Fashion Shows

Alysia’s collection is inspired by her days as a professional dancer. She gracefully weaves together the essence of fluid movement and the spontaneity of an eclectic lifestyle. Her designs effortlessly blur the traditional lines between everyday wear, runway elegance, and performance gear. At the heart of Alysia’s work is a celebration of freedom — a freedom that comes from fabrics that dance along with you, adapting to every move. Her garments, including generously cut pants, transcend age, gender, and size, offering all the same ease and flair — from expectant mothers to seasoned gentlemen. Wearing Alysia’s designs feels like embodying freedom itself as you float through life with unparalleled style.

An emerging designer from China, Ciana Gong’s collection is inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange.” The film’s edgy and artistic spirit, particularly its depiction of space age furniture, serves as the springboard for Ciana’s daring designs.

Curvy, organic shapes reminiscent of the movie’s furniture morph into dresses, coats, pants, and shirts. Sturdy fabrics like felt, neoprene, vinyl, and pleather bring these unique silhouettes to life, their very structure offering a sense of strength.

Despite the film’s violent undertones, Ciana’s goal is to create a collection that empowers the wearer, offering a sense of protection for those who feel vulnerable. The collection itself is a study in contrasts. Inspired by a violent film, it envelops the wearer in cocoon-like silhouettes and bold colors, transforming into a sanctuary of comfort and security.

Ciana’s choice of colors is deliberate. Bold hues, reminiscent of blood, serve a dual purpose. They nod to the film’s violent themes while simultaneously symbolizing strength and resilience.

By cloaking the wearer in a voluminous embrace of strong colors and shapes, Ciana’s garments aren’t just fashion; they’re a silent promise of shelter and a reminder of inner strength.

Haydee’s fashion journey began at the age of five in her native Venezuela, inspired by the work her seamstress mother crafted. Today, Haydee’s designs blend her two passions: the raw energy of 90’s hard rock and the mesmerizing grace of flamenco dancing. A touch of corsetry adds a note of intriguing structure to this captivating dance.

Picture ruffles with an attitude, draping that commands attention, and a vibrant use of color that’s more mosh pit than matador ring. A touch of whimsy peeks through in her playful cartoon character textile prints, a vibrant collaboration with Pin Jen Chu, BFA Textile Design, and Mercede Sheybani, MFA Jewelry and Metal Art designer.

Haydee masterfully combines the sensuality of rock n’ roll – think denim, chains, and barely-there pieces – with the flow and movement of flamenco. Imagine a flamenco dancer’s “enrehalo” fringe reinterpreted with chains and denim for a head-turning effect. Or envision a hand-printed skirt with a cascade of ten yards of fabric accented by a daring corseted back panel.

The result? A collection that empowers women of all sizes to feel like rockstars.

In her youth, Jagmehak’s heart was captivated by the vibrant beauty of India’s wild peacocks. Then she discovered a hidden gem – her mom’s wedding gown, stashed away for 34 years, its fabric embroidered with the creatures that captivated her. This discovery ignited the vision of a collection inspired by the peacock but with a twist. Jagmehak wanted to break the mold, blending the vibrant colors and silhouettes of traditional Indian wedding outfits, both bridal and grooms.

Fueled by this concept, she embarked on a sourcing trip to India. There, she meticulously selected the finest Chanderi and Dola fabrics, along with the intricate hand-embroidered Ari lace. To capture the essence of the peacock’s dazzling display, Jagmehak experimented with innovative boning techniques, creating silhouettes that mimicked the majestic spread of their wings.

As a final touch, Jagmehak’s mother, untrained in sewing, will add a few stitches to select pieces, a testament to the bond between them, a reminder that even in the world of high fashion, a touch of “imperfection” – a mother’s loving contribution – can elevate creation to new heights.

Taiwanese textile designer Jen Chu’s journey into fashion began at the age of 15 when she enrolled in design school. At the Academy, Jen partnered with fashion designer Haydee Quesedo on her collection. Jen and Haydee embarked on a meticulous exploration of fabrics, testing how the prints interacted with different textures and drapes.

The collection’s edgy rock-and-roll and flamenco influences provided the perfect canvas for the vibrant menagerie of anthropomorphic creatures that Jen has created.

An avid viewer of YouTube cat videos, Jen was captivated by the creatures’ innate sass and sensuality. The iconic red high heel, a symbol of confidence and allure, became a key element in her interpretation of the cat. This playful anthropomorphizing extends throughout her collection. A chance encounter at a bar inspired the giraffe print, its elongated form echoing the silhouettes of two tall and proud gentlemen holding hands in skirts.

Jen imbues her animals with a range of human emotions—sexy, cute, funny, and even a touch strange—allowing the wearer to find a kindred spirit in the animal kingdom.

Her collection reminds us that fashion is a playground fueled by the quirky beauty of everyday life.

Joey’s collection bridges the gap between his family’s military background, their love of sailing, and his passion for design. He has created a line that challenges the conventional boundaries of men’s and women’s clothing.

Every piece is carefully crafted from a surprising medley of old and new. Whether it’s repurposed parachutes or pristine new textiles, each element is meticulously engineered to fulfill his vision of relaxed silhouettes. His unwavering commitment to functionality ensures each garment seamlessly transitions from the street to the runway.

Joey’s heritage whispers through intricate quilted patterns adorning some garments. These patterns, meticulously crafted by hand, are not mere decoration; they’re blueprints from boats transformed into a unique fashion statement. It’s a testament to Joey’s sailing heritage and his design passion, seamlessly blending technical drawings with wearable art.

Joey actively seeks to redefine material usage. From painstakingly upholstering life jacket inserts to meticulously hand-quilting knits and wools, his approach reveals a deep respect for his materials. This dedication ensures each piece is not just aesthetically pleasing but also surprisingly functional and comfortable.

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, and raised in mainland China, Johnny eventually landed in Seoul, South Korea, where he earned a business degree. It was there, during a seemingly ordinary moment – carrying a heavy leather jacket – that a spark ignited his creative spirit. Witnessing, or perhaps imagining, the jacket defying gravity, Johnny set his sights on a singular goal: “I wanted to give garments identity, a voice,” he explains.

This translates into pieces that push the boundaries of conventional fashion. Johnny employs a mix of textile techniques, puff binders, and burnout methods to add texture and depth, while a unique printing technique using puff additive on tulle creates a visually striking effect. This dedication to exploration extends to the materials he uses – resin, mesh interfacing, puff additive, paper, and threads all find a place in his collection.

Johnny’s designs hold a deeper meaning. They serve as a quiet plea for a more hopeful, hate-free world. Through his work, he subtly critiques social injustices, offering a distinct and thought-provoking perspective. His garments are not simply worn; they’re stories waiting to be told, a testament to a journey that transcends borders and limitations.

Originally from China, Joyanne initially embarked on a career far from the runways of high fashion. It is this rich and varied background that has imbued her with a unique perspective. For Joyanne, fashion is a journey of self-discovery and a platform for self-expression. “This collection is inspired by the relationship between a mother and a young daughter, which to me is the most beautiful and intimate relationship in the world,” Joyanne explains.

Her black and white garments are a celebration of femininity, featuring dresses, skirts, and two-piece sets, some adorned with flowered motifs that subtly echo the shape of a mother’s breast. Joyanne also deconstructed an image where she is hugging her 7-year-old daughter, cutting out their silhouetted shapes and then sewing them back together to craft new, intriguing forms.

Joyanne’s choice of materials reflects her commitment to inclusivity and comfort—neoprene scuba fabrics ensure stretchability and fit across various body types, while structured faux leather adds a touch of definition and poise.

Joyanne’s collection, modeled by an array of diverse individuals, including her daughter, celebrates the unique beauty in every form and the enduring bond between a mother and her daughter.

Nadine’s collection daringly reimagines the classic aesthetics of tailored business wear, infusing it with a seductive edge through asymmetrical silhouettes, as a unique blend of designer’ German and Brazilian roots. A perfectionist by nature, Nadine took a leap, allowing the fabric’s natural flow to dictate her design process. Her unique approach began with the deconstruction of second-hand garments, which she then artfully draped over dress forms. Through this intuitive exploration, she discovered compelling new shapes from which she meticulously crafted her patterns. By incorporating raw edges and prominent basting stitches into her final designs, Nadine celebrates the raw beauty of imperfection, offering a fresh and stunning take on a traditionally conservative theme. Each garment is a statement, challenging our expectations and reinvigorating the essence of professional attire.

Beijing-born designer Nina Liu is making waves with her latest collection, a unique fusion of tradition and innovation. Inspired by the beloved Chinese game Mahjong, Nina’s designs go beyond mere clothing – they’re a vibrant conversation starter, blending Eastern heritage and Western fashion.

Nina’s childhood memories of families gathering around Mahjong tables fueled her desire to translate this cultural touchstone into a fashion statement. Silhouettes mimic the way Mahjong tiles stack and interact, creating garments with a distinct, dynamic quality. The creative process was a collaborative affair. Nina collaborated with textile designer Mengshan Wei to bring the intricate iconography and symbolism of Mahjong to life.

Each pattern holds significance – a design representing the four directions, for example, symbolizes the act of playing together, a community united by the game. This student-designer collaboration is a highlight of Nina’s Academy journey. Weekly meetings saw patterns and silhouettes evolve, culminating in a collection that pulsates with both cultural homage and artistic vision.

By captivating audiences with the beauty and intricacy of her designs, Nina hopes to ignite a newfound interest in Mahjong.

When Mengshan was a child in China, she dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. After she received her BA in design, Mengshan decided to pursue a graduate degree in Textile Design at the Academy.

When she agreed to collaborate with Nina on her Mahjong-inspired collection, she meticulously researched the evolution of Mahjong patterns, recording the symbolic colors deeply woven into the game’s identity.

Mengshan’s vision found its medium in screen printing. She sought to deconstruct Mahjong’s established patterns to breathe new life into the ancient game.

Color selection and pattern scale were crucial considerations. Some patterns required strategic segmentation for effective screen printing on different fabrics. Four collaborators were needed to navigate the intricate steps on the large screens Mengshan employed.

Weeks were dedicated solely to hand-mixing colors; each swatch, meticulously crafted the previous semester, held the potential for subtle variations on different fabrics. Color testing became a daily ritual, meticulously blending hues to achieve the desired effect.

By deconstructing and reimagining Mahjong’s iconic patterns, Mengshan has woven a collection that transcends fashion – it’s a tribute to a game that has brought people together for centuries.

Siwen Wang’s collection marries the concepts of comfort and self-protection. Siwen’s designs offer a sanctuary from the external world, embodying her life-long passion for fashion and her deep-rooted belief in clothing as a form of personal expression and shelter.

As a child, Siwen was fascinated by the everyday style choices she observed on the city streets in her Chinese hometown. Her collection, born out of her commitment to creating a protective yet comforting space through apparel, utilizes an innovative mix of materials that challenges conventional fashion norms.

The heart of the collection features soft, skin-friendly fabrics like jersey, which are celebrated for their gentle caress and comforting embrace. These materials are ingeniously paired with unexpected, harder elements like structured rods. The integrating rods within the seams of delicate jersey fabrics to create pronounced shapes was a complex challenge, involving numerous experiments with prototypes and material tests. This juxtaposition is not merely aesthetic but a physical representation of Wang’s philosophy that protection and comfort can coexist harmoniously in fashion.