by guest writer Jenica Chuahiock - Tattles, Tales n' Things
“I
always have passion for fashion,” says budding designer, Ning Hao.
Always. That’s because she insists on going further: passion is
fashion! And what a journey it has been, beginning with a childhood
pastime in China, and through a convoluted path of science and
architecture, to eventually finding her happiness in fashion design.
“I
always have passion for fashion,” says budding designer, Ning Hao.
Always. That’s because she insists on going further: passion is
fashion! And what a journey it has been, beginning with a childhood
pastime in China, and through a convoluted path of science and
architecture, to eventually finding her happiness in fashion design.
Ning
Hao’s humble origins began in a Christmas tree factory in Shenzhen,China, where she was frequently left to play alone in a room. “My
parents were really busy when I was a kid.I was in a room by myself
most of the time. So my mom taught me how to sew, so I can make
clothes for my Barbie doll. “[Sewing doll clothes] was when I
realized I loved crafts. The factory would buy scrap fabric to wipe
the oil off of the machines. That was my only source of fabric. I
remember how I made a crop top and mini skirt for my Barbie, and I
just made whatever I think will look good.” The memory of her
dolly dress-making is so vivid; she is certain of its significance in
her dreams, even after going through a tomboy phase of baggy jeans
and oversize shirts, and yes, even after once having to give up her
dreams for fashion.
Like
most young designers, the first obstacle is convincing your parents
to support your creative dream. Ning Hao’s parents were no
different, so she focused on architecture. The decision was not a
total loss though, as this turn of events has lead her to the
University of Fraser Valley (UFV). “Believe it or not,” she
laughed, “The first time I went to visit UFV was during high
school, and I saw a double rainbow there. I think it was a good
sign.” So off to UFV she went, where she was initially a science
student—sort of. “I have art elective courses to take. “So I
took weaving classes at UFV. And I just felt like this is what I
really like to do, I felt so happy working on every project. Even
weaving by myself late at night, I still didn’t feel tired at all!”
Then gradually, the little girl who made doll clothes from rags came
through, and the future designer mustered up the courage to face her
parents. In time, they have come to accept how their daughter’s
happiness lies with fabrics, colors and patterns. Why wouldn’t they
support her now?
While
some artistic minds shun the rigors of numbers and equations, Ning
Hao has found a way to embrace it. Having spent some time being a
science student, buried in arithmetic puzzles, she has learned
something valuable that would apply towards career in fashion. “I
thought I had wasted 5 years studying math and economy in college.
“However, I have come to realize that [my math and science
background] helps me to become different from other designer. Every
experience makes me the person I am today. It makes me become more
logical when I am working. It makes me see things a Mathematical way.
Sometimes in math, when we need to solve a complex equation, we need
to break it apart and simplify it. It’s kind of the logic I use
when I am designing. After I have a design in my head, I break it
into pieces and think about what is the hardest thing to deal with,
or what task takes the most time. This kind of thinking makes me more
efficient. I can use the same, limited time to make more things than
other people can.”
Talent,
logic and long hours of dedication have brought Ning Hao here, to her
fashion debut. After constantly sewing, remaking and defending her
designs, she is now about to face the fashion world, starting with
her first ever collection inspired by her Issey Miyake BaoBao purse.
“I really love geometric shapes, maybe that’s because of my
mathematical background. And the triangle is my favorite shape. So I
thought cutting fabrics into triangles and then joining them together
will be fun. And for even more fun, I think it would be cool to make
the triangles stand out!” With a design in mind, Ning Hao proceeds
to pick the palette, which was actually inspired by a fabric she
found, abstract roses of blue, turquoise, purple, green and white.
The collection is her work of art, and each piece is much loved. But
if she had to pick one absolute favorite: the pant suit, of course!
After
graduating, she is set for the next chapter of her fashion career,
searching for opportunities to grow. “I’ll work for others for a
while, then launch my own line. I love prints. One day, I hope I can
design my own fabric for my own brand. And, I am also trying to find
new methods of construction to make fabric look different…”
continues Ning Hao. “I know there are soooo many talented people
out there. So many great artists and designers are working in this
industry. It’s hard to say what’s new, since it feels like
everything has been done before. But still, I think I can bring a new
perspective to fashion!”
For
more information on the Fashion Design Program at the University of
the Fraser Valley go to www.ufv.ca/fashion/.
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