As a young Taiwanese girl, Annie Yang knew she wanted to become a fashion designer, but had no idea that as an adult, she’d be pursuing her dreams in one of the most bustling cities in the U.S. But after her first visit to the Golden Gate City, there was no doubt in her mind that San Francisco and Academy of Art University were right for her. After semesters of cultivating her sartorial craft, the BFA Menswear Design student is finally making her childhood dream come true as she’s set to present her graduation collection next month on the School of Fashion runway.
Inspired by the illusionary work of Brazil-based artist Daniel Steegmann, Yang’s mission was to design a trompe l’oeil collection that imparts the beauty and relativity of space. With the help of BFA Textile Design student, Jasmine Juewei Xu, Yang was able to create oversized, multilayered garments that produce a distorted perspective.
Fashion School Daily: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Annie Yang: Experiment, and make sure you document any idea that comes to mind right away.
FSD: What is your style motto?
AY: Feel confident and be comfortable.
FSD: What is playing on your iPod?
AY: WhoMadeWho, Empire of the Sun, and Eason Chen.
BFA Textile Design student, Jasmine Juewei Xu, is a Kunming, China native who, after years at the School of Fashion, has become a textile savant. You may have seen some of her bag designers back in 2014 when they were featured in the Academy of Art University’s SHOP657. During her final semester, Xu collaborated with BFA Menswear Design student, Annie Yang, on her graduating collection.
Xu is an idiosyncratic artist who likes to think outside the box. For Yang’s collection, Xu used baby powder on cotton twill and cotton sateen to give the fabrics an element of interest. The result is a unique fading texture that perfectly complements Yang’s voluminous designs.
Fashion School Daily: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Jasmine Juewei Xu: “A laborer works with his hands, a craftsman works with his hands and head, and an artist/designer works with his hands, head, and heart.”
FSD: What is your favorite memory of being in the School of Fashion?
JJX: Mixing colors and printing in the lab with the sun shining high in the afternoon sky.
FSD: What advice would you give students who want to do collection?
JJX: Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Written by Angela Han, BA Fashion Journalism.
