We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katherine (Xingyu) Chen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katherine (Xingyu) below.

Katherine (Xingyu), thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of my most significant undertakings is a project I’ve titled “Rhapsodic Warfare,” a concept deeply rooted in my profound connection to the piano composition “Croatian Rhapsody.” This composition holds particular significance in my musical journey, serving as a source of enlightenment. The narrative of “Rhapsodic Warfare” unfolds against the backdrop of Croatia’s struggle for independence, with a pianist portraying sentiments of patriotism and sorrow through the medium of music.

Visualizing the war’s intensity and the accompanying piano melodies in my mind, I strive to capture the ebb and flow of emotions, manifesting as dynamic shifts in melody pitch. The composition, at times impassioned, is conveyed through the meticulous recording of the entire life cycle of a rose, from its vibrant bloom to eventual fading—a parallel to the pace of the independence war.

In aspiring to be a storyteller through my artistic endeavors, I seek to share this narrative with others. The project is a platform for me to present a comprehensive visual and auditory experience, allowing individuals to witness the intricate interplay between war and music. My ambition is to illuminate the harmony that emerges from the juxtaposition of the ruggedness inherent in war and the refined elegance of musical expression.

As a fashion designer, I continually feel honor in extending an invitation to others to delve into the backstory of my creations. Each design encapsulates a fragment of my journey, providing a gateway for individuals to connect with the multifaceted layers of inspiration and meaning woven into my work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a fashion designer. My journey commenced with a focus on womenswear, an initiation into the realm of design that has since evolved into a dedicated emphasis on menswear. I focus on exploring more deeply about menswear history and silhouette differences. I like doing deconstruction and asymmetrical, observing thing turn into different shapes is a fun thing for me, and always inspires me during creative.

The genesis of my fashion design inclination can be traced back to a childhood environment that is different from others. While my peers were engrossed in animated cartoons, my formative years were shaped by Chinese dramas and television shows, watched with my mother. This unique exposure ignited an insatiable curiosity within me, prompting exploration into characters’ lives, professions, residences, and beyond. A pivotal character in these narratives was a fashion designer—a figure whose journey from nascent stages to professional mastery captivated my imagination and laid the foundation for my own aspirations.

The storytelling aspect of this character’s evolution and insights into fundamental fashion design techniques left an indelible mark on my young mind. Witnessing the meticulous process of translating creative sketches into tangible garments fueled my determination to immerse myself in this world. I fervently requested tools of the trade—colored pencils, sketchbooks, and a diminutive mannequin—from my mother. Despite initial skepticism regarding the longevity of my interest, she acquiesced and bought me a children’s kit. I began experimenting with the basic tools, employing household scissors to deconstruct and reassemble old garments secured with safety pins.

During this nascent phase, devoid of professional knowledge, I reveled in the simplicity of my creative pursuits. The sheer joy derived from the creative process and a profound sense of pride in even the most unconventional and unwearable pieces fueled my burgeoning passion. Although the tools and my knowledge of my trade have evolved with time, the enduring pillars of passion and curiosity remain steadfast, guiding me through a journey marked by continuous growth in technological proficiency.

Reflecting on my childhood years, I acknowledge the profound impact of my childhood environment and the unwavering support of my parents. While their jobs are not directly associated with the fashion industry, their encouragement has been a constant throughout my odyssey. Especially my mom; she has always been my inspiration when I was creating.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My long-term goal is to build my fashion brand in the future. I am still learning right now, so I worked with designer brands, trying to learn their work mode, and design process in the real fashion industry, also the most important thing is their company marketing, I think it is an integral part of a successful brand, so that I plan to study fashion marketing strategy in master degree, It will help me going closer to my goal.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I came to the U.S. for the first time, it was for my bachelor’s study, and I needed facing to a strange environment and an unfamiliar language. Especially in my freshman year, I was a bit shy to communicate due to the language. But I tried to go to office hours often and honestly tell professors what I was concerned about. Meanwhile, I was listening to podcasts that talk about movie life from a native speaker, and I also talked and asked questions from my classmates. I think I just spend half a month getting used to the environment, and I can solve problems in a short time. I am a communication person, so I believe whatever difficult problems in front, I still can adjust quickly and get used to them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Kchenxy / @yuchen.xy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xingyu-chen-b22340239?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
lookbook photoshoot from : Ruiqi Qian