Assisting in the Production of Flag Bearer Uniforms for the Beijing Winter Olympics
Scene from the Beijing Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony showcased the technological prowess of "Made in China." CABBEEN utilized "Internet+" technology and a fully digitalized, automated "smart manufacturing" factory to collaborate with designer WangFengchen in creating the flag bearer uniforms, presenting an image that balanced fashion and solemnity.
The Olympic flag bearer uniforms were designed by young designer WangFengchen and produced by CABBEEN. The artistic printed down jackets featured a reinterpretation of the classic painting A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains, which not only depicted the vast rivers and rolling mountains of the time but also symbolized the harmony between humans and nature, and the interconnectedness of the world.
Designer WangFengchen used traditional Chinese landscape painting elements as the background, applying gradient color techniques and embedding line-drawing art forms to depict representative Chinese historical buildings and iconic Olympic structures, bridging the gap between history and modernity.
CABBEEN employed "Internet+" technology and a fully digitalized, automated "smart manufacturing" factory to bring the designer's vision to life, blending tradition with a unique, modern aesthetic.
Mr. CABBEEN stated that participating in the production of the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony uniforms broadened his perspective on clothing. "We hope that in the future, clothing will not only be about appearance but also function, combining aesthetics with practicality."
Mr. CABBEEN
Owner of CABBEEN, Renowned Chinese Designer, and Golden Top Award Winner
Q - Beijing Youth Weekly
A - Mr. CABBEEN
Q: Regarding the text about the Winter Olympics flag bearers, the concept of a "smart manufacturing factory" was mentioned. What was the original intention behind creating such a factory, and what are the characteristics of the clothing produced there?
A: In modern society, everything changes rapidly. We keep pace with the progress of the times, and the craftsmanship and technology will also be updated accordingly. The establishment of the "Intelligent Manufacturing Factory" is both a breakthrough and a step forward. For instance, this time, CABBEEN has utilized the "Internet Plus" technology. The "Intelligent Manufacturing" factory, which features full-process digitization and system automation, applies the most cutting-edge technologies to the design and production process. It uses exquisite and rigorous craftsmanship to create clothing that combines functionality and comfort. For example, once the design plan is finalized, the delivery can be completed within one month with guaranteed quality and quantity. Another example is that the five-ring logo on the front chest is made with the most advanced heat transfer printing process.
Q: What preparations did you make for the Winter Olympics design? What traditional Chinese elements did you incorporate, and how did you collaborate with designer WangFengchen?
A: WangFengchen is one of China's leading avant-garde designers and a long-time collaborator with CABBEEN. Coincidentally, we are both from Fujian, and our shared vision led us to collaborate again on the Winter Olympics uniforms. WangFengchen designed the uniforms, while CABBEEN handled the production, working together to support the Winter Olympics.
Designer WangFengchen and flag guards in the background
Q: How did you combine traditional Chinese elements with a contemporary, futuristic aesthetic? How did you balance Chinese cultural elements with the icy, winter theme while looking to the future?
A: The flag bearer uniforms we created consisted of an artistic printed down jacket and a white Chinese-style suit. The inspiration came from a reinterpretation of A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains. This classic painting not only depicted the vast rivers and rolling mountains of its time but also symbolized the harmony between humans and nature, and the interconnectedness of the world. WangFengchen used traditional Chinese landscape painting elements as the background, applying gradient color techniques and embedding line-drawing art forms to depict representative Chinese historical buildings and iconic Olympic structures, bridging the gap between history and modernity. These classic Chinese elements, combined with the icy theme, broke away from outdated stereotypes and presented a fresh, modern image of China.
The clothing for the Winter Olympics also has a functional feature, which is warmth retention. Nowadays, it is widely said on the Internet that the Winter Olympics is a "competition" of down jackets. How is the warmth retention achieved in terms of technology? What's your opinion on technological innovation?
In the past, down jacket technology focused mainly on warmth. Our down jacket technology emphasizes functional upgrades, using DuPont Teflon's top-tier three-proof fabric and 3D lotus nano-effect technology (a biomimetic technology inspired by the smoothness and water-repellent properties of lotus leaves). These fabrics provide excellent protection against cold, wind, and water.
As times change, technological advancements are natural. With the evolution of our lifestyles, brands must upgrade their technologies to improve product quality and meet customer demands. Beyond technology, CABBEEN's designs continue to challenge trends. Under the "unchanging" core of the brand, we constantly push the boundaries of technology and design, striving to develop original Chinese designs.
