We were lucky to catch up with Rem Ly recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rem , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
To me, all my creative projects are my children, they’re all equally important. Each one is magical and teaches me something new about myself but if I had to choose one, I would have to pay tribute to my very first fashion show that I produced.
I went into it without knowing what I was doing, and honestly, at a pretty dark time in my life. I was at rock bottom with nothing to lose. I didn’t realize it back then but that was when I was at my most powerful. Financially, I wasn’t stable and had no idea where the funds were going to come from. I even had to open a credit card just to make it happen. It was a leap of faith and definitely worth it. I made back my investment and then some.
I wanted to create an experience for my audience at the show, but I also needed to build a network. So, I strategically planned where I was going to be, whom I needed to meet, and how I was going to connect with them to get them interested in the show. Along the way, I faced a lot of challenges, like having two venues cancel on me, one two months before the event and the other just eight days before. But with the support of my friends, I was able to find a new venue that worked even better. it had a higher capacity and better lighting. The show was a huge success, with a full-capacity crowd. It was an intense learning experience, but it taught me the importance of building the right network and being adaptable.
Not only did I produce the show, but I also presented my first small runway collection, “Specimens,” featuring five ensembles. It took months to create, mostly because I had never really made clothes before then. Learning techniques along the way was frustrating but ultimately rewarding in the end.
This experience taught me so much. It gave me the opportunity to step into the fashion world and showed me that no matter the imperfections in my situation, I could achieve anything I put my mind to. Things don’t always go perfectly, but in the end, everything aligns and works out the way it’s meant to. It always does.
Rem , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a multidimensional creator with endless ambition. A fashion designer, creative director, producer and student pilot. Above all, I am an architect of universes, building worlds through vision and artistry.
Through my brand, Dysphoric World, I craft couture pieces that go beyond clothing. They are sculptural, conceptual, and meant for those who see fashion as an extension of identity. I’ve always had an abnormal approach to creativity, shaped by my upbringing and personal evolution, and I channel that into my work—as evident in my use of unconventional textiles such as candle wax, mold and hardware.
I design couture pieces under my atelier, produce runway shows and editorial shoots, and create a space for artists in the Bay Area. I’ve also ventured into other businesses, such as co-founding The Next Bay Area Runway, a San Jose-based production company that merges fashion and entertainment to bring bold, innovative visions to life.
As a creative director, I bring concepts to life through carefully curated photo or video shoots, whether by refining a client’s vision or providing an original concept that aligns with their brand. Each projects have its own atmosphere, symbolism, and emotional depth. I draw from natural, chaotic inspirations. I believe in crafting entire realities around my projects, ensuring that every show or editorial is an experience. Every project is intentionally crafted. I take pride in shaping a universe where creativity has no limits. My work isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about transformation, storytelling, and creating something that lingers in the mind long after the moment has passed.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I was born in Vietnam in a rural province. When I turned eight my mom left for America. Even though my dad disapproved, she came back to take me with her a year later. We came with very little to our name, but my mom was incredibly resourceful and managed to build a stable life for us in just a few years.
Back then, there was a lot of violence, things I’ve seen and experienced firsthand that became emotional baggage I’ll carry forever. We didn’t speak much English, so my mom and I became best friends and each other’s only support. It wasn’t easy being her friend, guardian, and therapist all at once. As a kid, I knew too much, and that caused a lot of emotions I didn’t know how to handle. I had my mother’s brains but my father’s heart, which was constantly at war against each other.
With my mom working so much, I had the freedom, and sometimes the necessity, to figure things out on my own. Experiencing life lessons firsthand at a young age forced me to adapt quickly, shaping my independence.
Through years of hard work, my mom was able to save enough to open her own business after just a few years in the States. She built everything from the ground up, making countless sacrifices along the way, and just recently, she achieved another major milestone of becoming a homeowner.
Navigating these life-changing moments with her, seeing her resilience, and witnessing the way she carried herself through every challenge has been incredibly inspiring. She has always been my role model. Someone I deeply admire and hope to emulate as I grow. More than just providing for our family, she taught me the value of perseverance, independence, and standing up for myself as a woman. Every lesson I’ve learned about life, strength, and believing in myself, I owe to her. Her journey has shown me that anything is possible and I carry that belief with me in everything I do.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is the ability to see beauty in everything, even in the most unexpected or painful places. Creativity allows me to take my experiences and transform them into something meaningful. There’s a certain alchemy in turning hardship into art, in finding light within the dark, and in giving form to emotions that words alone can’t fully express. It’s a way of reclaiming power over difficult moments, reshaping them into something that resonates, heals, or inspires.
The moment when all the effort, creativity, and collaboration manifest into something tangible is another reward of being an artist. I truly love the process itself, from the initial concept to the final execution, and especially the opportunity to work alongside people I admire creatively. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about witnessing ideas evolve through teamwork and shared passion.
Beyond that, the reassurance and validation that come from the audience, whether it’s familiar faces or complete strangers, make it all the more meaningful. During a beach photo shoot, I noticed people stopping, taking picture, and whispering in curiosity. What started as confusion turned into fascination, their eyes locked on the set, drawn in by the world we were creating. At first, everyone was confused, but their curiosity and fascination grew, which was such an incredible feeling. It’s the exact reaction I aim for.
I know not all of my work will be immediately understood, but I truly appreciate that it’s still valued and sparks that kind of intrigue. It’s that kind of response that makes me feel like I’m on the right path. Seeing someone resonate with my art, whether through their reactions, feedback, or even just the way they experience it, is both rewarding and deeply affirming. It’s a euphoric feeling, knowing that something I created lingers in someone’s mind long after they’ve seen it. That’s why I do this!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dysphoric.world
- Instagram: reddishneedles
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-xyxy
- Twitter: dysphoric.world
- Youtube: DysphoricWorld
Image Credits
@reddishneedles
@gliterronherface
@elfantasmaotico2.0
@kellylauren
@helloxkatt
@kvtefvjimoto
@plain_jaide
@lucypalmaaa
@saranova_
@thisguysdope_disguise
@omninectar
@christograph3r
@b707_