GARMENT CONSTRUCTIONS

Looks  1-6 from my thesis collection: In Translation.  Rooted in my experience as an American born Chinese designer, the collection examines how identity is shaped through translation and adaptation. Childhood photographs taken by my father from family road-trips across American national parks became metaphors for the immigrant experience. Dressed by my mother in bright polka-dots, stripes, and florals, I never blended in with my surroundings, despite wanting to. Layering colorful prints and embellishments like fragments of a language, This collection blends delicate hand-made textiles to create a world that lies in-between both cultures I grew up in, celebrating the power and beauty of standing out.

LOOK 1: WEAVE DRESS

Hand-cut strips of silk taffeta and silk poly blends handwoven together and printed on using a lace stamp. The look pairs with handmade heels with floral cutout applique.

LOOK 2: RUFFLE JACKET AND SHORTS

Silk georgette jacket inspired by a windbreaker with bonign ruffle silk organza sleeves. The sleeves have zippers that open at the shoulder. The look pairs with shorts made from a self woven textile featured in Look 1 and hand-dyed coral red silk wool fabric that was screenprinted on. The look pairs with a clutch made from napa leather and silk taffeta stripes.

LOOK 3: HANDPAINTED FLOWER JACKET WITH SHORTS

Handpainted flowers cutout and embellished with crystals sponsored by Swarovski hand-swened on a silk faille jacket. The sleeves have zippers for styling and movement and the jacket is paired with stripe silk organza running shorts. The look pairs with handmade heels with floral cutout applique.

LOOK 4: FELTED POLKA DOT DRESS

Wool roving hand felted into polka dots on a butter yellow lace sandwiched between silk chiffon and tulle. The ruffles are created using boning and the dress has adjsutable straps with a button attachment. The look includes handmade shoes using the same polka dot textile.

LOOK 5: APPLIQUE TOP AND SKIRT

Silk taffeta short sleeve top with pockets and hand painted embossed applique. The skirt is hand dyed to a coral red color on silk wool fabric and screenprinted with chinese characters on top. The look pairs with handmade wooden heeled boot made with napa leather and handmade textile applique. 

LOOK 6: APPLIQUE LACE TOP AND SKIRT SET

Hand sewn applique lace sponsored by Solstiss on a drop shoulder silk wool top paired with a puff lace polka dot felt skirt. The look pairs with handmade shoes with applique lace and Swarovski crystals. 

RUNWAY IMAGES

 IMPERMANENCE

Looks 1-3

3 looks from my collection: Impermanence, showcasing how fabric manipulations and print design can portray a story of moments captured in time.  
Look 1 features a denim jacket decorated with eyelets and organza within princess seam panels, paired with a pleated organza denim pant.
Look 2 is a 2 piece set with the top having a open back and a two layered illusion. It is paired with a long skirt 
with hand-painted draped silk organza trains at the front of the wool skirt. 
Look 3 is constructed with a silk wool blend, giving the dress its structure with an assymetrical hem and a hip curve
 that extends out from the body attached with a lace-up eyelet panel.

DESIGN

 

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

 DYSTOPIAN FAIRYTALE

LOOK 2

A full look inspired by my collection: Dystopian Fairytale, where I designed and constructed a black silk jacket, a blush silk satin dress, and a flower belt accessory. Decorated with a leafy shaped lapel, organza sleeves, a layered cape, and hand-beaded embellishments, the jacket compliments the flowy silohuette of the georgette skirt of the dress, creating a three tiered effect in the back when worn together. The finishing touch included a constructed flower belt attatchment that loops into the back of the jacket through hidden belt loops. 

DESIGN

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

LA BELLE COAT

Constructed with a yellow cotton blend twill fabric, the coat has an accentuated hip silhouette with hidden side pockets. The lined coat includes straps to tie the widen sleeves as well as straps to wrap around the body so a frontal closure. The lapel is constructed with a floral printed canvas with hand-embroidered glass beads to emphasize the print. The coat is enlongated with a gathered flare for length and a dress-like style. All fabrics were used from recycled and donated materials.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

FINAL PHOTOSHOOT

AFTER THE RAIN

Inspired by post-rain weather, I designed and constructed a dress with a puffy skirt and ruffled organza sleeves. Hand-painted with metalic and vibrant blue and purple colors, the dress mimicks the apperance of water reflecting from the sun. The body of the dress is decorated with 50 iridescent raindrop beads, trickling down into the skirt.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

FINAL PHOTOSHOOT

MINT HONEYCOMB PANTS

Initially from an exploration of smocking, I constructed a pant that incorperates traditional handcraft skill into a modern design. I used a honeycomb smocking technique on a silk satin fabric and added the panels into the leg of the denim pant.  The front and back pockets are decorated with pearls to enhance the shapes of the functional elements.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

FINAL PHOTOSHOOT

  AMBROSE 

Inspired by a trip to the Ambrose lightship which guided many immigrants into New York, I designed a deconstructed look featuring elements of the ship. Through an exploration of laser-cutting wood, macrame rope, and cardboard as a structual element, the look is a blend of different mediums representing the ship and its enviorment. The dress is constructed with a silk satin with heavyweight muslin backpanels as the sails of a ship. 

 DESIGN PROCESS

FINAL PHOTOSHOOT