C2H4

C2H4 by Yixi Chen from Shanghai is a brand from LA with the theme of retrofuturism. Based on the rebellious spirit and the philosophy of science, the brand is reminiscent of the underground culture set in space by making clothes using innovative and experimental high-tech materials. His C2H4, whose brand name is the molecular formula of ethylene, because the name of the founder, Yixi, is pronounced "ethylene" in Chinese. The innovation to create unprecedented textiles in an unconventional way creates a unique aesthetic of men's wear. He left China at the age of 17 and majored in film and theater at the University of California, but dropped out of college to pursue the fashion path and launched his own brand, C2H4, in 2014. Enthusiastic about movies and his science fiction, Chen was fascinated by the world of clothing and textiles and chose a new path to tell a story in fashion. His C2H4 menswear incorporates a wide range of concepts, from virtual space scientists to binary codes to nucleobases in DNA. The design is based on sportswear and streetwear, with hardware details that stand out for its functionality and presence. For lounge pants, shorts, jackets, etc., he uses his contrasting piping and reflective 3M material. Using the studio as a lab, Chen's elaborate clothing making upgrades wardrobe staples to casual wear with futuristic elements. In addition, his one-color T-shirt and hoodie with drawstrings are modernized with some nostalgic technology and graphics and logos inspired by his science fiction.