2025 Designer Profile: William Hu

What inspired you to start doing design and have you ever done fashion design work before? 

There was a blazer I wanted Sophomore year of high school that was $3,000 and I wanted it really badly. So I thought I could just teach myself to make it. That weekend, my mom taught me how to use a sewing machine and the rest was history. Mainly watched YouTube videos, read books, tried stuff out, and found what worked for me.

How has your designing evolved over the time?

A lot more wearable. This year, all the looks I made are ones that I could imagine myself or a friend wearing. 

Where are you from? Do you think that that influenced your designs?

I am from Princeton, NJ. While not necessarily because of New Jersey itself, I went to a school with a strict business formal dress-code for 7 years between grades 6-12. Life was really easy not having to think about what to wear and I think that rings true today. I like to wear black, grey, and brown mainly and it makes life a lot easier. 

What inspires you, who do you have in mind when you're designing?

My mom and dad — they are so creative, hard-working, and thoughtful. They inspire me everyday. 

What's something you wanna convey through your designs? 

Clothing is the armor of daily life 

What are you most proud of in your designs?

I wanted to not be so rigid in the design process. I usually do very traditional 2D pattern-making and whatnot. But this year, I actually did not sketch anything so I sort of freestyled the entire process which was really fun. I loved origami growing up so some of my pattern-making and pieces this year take elements from that as well. 

If your designs were a playlist, which artists would it feature?

Dean, Se So Neon, Gotts Street Park, Amy Winehouse, The Internet

What are some of your future design goals?

Nothing in specific. But remembering to try new things and fail fast.