Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Zhang
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Crystal Zhang, and I am from China. I graduated from Columbus College of Art and Design with my master’s degree in 2022 and am currently based in Irvine, CA. I am an artist who combines fashion and fine art to give life in stasis a path to metamorphosis. I bring my unique aesthetics when creating garments and make them become one-of-a-kind wearable art.
From the moment I declared my dream of becoming a fashion designer in elementary school. Despite my earnest aspirations, my parents didn’t initially take my passion seriously. The thought was like planting a seed that refused to stop growing, and eventually I went to school to study my dream fashion design.
After graduated from college, I worked as a technical designer in a fast fashion company in New York. I witnessed a concerning trend of brands replicating each other, churning out designs with a fleeting existence. This made me question about the sustainability of the fashion industry. I wanted to make a meaningful impact, even in a small way, I decided to go back to school to further hone my skills, earning my MFA.
The turning point came after completing my master’s degree when I was invited to the Decorative Art Center of Ohio Gala. There, I showcased a white collection that highlighted my creative abilities, employing a mix of couture and ready-to-wear using zero-waste techniques. However, the unexpected feedback took me by surprise – the collection was lauded as a unique and beautiful wedding collection.
The unexpected recognition at the Decorative Art Center of Ohio Gala marked the beginning of a new chapter. Clients started approaching me for custom wedding dresses, and these experiences fueled my determination to establish my own brand. During market research at wedding stores, I observed the prevalent trend of selling low-quality dresses at exorbitant prices. Additionally, hearing from clients about the challenges they faced in finding a dress that truly symbolized their identity resonated deeply with me. I aspired to make a difference by not only providing value for their investment but also creating a garment that held significant meaning for their special day.
This realization became the driving force behind the birth of my brand. I delved into market research, discovering that wedding stores often fell short in offering both quality and personal significance. I wanted to address this gap and assist people in finding not just a dress but a symbol of themselves. My goal was to contribute to a more sustainable and meaningful future for the fashion industry, going beyond mere aesthetics.
In every piece I create, I strive to imbue it with more than just visual appeal. I aim to infuse a deeper, personal significance for individuals on their special day. This commitment is the cornerstone of my brand, emphasizing that even seemingly small efforts can lead to significant positive change within the fashion industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Avant-garde vs Ready-to-Wear
Navigating the balance between avant-garde fashion and ready-to-wear collections has been a significant challenge. Avant-garde designs are often bold and experimental, pushing the boundaries of fashion and requiring a high level of creativity and innovation. However, they cater to a niche market, and their unconventional nature can make them less practical for everyday wear. This makes it difficult to achieve commercial success solely with avant-garde pieces.
On the other hand, ready-to-wear collections need to be more commercially viable and accessible to a broader audience. They require a focus on functionality, wearability, and trends, often limiting the scope for radical experimentation. Finding a way to merge these two aspects requires balancing artistic vision with market demands, ensuring that the designs are both innovative and practical.
My goal is to perfectly combine these two aspects to create sustainable yet functional garments with my own artistic aesthetic. For example, the white dress with the pleated bottom part shown in picture #4 is a functional piece that can be separated into a short casual dress or a long formal dress for different occasions. The dress is also made with zero-waste. It’s a great example of how I overcome these challenges and achieve my goals. By merging avant-garde creativity with ready-to-wear practicality, I strive to create unique pieces that appeal to both niche and mainstream markets.
One of the kind Craftsmanship vs High Efforts Input
Besides the seasonal lines, I also create custom pieces. Crafting one-of-a-kind items is both my passion and my challenge. Each piece requires a significant amount of time, effort, and meticulous craftsmanship. This dedication sets my brand apart but also limits production volume and increases costs. Balancing the creation of unique, high-quality items with the substantial input required is an ongoing process. I aim to educate our customers about the value of craftsmanship and the importance of supporting artisanal work.
The challenge lies in the inherent complexity of custom work. Each project is unique, requiring a deep understanding of the client’s vision and a commitment to bringing that vision to life. This often means long hours, intense focus, and a level of precision that can be physically and emotionally demanding. Additionally, the bespoke nature of these pieces means that mistakes are costly and timelines can be unpredictable.
Despite the immense effort and occasional overwhelming nature of these projects, they are always worth it. One memorable experience was designing custom wedding gowns for a Christian lesbian couple. After learning their stories, I created designs that embodied their love and the challenges they had faced. When they saw the designs, they cried, and at that moment, I knew every minute spent was worthwhile.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
YǓNIVERSE provides one of the kind wearable art. It is defined by a fusion of innovation, sustainability, and timeless elegance. At its core, it embodies a commitment to redefining fashion by seamlessly blending artistic creativity with conscientious design practices. Each creation is a testament to my dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and a belief that fashion should be both aesthetically captivating and environmentally responsible.
My designs aim to transcend fleeting trends, providing pieces that stand the test of time. Embracing a zero-waste approach, I challenge industry norms by creating garments that are not only visually striking but also environmentally considerate. For instance, the white long gown is not only zero-waste but can also be deconstructed into a shorter dress, offering more versatility. Clients can return the bottom part, and I will transform it into something they can wear every day. This approach applies to most pieces. Understanding that not every customer may prioritize sustainability, I believe, as a designer, we have the duty to guide them unconsciously.
The uniqueness of my brand lies in its ability to tell a story through fashion, celebrating individuality and personal narratives. Whether it’s a bespoke wedding gown or a ready-to-wear collection, each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting a harmonious blend of style, substance, and sustainability. The story comes to life through the silhouette and intricate details.
Ultimately, my brand is a journey – a journey towards a more mindful and meaningful approach to fashion. It’s an invitation to embrace conscious elegance, where every garment is not just a statement piece but a step towards a more sustainable and inspiring future for the world of fashion.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Meeting Influential People
Luck has certainly played a role in my journey, particularly through serendipitous encounters with influential people. These connections have opened doors, provided mentorship, and offered opportunities that have been pivotal in shaping the direction of my brand. Whether it’s meeting a key industry figure at an event or being introduced to a potential collaborator, these moments of good fortune have had a lasting impact on my career.
The luckiest thing happened in my journey was meeting my mentor. She is an extraordinary sustainable textile artist and fashion designer in the US who has significantly influenced my approach to sustainable creation. Through her guidance, I began to embrace sustainability not only in production but also in terms of humanism. Her mentorship has been instrumental in transforming my mindset, encouraging me to create with both the environment and humanity in mind.
Happy Accident
Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places. There have been instances where a design mistake turned into a unique feature that set a collection apart. These happy accidents remind me that not everything can be meticulously planned and that creativity often thrives in unpredictability. Embracing these moments and allowing them to influence my work has led to some of the most innovative pieces in my collections.
Happy accidents frequently occur when I’m creating my textiles, especially during the natural dyeing process. Even small factors, such as variations in temperature, the pH of the water, or the type of plant material used, can significantly affect the outcome. These variables often lead to surprising and beautiful results that I could never have anticipated. By welcoming these unplanned elements, I am able to infuse a sense of organic spontaneity into my designs, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Unexpected challenge (bad luck)
Of course, luck isn’t always on our side. Unexpected challenges have tested my resilience and problem-solving skills. These moments of bad luck have taught me to stay adaptable and maintain a positive outlook, even when things don’t go as planned. Each challenge has been a learning experience, pushing me to find new solutions and improve my business strategies.
Bad luck played a significant role during my experience at New York Fashion Week. The backstage area was chaotic—one of my models accidentally wore the pants backwards, one of them had issue with the shoe that fitted perfectly during fitting day, and another model went missing right before the show started. Despite the stress and confusion, I had to think quickly and remain calm. I worked with my team to resolve these issues on the spot, ensuring the show could go on without a hitch. These unforeseen events not only tested my ability to stay composed under pressure but also reinforced the importance of being prepared for anything. Ultimately, overcoming these obstacles made the success of the show even more rewarding and demonstrated the true power of teamwork and perseverance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yuniversestuido.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uryuniverse_/
Image Credits
Picture 1 & 2- Chawis Saelim
Picture 4 & 10 – Shiann Banks
Picture 5 & 9 – Malad Goyes
