MODA Designer Profile: Kristin Wu
What are some sources of inspiration for your collection?
I get a lot of inspiration from different forms of art, for instance music. The production of it allows me to grab much more creative inspiration that isn’t explicit, like with song lyrics. When I’m listening to various sounds, I envision a certain aesthetic to go along with that. Then, I visually come up with an outfit that will fit the vibe of what I’m hearing. I also get inspired by concepts and ideas that don’t initially appear like they can go together but then blend into one design. I think it’s a good way to challenge the thought process I go through to come up with my outfits.
Have you ever done fashion design work before? What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the process?
I have no prior experience in fashion design work. So, going into it was a big challenge. Especially for more technical things like learning how to use a sewing machine and knowing how to work with different fabrics under the needle. But it is so rewarding to go from struggling to load a bobbin to now being able to produce clothing and see my pieces come together.
What are you looking forward to most about the show?
I think being able to see the clothing I made turn into the image I had in mind is what I am looking forward to the most. I know it will be exciting to see the design process in its final stages where the materials I worked with flourish into something wearable and I hope that my models feel good in what they are walking in.
What do you have in mind when you’re designing?
When I am designing there is a final image I have present in my mind no matter how much the details of the clothes may change. So, I am driven by this idea of utilitarian, functional type of style and I allow the process to take me through variations of the outfits toward that general feeling I want to convey.
If you could give yourself any advice on the design process, what would you say to your younger self?
I would tell myself to just start, sit in front of the machine, and try things out. I think I over planned my designs at the beginning and then when I ordered my fabrics online, they didn’t turn out exactly how I thought they would. It hurt a little bit to have to deviate from what I originally had planned but I just had to push through the fear of not meeting my exact expectations and adjust along the way. You always figure it out in the end, and I think it’s better to work like that because you learn to embrace your obstacles with a clear head.
What’s your favorite aspect of the design process?
For me, having this central idea come to life is such a satisfying feeling. Taking something that you can see clearly in your head and having to maneuver through different tactics to be able to make it concrete. It’s true of all art for me whether I’m sketching, painting, or sewing; it can be the most difficult part but also the most rewarding.
Photos thanks to Kristin. Thumbnail by Vivian Li
