IN TRANSLATION
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.