1) What have you learned about yourself since the COVID-19 closures?

I have learned how crucial it is to take time for myself to slow down and truly reflect on life, my morals, and the world around me. In the past, I might get a few days off, but they would often be spent in recovery from two or three weeks of high levels of stress. Those days were also often spent anticipating the next wave of immense stress and anxiety. This is the first time I can remember when I truly had zero expectations or pressures looming over me that could inform how I act or think, and it’s been a really enlightening experience for me.

2) What are your plans for the fall?

If everything goes according to plan, I will be in London studying fashion design at Central Saint Martins. 

3) How have your plans changed, if at all?

The only thing that has changed thus far is that school is starting later, now in mid-October. As of right now, thankfully nothing has changed surrounding visas and travel, but so much can happen in a few months. 

4) What is your passion?

I think overall, I am most passionate about change. I express this passion through my fashion design practice, as well as through my art.  

5) Have you discovered a new passion in light of social distancing?

Although I may not have discovered a new passion while social distancing, I’ve definitely had more time to explore more ways to initiate change through fashion. I have been doing more research and testing into sustainable, zero-waste design practices, as well as into knitwear and knit technologies.  I strongly believe that all of these things will play an integral roll in the future of the fashion industry. 

I also have been spending a fair bit of time playing Animal Crossing. I find it interesting how a life simulation/world-building game that places so much emphasis on slowing down has become such a big part of so many peoples lives right now. I think it gives people a healthy means of escape, as well as a sense of control which is hard to find in times like these. 

6) What are your hopes for the future?

With COVID-19, the fashion industry (as well as everything else in the world) is being forced to rethink and rebuild the way everything is done. I want to be on the front lines of this change, as the fashion industry in the past has notably been one of the most outdated and polluting industries in the world. In a post-COVID-19 world, my hope is to democratize the fashion industry, finding ethical and sustainable long term solutions to problems that will benefit everyone, not just a few.  

7) What are you most proud of about your school experience/best memory?

I would have to say that I am most proud of my completion of a five look senior collection for my Fashion Careers II class at Fairfax Academy, taught by Jin-A Chang. It was a truly formative experience, and I learned so much not only about fashion,  but about myself in the process.