Published on THE MANOR
Interview by Evan Skovronsky
View piece here
Interview by Evan Skovronsky
View piece here
My senior collection is called “Revenge Travel” which is inspired by the act of people trying to escape from the monotonous life brought by COVID-19 and travel more than usual. I focused primarily on future travel, and I took a lot of inspiration from spaceship design and the organic qualities that it provides.
What was your process like for creating these works, from start to finish?
At first, I put everything that inspires me into a sketchbook. I am obsessed with retro-futuristic art, so I decided to look back at history. From Mr. Paco Rabanne’s design during the space age to the “bubble dress” introduced by Pierre Cardin in 1954. I am also greatly influenced by futuristic interiors and industrial design, so I did research on what new materials and technology people are going to utilize to create a new way of living. I was just boiling everything down to get a basic direction of where I should go. I traced the outline of a collage, and tried to turn them into “clothing.”. After selecting my five final looks, I was faced with the most challenging part, constructing. Since the looks have organic shapes, I incorporated sewing and 3d printing to achieve the most ideal visual effect. It was fun to blend two construction techniques at a time because it is a good way to switch your brain and not get overwhelmed.
I know your collection is inspired by travel after COVID, how did your own experience with the lockdown affect or inspire this collection?
During the pandemic, I moved back to China and spent much time in one place. It felt as though time was standing still and I was constantly anticipating the future. When you’re “forced” to be stuck in the same place, your mind starts to wander and I just so happened to be thinking about traveling in the future and what that would look like.
What was the most fulfilling part of this entire collection?
The most fulfilling part would be seeing every single piece being put together as a cohesive collection. Seeing my work being photographed and filmed was definitely a confidence booster!
I noticed you use a lot of 3d printing elements within your work. What was it like working with this medium? Was it new to you?
It was my first time using a 3D printing technique. I am always down to try new materials and mix and match them with fabrics. I found it really fun and satisfying. It was nice to look at the different finishes of each piece. When using 3D printing, you have to really consider the constraints that come with it, and finding a solution was immensely fulfilling.
What piece are you most proud of?
I am actually really satisfied with the chrome top and the skirt look. The colors work well together, and the material of the top contrasts nicely with the flowy skirt.
How has working on your senior collection prepared you for life post-graduation?
It was a milestone for me as a graduate fashion designer. The Senior collection incorporates everything I learned from these last 4 years. It was also a long process for me to find out what I love and map out the direction I should go in the fashion world.
What advice do you have for the upcoming seniors preparing to begin working on their collections?
Keep believing in what you are doing!! Don’t get me started on this… I was the victim of doubting myself. I almost changed all the designs and lineup in the middle of construction just because I was not hundred percent confident of what I was doing, and the result of that was just leading you to darkness. So stick with what you really want to do, if you are not sure about something just talk to your professor. Keep a calm mind and everything is going to work out.
Thank you to Layla Wan for speaking with me and congratulations on her senior collection!
Photography by Jason Lord.
Photography Assist by Quentin Constantin Griefahn.
Talent by Isabelle Leaf, Charley Redrick, Victoria Alonso Noujaim, and Cianna Saunders.