Tales in Textiles: INFDark’s Fashion as a Form of Cultural Storytelling
Written by Maia Oakley
For INFDark designer Kuo Wei, storytelling is more vital to his work than fabric. Every collection begins with a story, and this season, it belongs to the Taiwanese Aboriginal legend of the raven.
A creature both revered and feared, the raven carries connotations of wisdom, mystery, and death. With AW25 RAVEN, INF reinterprets its namesake, casting new light on the dark figure — translating its form and symbolism into structurally unique, adaptable clothing — and telling a
tale close to Wei’s heart.
Described by INF as “garments for the rebels, sociopaths, and kinkies”, these avant-garde pieces are visually striking, every detail holding intrinsic depth and cultural significance. When asked about his design process, Wei stated that “the story always comes first, (I) never just come up with designs in my head,” and that “the colours and shapes are driven by the story.”
RAVEN features three symbolic colourways: Olive Green, representing secrecy; Blaze Red, paying tribute to the creativity sparked by the raven; and Quiet Grey, for tranquility in time and memory. The collection’s theme pays homage to a legend of the Taiwanese Rukai tribe, where the raven is more than just a bird — it’s a guardian. The lore holds that when children are orphaned, the raven, moved by sorrow and compassion, transforms itself into an elderly man to care for them. Wei is passionate about incorporating elements of his heritage and sharing important cultural tales like this with the world. Recognising the raven’s deep symbolism acrosscultures — often seen as a harbinger of misfortune — he sought to reframe its image.
The colour palette was not the only design element drawn from the raven. On the stark white runway of INFDark’s London Fashion Week show, sculptural silhouettes unfolded like moving art. INF embedded the raven’s form into the classic houndstooth pattern, transforming it into an exclusive print. Accessories mirrored the creature’s anatomy, with beak-like structures and
feather-inspired motifs, ensuring the raven’s presence extended beyond symbolism. Wei even studied the raven’s flight posture and wing shape for his geometric cuts, encouraging the creature to unfold on the body as if in motion.
At the forefront of Wei’s design philosophy, alongside his commitment to cultural storytelling, is sustainability. As always, INF’s RAVEN embraces recycled fabrics and environmentally friendly materials. For Wei, reducing fashion waste begins at the design stage, which is reflected in his multifunctional work. “By creating garments that can transform, one piece becomes two, eliminating excess,” he explains. His fascination with transformation stems from childhood — drawn to mechanical structures like robots and bikes, he was captivated by the science of merging objects and concepts. This lifelong curiosity naturally shaped his approach to fashion, resulting in adaptable pieces that minimise waste while maximising creativity and versatility.
Beyond its cultural significance and eco-friendly ethos, Wei’s work is a deeply personal exploration of nostalgia and innovation. Ultimately, RAVEN is a testament to the enduring resonance of culture and sentiment in design, and INF is set to continue using multifunctional fashion to tell stories from across the globe.
