This season’s plaid patterns and demure take on 1970s‐style dressing are giving picnic‐in‐a‐park vibes. When It girl food artist Gong Hua is tasked to come up with the menu though, don’t expect the typical spread. “The truth is, I probably still like fashion more than food,” says the chic 34‐year‐old, whose earliest jobs were in fashion retail.
“When I saw the brands and accessories that I could work with for this story, I said to myself, okay, I want to do this, and thought of playing with iconic elements of each piece that would resonate directly with audiences in food sculptures. By direct, I don’t mean in‐your‐face – I will not bake bread in the shape of a bag. Instead, my art works should help spotlight the fashion item, and those who really know their fashion will get the connection between the two.”
Tartan jacket with leather collar, and silk and wool knit dress with removable mink collar (worn underneath), Fendi. Oven glove, stylist’s own
Premiere Pie Basket: a pie crust moulded into a picnic basket that comes in the idiosyncratic octagonal form of Chanel’s Premiere watch, and features a chequerboard design on its lid inspired by the timepiece’s chain bracelet that’s interlaced with black leather. Says food artist Gong Hua: “You can remove the handle and it’ll double as a bento box.” Premiere Edition Originale 18K yellow gold watches with leather and lacquered dials (sold individually), Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery
Cotton tunic top, and matching shirt (worn underneath) and skirt, Bottega Veneta. Wool‐blend socks, Dior. Shoes, stylist’s own
Fantasy tweed jacket with jewelled buttons and braided trim; short metal necklace with glass, beads and rhinestones (worn as choker); metal multi‐tier choker with glass, beads, rhinestones and resin; short metal pendant necklace with glass, beads and rhinestones; long metal pendant necklace with resin and rhinestones; long necklace with glass, beads and rhinestones; Fantasy tweed brooch with rhinestones; patent leather moccasins; and washed denim hobo bag on metal and leather strap, Chanel. Socks, model’s own
Linen and cotton kimono top; matching pinafore dress; cotton shirt dress (worn underneath); Arbre de Vie silk scarf (worn around head); and leather sandals with faux fur, Longchamp. Socks, model’s own. Tumbler, stylist’s own
Virgin wool dress, cashmere vest and ribbed cashmere polo shirt, Miu Miu. Mug, stylist’s own
Collier de Chien Cake: an upsized silver stud encased in a gelatine cube that Gong Hua invites one to cut into “to reveal the stud inside”. Mini Medor Epsom leather bag, Hermes
Valentino by Alessandro Michele cotton shirt; matching skirt;Valentino Garavani Papier Floral silk scarf (worn around head);Valentino Garavani metal earrings with Swarovski crystals; Valentino Garavani pearl necklace with enamel, metal and fabric; and Valentino Garavani Ricamati jacquard‐blend scarf (worn as belt),Valentino
Sable mini dress with crystals; ribbed jersey pants; corduroy bucket hat; Prada Arque leather handbag with shearling; Pop Strings metal, leather and fabric bag charm (attached to bag); and brushed leather loafers, Prada. Oven glove, stylist’s own
Reflection de Wrist roll: a handroll reimagined into a bangle that would make one pause and think about what’s before them, just like the watch that appears to be a cuff until one sees the dial set inside one of its open ends – or its reflection on the opposite surface (left). Reflection de Cartier rose gold watch, Cartier (right)
Peel‐a‐boo: a mini installation of a wedge of blue cheese, a whole lemon, and half a lemon with a segment replaced by cheese. Says Gong Hua: “Just like Fendi’s Peekaboo, it plays with the idea that what’s concealed inside something could surprise.” Peekaboo medium calfskin handbag, Fendi
Studded cotton jersey T‐shirt; Check‘N’Dior virgin wool skirt with calfskin belt (sold together); viscose briefs; Arty Check‘N’Dior embroidered wool beret with resin pearls; Dior Symbol Bee metal choker with freshwater pearls; Diorevolt calfskin choker with metal and resin pearls; Dior Symbol grosgrain necklace with metal and resin pearl; Check‘N’Dior wool‐blend socks; and D‐Fight calfskin boots, Dior
PRODUCTION NOELLE LOH FOOD SCULPTURES GONG HUA PHOTOGRAPHY STEFAN KHOO STYLING DAMIAN HUANG PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT YANN CLOITRE STYLING ASSISTANT JOSEPHINE ANG HAIR EC TAN/KIZUKI+LIM MAKEUP WEE MING, USING CHANEL BEAUTY MODEL KATE TSAI/MANNEQUIN STUDIO
This article first appeared in the December 2024 Food Edition of FEMALE