Fashion Design

2024

Wave

made with recycled fabrics

Wave is a deeply personal exploration of emotional balance, inspired by a jade bracelet my father gave me when I was young. This bracelet has been a source of comfort throughout my life, symbolizing serenity and reassurance—qualities I sought to translate into the design through fabric. I made the piece primarily from recycled materials, which reflects the natural cycles that jade represents and aligns with my commitment to sustainability.

The garment is made up of two main sections, each representing different emotional states. The top portion, with its flowing pleats, wraps around the body much like the jade bracelet—providing protection and reassurance, symbolizing emotional balance and tranquility. The pleats flow downward, seamlessly connecting with the bottom section, maintaining a sense of movement throughout the design.

The bottom part of the garment is divided into two contrasting sections, embodying the duality of Yin and Yang. One side, with tightly gathered fabric, represents the turbulence and unrest of Yin—restless, shadowy, and melancholic. The other side, with softer folds and circular elements, symbolizes the calming and grounding qualities of Yang—balanced, calm, and reassuring. These contrasting sections meet at a wavy line, symbolizing the transition between Yin and Yang, where the colors collide and blend, mirroring my own emotional journey from turmoil to peace.

Creating Wave began with dyeing and manipulating the fabric to capture the flow of emotion. I blended shades of blue-green, purple, and gray, inspired not only by the emotions I wanted to convey but also by the subtle hues of jade. Using tie-dye, pleating, and heat manipulation techniques, I expressed the unpredictability of emotions, transitioning from the chaos of Yin to the tranquility of Yang. I also added horsehair and sponge beneath the fabric to create raised circular shapes, inspired by the suction cups of an octopus. These three-dimensional textures evoke the jade bracelet’s calming presence, symbolizing both the firm grip of the octopus suckers and the comfort the bracelet offers.

In Wave, I explore the balance between emotional turmoil and peace, drawing from my own experiences of self-discovery and growth. The piece reflects my journey of embracing the complexities of emotion, where conflict and serenity can coexist. Through the symbolism of the jade bracelet and the use of contrasting textures and colors, I express the fluidity of emotions and the transformation that comes from reconciling inner struggles. The garment becomes a narrative of personal identity, resilience, and the quiet strength found in moments of stillness, inviting viewers to reflect on their own emotional balance and the evolving nature of self.

Bloom

made with paper origami, recycled wires

Bloom is a sculptural fashion design piece made with recycled paper, vintage patterned paper, and recycled wires. The papers are folded into butterfly origami in varying sizes and colors, including white, pink, and vintage patterns, with splashes of pink paint added to some butterflies for contrast. The wires are shaped to loop around the body, from the neck to below the waist, connecting the butterflies closely together in a flowing composition. Up close, the delicate butterflies are distinct, but from a distance, they merge into a blooming, floral silhouette that seems to grow and blossom on the body.

This piece is inspired by a memory of my childhood visit to a botanical garden with my family, where I was captivated by vibrant flowers and swarms of butterflies in motion. Origami, which is a popular craft in China for children to express good wishes and dreams, became the medium to represent those memories. Through Bloom, I pay tribute to these cherished moments and aspirations.