Designer Profile 2022: Anya Wang

Apr 25

Apr 25 Designer Profile 2022: Anya Wang

Recently, over a ZOOM call, I spoke with the delightful Anya Wang about her collection for MODA Nouveau. The second-time designer and I talked about the transition from online to in-person designing, and how she feels this year she’s aiming higher than her debut designs.

You designed last year, right?

I designed last year during COVID. The process and my commitment level between these two shows have definitely changed.

Why did you come back after last year?

Personally, I wasn’t happy with my designs last year. Because of COVID, and my living situation was odd, I wasn’t able to fully put myself into the designs and as much effort as I wanted. I did enjoy the process but I didn’t enjoy the outcome. So, I think, that I wanted to try again this year because things are in-person and I feel more motivated to create the designs.

What has been the most challenging aspect of the process this time around? Has this year changed how you view designing?

The most difficult aspect is that I have a lot of ideas but my skill level doesn’t match the level of design I am thinking of. It was really difficult to navigate what I can actually do and what my limits are within my ability to create these designs. What that tells me about creativity is that you shouldn’t let it limit you. You should try to be as creative as possible, despite limitations. Right now, because I graduated, I have more time to do designs that I wouldn’t have thought I could before because I’m more determined to finish them.

Have these limitations forced you to innovate and be more creative when designing?

If I look at my first designs and where I am now, a lot has changed. This is because I realized I can’t approach it this way and have to approach it in a new and similar way. Because of that, my design has become more different but more me.

Are there specific aspects of your designs (color, silhouette, fabric) that you’ve given more importance to in your collection?

I do think I spent the most time picking out the fabric. Mainly, that’s because I wanted to focus on how when you are just quickly glancing at a person, you don’t take into account the seam-work and the details. You just focus on the macro and the color. I think because it is the most obvious thing when someone is looking at someone, I tried to focus more on that aspect.

Where did you draw inspiration from as you conceptualized these designs?

This set of designs is focused on nature. I have two designs focused on flora and plants. For this design, I found inspiration in my everyday life, like when I go outside. When I walk, I try to pay more attention to what's around me. It is mainly about my experiences and what I have seen.

Do you have any designers you look to for inspiration?

I literally had one designer. I liked his pieces for some fashion show he is doing. I haven’t been able to find his name for the longest time. When I was beginning my search for inspiration, I found some of his pictures. Right now, I don’t know. I was looking into plant-inspired fashion, and there was this one designer that kept coming up. Although, I took inspiration from other designers. But this one designer matched what I was going for.

Do you have a design philosophy? Maybe a motto of sorts.

I don’t think I do. But, given my experience, I think I could make one right now (laughs). This isn’t like a short and sweet motto, but like if—I think this was in a Disney show theme song, “Austin and Ally”—if you can dream it, or believe it, be it. (proceeds to look up the lyrics.) Okay… maybe it wasn’t Austin and Ally. But if you can dream it, believe it.

Sum up your designs in a SINGULAR song.

Man… okay, I gotta think about this one. Well, I guess this is a song I’ve been listening to a lot when I’m designing. It is called “Devil on my Shoulder” by Kelsy Karter. It’s a little punk popish.