie Kloss.
In an interview with WWD, Zhou expressed his gratitude and pride, stating, 'I’m really proud of myself. For me, I wanted to tell my younger self that the passion for art has never died or never waned and it becomes stronger and stronger when he listens to his inner voice.' This sentiment reflects his belief in the power of self-expression and the importance of following one's inner calling.
Zhou's unique approach to fashion grants is what set him apart. He appreciates the opportunity to combine heritage and innovation, as it is rare in the fashion industry. He values the encouragement to create groundbreaking designs that challenge the status quo, which aligns perfectly with his creative spirit. Zhou's process involves daily meditation, during which specific images and inner guidance inspire his creations. This intuitive approach has led to the development of his distinctive and captivating designs.
Looking ahead, Zhou is eager to continue developing his business and combining his conceptual ideas with tangible products. His long-term goal is to create an immersive experience for his customers, where they can step into his world and feel inspired by his artwork. In the short term, he aims to bring his edgy, conceptual, and artistic vision to the forefront, challenging the boundaries of fashion and inspiring others to embrace their creativity.
Zhou's design studio in the Garment Center is a hub of creativity, where he works with a team of assistants. Their approach to fashion is unconventional, as they embrace experimentation and pivoting. Zhou's focus on direct-to-consumer sales and their viral mermaid dress product showcases their strategic approach to building a successful fashion brand. By prioritizing quality over quantity, Zhou aims to create a lasting impact in the fashion industry and inspire others to follow their creative passions.
