Andrew Ng

Andrew Ng

Collection

I Would Prefer Not To

I Would Prefer Not To is a collection that in the very provocative spirit of Slovenian philosopher, Slavoj Zizek, aims to shake the viewer out of a dogmatic ideological slumber. “I would prefer not to,” is a phrase originating in Herman Melville’s 1853, short story, Bartleby, the Scrivener, in which a copywriter, in response to his boss’ requests, repeatedly responds back with the phrase, “I would prefer not to.”
To say, “you are alive,” is to affirm a predicate. As such, to say, “you are not alive (dead),” is to negate a predicate. But in between, also exists a third option: to say, “you are un-dead;” perhaps you exist in the uncanny, as a “zombie” or “vampire,” neither dead nor alive: an affirmation of a non-predicate. Negating a predicate, oftentimes, reaffirms the very power structure you seeked to reject, and only simulates resistance. As such, doing something can result in doing nothing, and on the contrary, by doing nothing we can do something. This collection explores the malleability of unconventional materials, using, cellulose sponge, aluminum foil, and simultaneous inflation and vacuum sealing; materials that neither conform nor resist to any given shape. In constant flux, they say: I Would Prefer Not To.
Image: Yes-Man, features a hoodie and board short combo, made out of molded cellulose sponge concealed between the lining. In instances where we are confronted with a choice, unfavorable to us, or with no good choice, saying I would prefer to, is an act of conformity to the surrounding power structure. But how often do we do this daily? How often do we mold ourselves according to our surroundings, and even more commonly, how often do we mold ourselves unknowingly? This look, is a representation of external conformity, and pays homage to the style of one indulging in a “hedonistic” lifestyle. The sponge in between lining, when soaked in water, will mold to its wearer or its wearer’s surroundings. The irony, being that these are “board shorts” that can’t get wet.
Image: No-Man, consists of a four armed tinfoiled lined shirt inspired by Superman’s iconic “ripping open of the shirt.” Saying “I do not want to,” or “I would not prefer to” is oftentimes a form of simulated resistance. This look plays on this idea, of taking action as a form of simulated resistance. In becoming “No-Man,” this superhero of resistance, and trying to “do” as much as we can, with four arms (lined in tin foil), we do nothing. This is paired with exposed tinfoil pants, making reference to the trope of conspiracy theorists “wearing a tinfoil hat.” They “act” in hopes that their brains will not be controlled by the government, but in doing so are doing nothing but simulating resistance. This is paired with a padded muscle top on the inside with a laser cut leather “N” motif.
Image: Bartleby The Comedian, consists of a sideways blazer complete with a sideways collar, lapel, and side button opening. On the side view, the blazer looks “straight.” The “front” features a half blazer front made out of molded sponge, painted yellow with highlight accents on the wrinkles and folds. This induces the effect of a faux opening, at the front. Instead the wearer must open the blazer on the side view. Taking reference to Cattelan’s Comedian, the trousers are paired with a similar faux opening, with the fly opening, leading to a duct tape covered godet restricting entry to the pant. Instead the wearer, must open the trouser on the side. 
Image: Untitled(x2), starts with a framed piece of fabric, with an “I” motif. The wearer presses their face into the fabric, allowing the wrinkles and shadows of their face to show through, creating the illusion of the face. The “canvas” here is the ultimate representation of “I would prefer not to,” a true refusal of preferring not to be “I.” But in instances where, one does not want to commit to philosophical extremes, such as in the case of Bartleby, who preferred not to eat and later “preferred not” to death, we too, can say: “I would prefer not to, but I choose to.” As such, one can take the frame off and hang it onto a wall, re-integrating oneself back into society. This time, however, the sponge that makes up both the t-shirt and pant, stays neutral and does not wrinkle. Additionally, the t-shirt comes with detachable text plates, that allow you to interchange between “prefer to,” “not prefer to,” and “prefer not to.”
Image: The titular look of the collection, juxtaposes acceptance and resistance, with simultaneous vacuum seal shrinkage, and inflation. The vacuum seal shrinkage, a representation of simulated resistance, while the inflation a representation of conformity. This is paired puffer pants quilted from a down alternative comforter. Both jacket and vest battery powered, it is only when the wearer deflates the inflatable jacket, and re-inflates the deflated vest that they say: I Would Prefer Not To. 
Image: Sideways Blazer: New front view, with elongated lapel and welt pockets on front and back to create the illsuion of the "front," on the side. Secured by an internal harness, that allows the arm to slip in and out of the blazer.
Image: Sideways Trouser: New back view, with accentuated pleats to create the illusion of two legs, on side view. Fly opening, on other side of pant.
Image: Cellulose sponge hoodie. Sponge sculpted and hidden inside of lining.
Image: An ode to the infamous picture of Slavoj Zizek eating two hot dogs at once.
Image: Muscle Padded Top with No Man "N" motif. Paired with aluminum foil bonded pants.
Image: Four sleeved "pant" shirt with aluminum foil bonded in between. Malleable, and ready to be sculpted to the wearer. Can be worn in either top or bottom arm.
Image: Duck taped godet on front of trouser. Cellulose sponge, half blazer vest, molded and hand painted.
Image: Vacuum seal vest powered by electronic vacuum pumps. Inflatable jacket to be overlayed on top of vacuum seal vest.
Image: Inflatable jacket powered by electronic fans, with compartments for portable batteries. Simultaneous vacuum seal and inflation.

Bio

Andrew Ng, is a conceptual storyteller and fashion designer. With a background in screenwriting and film, he leverages his understanding of narrative, philosophy, and art, to create narrative based collections; collections that are truly committed to telling stories that stem from clothing but also continue to exist beyond. He designs for all genders, and has particular interest in creating garments from unusual materials. His designs reflect his constant curiosity and desire to break rules and create compelling, satirical, and comedic work. Work that he hopes sparks confused amazement, and is both smart, yet silly; the type of work that he used to cherish as a kid, after wandering a museum, and would spend quizzically wondering about for the rest of the day.

Email: andrewngdesign@gmail.com
Instagram

VisitorsClose