MODA Designer Profile: David Chen

David Chen is making his designer debut in this year’s MODA fashion show. To learn more about David himself and his fashionable expression, we grabbed coffee. David is a second-year student in the College and is pursuing degrees in Economics and Creative Writing. Here’s how our conversation went:

One of David’s pieces

Where do you get your inspiration?

I would have to say I get most of my inspiration from the world around me, besides Pinterest and what Google recommends for me, ‘ha ha.’ But in all seriousness, I’m essentially putting guys in androgynous for my collection. I wanted to use my collection as a discussion of masculinity and femininity, and the cross fertilization between the two. I feel like within the society and the time period in which we’re living, it’s an important question to talk about, because the lines are blurred. We like to think whether or not those lines should have ever been drawn, and I’m using my collection as a way to express my thoughts on it. So, it’s a my response to the world.

“Women can go thrifting and buy men’s jeans, but men can’t really do that.”

What’s your design background?

I have always been drawing fashion pieces. MODA just happed to present me with the opportunity to turn those drawings into real life, which is super cool. I find that I enjoy drawing clothes the most. When I was tasked with MODA’s prompt, I just thought it would have been really cool to present things I had been working on for many years of my life. It was actually last year’s show that reignited my passion for drawing, actually. 

You can catch this piece in the show too.

What are the most challenging aspects of the process? The most rewarding?

I really like “being in my head,” and I find it difficult to find the perfect material or color that I want. I suppose it comes from trying to be a perfectionist. I guess it’s the little details that I sweat the most. Surprisingly, learning how to construct the garments, like learning how to use the machines, has not been hard at all. But definitely the most challenging part is finding the right medium to translate the ideas from my mind to real life.

The most rewarding? Definitely just being able to make my drawings come to life. Since I was a kid, I have had these drawings in my head, and it’s surreal that they’re taking living and breathing now. I also get a sense of personal gratification, too. As a kid my relatives would always ask me why I drew dresses, because dresses are for girls. So it was also very cool for me to battle that.

What are you looking forward to most about the show?

I actually didn’t make it to the show last year, so I am looking forward to my first MODA show. I also really enjoy the collective stress. While it might sound crazy I really like when everyone’s yelling and stressing out together. I don’t know why, but I very much so enjoy that vibe. But of course, just seeing my pieces walk down the runway will be unreal.

David’s mood board

What do you think about when you’re designing?

I like to spend a lot of time online looking for inspiration, but I also greatly value not looking for something when I am actually looking for something. So when I am in a creative mindset I will go for a walk, relax, and meditate on the idea(s) for days, or even weeks before I start physically working on anything. I don’t really have a specific goal; I just let it come to life on its own. I am also always jotting down ideas in my notes app on my phone. On the other hand, when I am physically working with the pieces, I’m not thinking as eloquently—I am more so just hoping I don’t stick my finger with the sewing machine!

“I don’t have a specific goal; I just let it come to life on its own.”

Is this whole experience a source of stress or a stress relief?

The deadline itself has been stressful, but everything else has undoubtedly enjoyable. I find the white noise of the needle to be very relaxing. I can just sit back and focus on something that actually makes me happy.

If you could give any advice about the design process, what would you say to your less-experienced self?

It’s really not as complex as you make it out to be. I thought my drawings were really intricate and super “out there,” but it’s literally just altering a pattern. The pattern for everything is the same, just with different materials. A shirt is a shirt whether it’s made from cotton or lace—which lace is one I am doing! Nothing is ever that complex.

“String elastic thru the bottom w/ attaching safety pin at the end and go!”

What has been your favorite part of the design part so far?

I guess my favorite thing has been being able to participate in something I love without it feeling like it’s a waste of time. When I am browsing the internet for inspiration, it’s not procrastination or not paying attention—it’s something I have to do. Also, the DBC—MODA’s Designer Bootcamp—has been super fun. I have made so many friends, and we’re constantly bouncing ideas of each other and learning from one another. 

Our conversation ended there, but you can keep the fun going by attending the 2020 MODA Fashion Show on February 28.