Jiaren Du: Fashion Showcase
Jiaren Du, fourth-year fashion design major from Shanghai, China. Photo by Crosby Ignasher.
Written by Abby Thomas
What was the process like from start to finish? What was it like to research it and put it together?
I started my inspiration research last summer. I had a lot of ideas on what I wanted to do my collection on, but as a fashion designer this collection might be done once in my whole entire life because it is my own collection. I mean, if you have your own fashion label you can do whatever you want, but in school this was a big project. I had a lot of ideas at the beginning: whether I would do women’s or men’s, then what kind of style I want to use, what kind of silhouette I wanted to have.
But it was fun because I did research every day, and I find it fun to research the fabrics and everything. But it’s hard as a senior because you have your class and you have to talk to your professor to see if it is doable or not. I think it was very good experience to do the research this year
What inspired your collection?
I was very inspired by vintage women’s clothing, and the 50s and 60s. Princess dresses. The makeup. The style. It’s extremely beautiful. … And I think that if I can bring that kind of women’s clothing to the contemporary—which is now—and those new designs, new garments, it would be really cool. You know, try to mix the 50s and now.
I was really inspired by black and white photos. I went to the library to look at all the photos from the 50s, 60s, 70s, or even earlier. So I got a lot of experience from that period of fashion.
What did you want to accomplish?
My concept was modern contemporary sculpture. They were organic. They have the cut look and the faux look, and the texture is very contemporary. Very modern. I think I didn’t want something crazy; I wanted something women could wear. I want my stuff to be worn on the stage, but also be worn everyday, or something [to] go to some parties with or something like that. Pretty much like Calvin Klein. He’s one of my favorite designers.
What specific fabrics did you use?
I used a fabric called “double faced cashmere,” and it’s really hard to handle. I had to sew it by hand, not by the machine. I had to finish it by my hand. It’s really expensive finishing and expensive fabric. So this was very hard for me to complete.
How much time did it take you to finish the collection?
Almost six weeks.
Did you have any late nights or all-nighters?
Yeah. A lot.
Are you nervous at all? Or are you just excited?
I’m not nervous. They have rehearsal and rehearsal and rehearsal. The model is going to be awesome. It’s beautiful the way they walk. I think it’s going to be pretty cool. I’m not nervous, but I’m excited.
How has this prepared you for the future?
I’m graduating at the end of the month, and I think I’m going to try to move to New York, because New York is a big city for fashion. And if I can find a job, I think I’m going to walk out of this country—once I have experience—and go to China, and open some design studios. Try to get my own label.
Do you have any professional experience outside of SCAD?
No, but I used to do graphic design.
What made you change your major?
I was doing fine arts in China and graphic design. And when I moved here, I thought about what I wanted to do, and I was like, “Oh, I want to be a fashion designer.” Because when I was young, I walked into a Calvin Klein collection store and I picked up a fur coat made out of faux fur. It was very beautiful and had very soft fabric, and that inspired me a lot. When I came here I just remembered my dreams and said I want to be a fashion designer.
In your opinion, what do you feel are the most pressing issues facing today’s fashion designers, models and accessory designers?
The industry is always changing. Right now it’s really hard. When people pursue fashion, they have to come out with something really quick.
Do you have any advice for future designers?
I think research is very important. Study fabric. For me, fabric is everything. For fabric, you have to know how it is handled and how to take care of it. You have to know the texture for your design. You need to know about fabric, and you have to watch the good designers. Point is, research is very important.
