Kim Tran was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and raised in San Jose, California where she went to Piedmont Hills High School. She attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising where she earned an A.A. in Fashion Design, before coming to the Academy of Art University to pursue a B.F.A. in Fashion Design. Her collection was inspired by Edie Beal’s psychedelic adventures in the 1960s. Tran collaborated with M.F.A. Sculpture and Jewelry Design student Orly Ruaimi, who created original pieces to go with the collection.
Orly Ruaimi grew up in Afula, Israel and attended George Mason University in Washington, D.C. before coming to the Academy of Art University to pursue an M.F.A. in Sculpture and Jewelry Design. She was inspired by elements that make up the foundation or skeleton of a home, and how they resemble the structures upon which life is built. They are meaningless on their own – but gain significance as they come together to form The Matrix. She constructs the jewelry using recycled pieces of metal, cable ropes, and handmade ceramics.
Kim Tran and Orly Ruaimi. Photo Courtesy of Walter Parada.
Follow the jump for The Proust [Fashion] Questionnaire!
Kim…
Which[items in your closet] do you most use?
My HAPPY SOCKS which is black polka dots on white! love them so much… they keep me grounded and sane for any insane moment and to top it off i have to pair them with my Commes des Garçons black button down with white polka dots! It has to be a look!
If you were to die and come back as [a fashion icon], who would it be?
If I was to die and come back as a fashion icon, I would love to be Princess Diana – but then again I don’t mind being Marie Antoinette either since she’s somehow elegantly fierce-less.
What is your current state of mind?
My current state of mind is CHAOSSS and more chaos.
What is your [style] motto?
Dress to impress. You never know who’s watching or who you’ll meet!
Orly…
What is your current state of mind?
Excited… very excited.
What [item of clothing] is the greatest love of your life?
My True Religion jeans.
What is your [style] motto?
JUMP!!!!!…GO FOR IT
Who are your favorite [fashion] heroes in real life?
My sister – Hagit. she always thought that she needed my help picking up outfits when she naturally has a better sense of style.
For more on the 2012 Graduation Fashion Show and events, click here.
