Embracing the blend
This project is a reflection of my layered identity—born in Myanmar, ethnically Chinese, shaped by a Western education. I speak English, my parents speak Burmese, and in between, I search for connection. Inspired by Rei Kawakubo’s cultural fusion and Balenciaga’s bold shoulders, I’m blending the softness of tradition with strong, structured forms. The history of the zoot suit speaks to quiet resistance, much like the subtle shifts in fashion during uncertain times in my country. I use denim as a symbol of the West, bleach to represent what’s been lost, and red thread to tie together stories of culture, memory, and home.