Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaiqi Wang.
Hi Kaiqi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I spent my childhood in a small coal mining town in northern China, where resources for hobbies and sports were scarce. However, amidst the limitations, we were fortunate to have breathtaking grasslands that provided a sense of solace and joy. It was in this environment that I discovered my passion for drawing and crafting, creating a miniature world of imagination that offered me peace, tranquility, and comfort. I would meticulously construct a Japanese tea garden, complete with water features and landscapes, using 3D paper installations that I built from scratch. This sanctuary, painted with care, became my personal haven. Even during the winter, I would freeze jeans in amusing poses, fashioning my first art sculpture. While my neighbors may have viewed me as eccentric, my heart burned with a creative fire that kept me warm as I sketched in the snow.
Within my family, it was my father who possessed the artistic inclination, with a love for calligraphy and stamp carving. I vividly remember a significant moment during my first-grade year when we had a play featuring various animals. My father painted a face mask for me, transforming me into Bambi, instantly making me the coolest kid in class. This experience left an indelible mark on my young mind, revealing the profound power of art to evoke deep emotions.
In high school, I took great pleasure in styling myself in unique outfits every day. With a limited selection of clothing pieces from local thrift stores, items inherited from different family members, and vintage treasures from my grandma’s basement, I delighted in mixing and matching to create my distinctive looks. Despite my grandfather’s advice to focus more on studying, I never abandoned my passion for fashion and styling. As I pursued a double bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration, I continued to explore various styles and let my imagination run wild. Reflecting on my early experiments, I realize that I unknowingly began practicing sustainable fashion by repurposing materials, such as transforming a mosquito net into a dress and headpieces for an ancient Chinese zombie bride costume during Halloween.
The creative fire within me continued to burn, and an opportunity eventually emerged for me to pursue a master’s degree in fashion design. Taking a leap of faith, I moved to the United States by myself, leaving everything behind. Since then, I have never looked back. Throughout my journey, I have explored different phases of personal style, including being influenced by the BDSM aesthetic showcased at the Folsom Street Festival in the Bay Area. Over the years, friends have often sought my styling advice, and successfully elevating their personal styles for various occasions solidified my belief in my talent for aesthetics and styling. My experiences experimenting with diverse styles have proven invaluable in my professional career, enabling me to deliver regardless of the specific set, mood, or style my clients desire. It has also allowed me to connect with new and diverse groups of people in different ways.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Indeed, my journey has been far from smooth, and unexpected struggles have crossed my path. One of these challenges has been the weight of responsibility as a leader in my local artistic community. In this role, I have witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by my fellow artists, ranging from substance abuse to financial difficulties and the harsh realities of inequality that have forced people out of their homes. These experiences have deeply affected me.
In response to these challenges, I have dedicated myself to being a beacon of support, serving as a bridge to connect individuals with the creative and personal resources they require. I strive to create a nurturing environment where artists can find solace and encouragement, both in their artistic pursuits and in their personal lives. It is my mission to foster a sense of community and provide assistance to those in need, knowing that even a small gesture can have a profound impact.
While the artistic journey is often riddled with obstacles and difficulties, I remain resolute and unwavering in my belief that my art has the power to create positive change in the world. I see it as my duty to use my artistic voice to address societal issues, amplify marginalized voices, and shed light on the struggles faced by those within the artistic community. By doing so, I hope to inspire and uplift others, sparking conversations and driving meaningful action.
I am aware that the path ahead may be challenging, but I am fueled by my passion and the desire to make a difference. I am committed to persevering and finding innovative ways to contribute to the betterment of both the artistic community and society as a whole. With determination, empathy, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of art, I remain steadfast in my mission to create a positive impact through my artistic endeavors.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a versatile professional in the fashion and styling industry, bringing expertise in fashion and accessory design, as well as various styling projects ranging from film costume styling to photo shoot styling, personal styling, and image consulting. Throughout my career, my work has received recognition and been featured in prestigious international magazines, websites, and publishers. While winning international awards for my contributions is undoubtedly fulfilling, what truly fills me with pride is the invaluable connections and friendships I have fostered along my journey as a stylist. Collaborating with talented individuals, including models, photographers, fellow stylists, makeup artists, and fashion designers, has been a constant source of inspiration and mutual admiration.
What sets me apart is my discerning eye for beauty and a distinct perspective. I possess the ability to spot standout pieces that may be overlooked by others, allowing me to create unique and memorable looks. I vividly recall an instance when I styled a well-known tech executive, encouraging him to step outside of his usual jeans and hoodie comfort zone and embrace an elegant yet fashion-forward item. Though initially hesitant, he took a leap of faith and tried it on, and to his surprise, he fell in love with it. Since then, he has confidently rocked that piece, a testament to the transformative power of personal styling and the ability to help individuals discover new facets of their style.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, my aim is to elevate individuals’ styles, instilling confidence and a sense of beauty in the clothes they wear. I have honed my skills in personal styling and image consulting to tailor each experience to an individual’s unique vibe, helping them express their true selves through their personal style. My greatest joy comes from witnessing the positive impact my work has on my clients as they radiate newfound confidence and embrace their own beauty and individuality.
In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of fashion and styling, I continue to push boundaries, stay abreast of the latest trends, and explore innovative ways to bring forth captivating and inspiring looks. Guided by my passion for aesthetics and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those I work with, I am dedicated to creating transformative experiences and helping individuals unlock their full style potential.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of the greatest aspects of LA is its incredible diversity and the availability of authentic cuisine from different regions. As a passionate foodie and avid cook, I was enamored with the cultural inclusivity I encountered after moving to the United States, particularly in a city like LA. The abundance of authentic Chinese food holds a special place in my heart. There is one restaurant that I highly recommend called Class 302 Cafe. With multiple locations in LA, they offer a delightful array of Taiwanese food, drinks, and desserts. The interior design of the restaurant mimics a classroom setting, complete with desks, tables, and a blackboard reminiscent of my elementary school days. The nostalgic ambiance immediately transports me back in time, and the food they serve is simply exceptional.
One of my favorite dishes at Class 302 Cafe is their braised pork bento box, which is reminiscent of the lunchboxes we used to have as children. The attention to detail in the presentation evokes a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. Another standout dish is their Taiwanese sizzling tappan, a delectable fusion of Italian and Asian flavors. This dish combines spaghetti with an Asian twist, resulting in a unique and delicious culinary experience. And let’s not forget about their shaved snow—it’s absolutely divine. The shaved snow at Class 302 Cafe is like a little piece of icy, sweet heaven that melts in your mouth. The best part is that you can customize it with a variety of toppings, adding your own personal touch to the experience.
While there are many things to love about LA, if I were to mention one thing I like the least, it would have to be the infamous traffic. Like many people, I find the traffic congestion in the city to be a challenge. However, the vibrant culinary scene and the opportunity to indulge in authentic flavors from around the world more than makeup for this inconvenience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaiqifashion.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lefthandpath__/
Image Credits
Image 0(personal photo: pink background portrait): Photographer: Julie Cremoux Stylist: Kaiqi Wang Fashion designer: Kaiqi Wang Image 1(three people editorial): Photographer: Lili Muntean Stylist: Kaiqi Wang Fashion designer: Kaiqi Wang Image 2(fruit editorial): Photographer: Qijue Chen Stylist: Kaiqi Wang Image 3(all-white editorial): Photographer: Shahzad B Stylist: Kaiqi Wang Fashion designer: Kaiqi Wang Image 4(smoke futuristic editorial): Photographer: Shahzad B Stylist: Kaiqi Wang Accessory designer: Kaiqi Wang Image 5(TV background editorial): Photographer: Shahzad B Stylist: Kaiqi Wang Fashion designer: Kaiqi Wang Image 6(red outfit editorial): Photographer: Qijue Chen Stylist: Kaiqi Wang Accessory designer: Kaiqi Wang Image 7(pompom heels editorial): Photographer: Adrian Aghaie Stylist: Kaiqi Wang Footwear designer: Kaiqi Wang
