Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Zhang.
Samantha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Bay Area. After graduation, I moved to New Zealand, where I began my journey as an entrepreneur by launching a kids’ modeling school in Auckland.
Following the challenges brought by COVID-19, I debuted my own fashion brand, Samantha Zhang, at New Zealand Fashion Week. Currently, my co-founder Cathy and I have established a new creative venture in Burbank, Los Angeles — a groundbreaking initiative at the intersection of fashion and art.
As a visionary fashion designer and independent line producer, I strive to elevate the fashion scene through my brand Samantha Zhang Design and by organizing world-class fashion events. My ambitions are global — I aim to open a catwalk training school and foster diversity and cultural exchange through fashion on an international scale.
Beyond fashion, I actively contribute to the broader creative community through collaborations with commercial brands. My latest project, Aristo Creative, is a multifaceted platform that offers a diverse acting & modeling while also serving as a hub for innovation. It includes a photography studio and a creative training space designed to empower artists, spark collaboration, and push creative boundaries. With Aristo Creative, I hope to inspire others to dream boldly and create fearlessly.
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?
Yes, there are a lot of struggles and many challenges along the way. As a self-employed entrepreneur, hardships are inevitable. For designers in particular, the journey can be even more demanding — not only must you endure intense periods of high-pressure work, but during the early stages of the pandemic, you also had to navigate repeated lockdowns and a series of devastating setbacks. These tested your resilience and pushed your psychological limits to the edge.
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’m a fashion designer, stylist, producer, and casting director. Most people know me for designing the gown worn by young Hollywood actress Amie Donald at the LA premiere of M3GAN. This year, in June, I created a custom evening gown for her again for M3GAN 2, which was such an exciting moment for me!
I’m incredibly proud of myself—I designed 50 garments for my last fashion week and successfully managed a team of over 100 crew members during the event. I’ve hit so many milestones already, and I can’t wait to achieve even more.
I believe my greatest strength is my resilience and positive attitude. It’s what truly sets me apart in this industry.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think the lesson is to keep working hard, stay committed, and not let other people’s opinions sway us.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammy_design?igsh=dDd6bHdiMDF6djAx&utm_source=qr%0A%0A
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.cn/incareer/in/samantha-zhang-47916713b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16421906/?ref_=fn_all_nme_2
Image Credits
Credit
Photograher: @guycoombes @mikerookephoto @xy_edward0414 @nn_linda @robinsmithnz @neylaphoto
MUA: @cathykoo.makeup @leisa.w.hairandmakeup @lili_makeuphairparis @beautybyclaudias
