Photo by Aldo Carrera.
Yuming Weng hails from the Xiamen Province of China, where she was born and raised. Her interest in fashion was sparked at a young age, as she watched her grandmother knit sweaters for the family, always allowing Yuming to pick her favorite colors and patterns. But her road to becoming a fashion designer was no straight shot. She earned her undergraduate degree in International Accounting and Management at Jimen University, but her love for fashion was rekindled by an internship with an experienced pattern maker. She decided to come to the Academy of Art University School of Fashion and earn her MFA in Fashion Design, the perfect opportunity to explore her creative side.
For her Fall ’13 collection, Yuming was inspired by the artist Henrietta Harriss, who is known for her distorted portraits. The soft, organic waves were her main point of focus, applied throughout the collection in various forms. She constructed her garments using melton wool, flannel wool, and doubled faced wool in muted shades of grey and brown.
What do you love most about being a fashion designer?
I love the unknown part of the creating process. I love trying different fabric manipulations. Waiting for the unexpected result is the most exciting part for me.
What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned as a fashion design student?
I have learned so much in my construction classes. My instructors taught me that you have to design from the inside out–once you have a foundation, then you can create your aesthetic. Each and every detail along the way has trained me to be patient.
If you could design clothing for anyone, who would it be and why?
My aunt. I learned so much from her, she is the person who first taught me to use a sewing machine.
What are your feelings, hopes, dreams as you prepare for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week?
I am extremely excited–and exhausted. I just want to stay true to myself and present a collection that I am proud of.
For more from the Academy of Art University Fall ’13 Fashion Show, click here.
