Today we’d like to introduce you to Chi An Yu
Hi Chi An, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my journey in Taiwan, where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in fashion design. The technical focus of the Taiwanese design education system provided a strong foundation, which became invaluable when I later studied for my master’s in fashion design in New York. This transition helped me combine creative design with commercial potential effectively.
My initial interest in fashion came by chance. During my undergraduate studies, I initially majored in philosophy, but my struggles with traditional academic subjects led me to switch to fashion design. This unconventional path gave me a unique perspective, and I found that the philosophical concepts I had studied enriched my creative process, adding depth and nuance to my designs.
A significant turning point in my career was my first job as a pattern-making assistant at the Taiwanese high-fashion brand Shiatzy Chen. Initially apprehensive about the role, I soon realized that the supportive team and the challenges presented helped me grow both technically and creatively. This experience profoundly influenced my design style, making it more mature and refined.
Another crucial moment was participating in a fashion competition open to graduates, which led to showcasing my work at London Fashion Week. This opportunity allowed me to gain firsthand experience in the fashion show process and provided a strong foundation for launching my own brand, Shangli Dunde.
Currently, I am studying at Parsons School of Design in New York, where I am focused on exploring how fashion can convey deeper narratives. I am preparing to launch Shangli Dunde, a brand named after my father and grandfather. This brand aims to reflect their influence on my life and to share their perspectives on life, family, and the role of a father through my designs. I want to imbue fashion with a warmth that transcends its mere functionality, emphasizing that its value extends far beyond the physical garment.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been relatively smooth, though it has certainly included its fair share of failures and setbacks. I have faced challenges like never winning competitions, not getting accepted into graduate programs on the first try, and having my design proposals rejected while working under my brand. Despite these hurdles, my optimistic attitude has helped me navigate through them.
I don’t consider myself exceptionally gifted, but I approach every challenge as an essential part of the journey. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. By reflecting on these experiences, I can quickly adjust my mindset and rise to new challenges with renewed determination. This perspective has made overcoming obstacles a manageable and integral part of my career path.
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 deeply involved in pattern making and garment construction, which aligns perfectly with my personality and work style. I enjoy the solitary nature of this role and the technical challenges it presents. Pattern making allows me to continuously tackle and overcome obstacles, providing a sense of accomplishment through problem-solving and self-validation. Although I engage in design, my true passion lies in the process of pattern making and garment creation, where I find joy in experimenting and making changes in garment shapes and fits.
What distinguishes my work is the profound influence of my family background and philosophical studies. My designs are inspired by my curiosity about human contours, behavior, interactions, and emotions. Growing up in a traditional patriarchal family, with my grandfather playing a significant role in my upbringing, has instilled in me a unique perspective. The contrasts and contradictions in my family life, such as the different ways my grandfather treated me and my sister, and my father’s intermittent presence, are reflected in my work. For instance, I often incorporate masculine lines and silhouettes into women’s wear or create an androgynous feel in men’s wear. These elements manifest as unconscious byproducts of my design process, adding depth and authenticity to my creations.
My vision for my brand is influenced by the values imparted by my grandfather and father. My grandfather dedicated his life to education, believing that every person, given the right opportunities, could contribute positively to society. This ethos inspires me to use fashion to convey empowering messages and drive social change. My father’s work in developing sustainable energy solutions further fuels my desire to create designs that have a meaningful impact. For me, fashion is not just about aesthetics; it’s a medium to communicate values of love, selflessness, and advocacy for those affected by inequality in a patriarchal society.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 crisis brought significant changes to the fashion industry, notably accelerating the shift towards digital presentations of fashion shows. Despite this, I had the unique opportunity to present my brand’s debut physical fashion show at London Fashion Week in September 2020. This experience was particularly meaningful during a time when the pandemic was reshaping various aspects of our lives and work.
The pandemic led to a rapid transition to remote work, redefined office attire, and shifted consumer experiences from physical to predominantly online interactions. As I prepared for my brand’s first collection, it became clear that I needed to consider not only my designs but also the broader changes within the fashion system. The impact of these changes—from production and marketing to after-sales—forced me to integrate considerations into my design process that I hadn’t previously addressed.
This period of disruption prompted me to rethink how the fashion industry, as one of the largest global economies and the second-largest polluter, could reshape itself towards greater sustainability in the post-pandemic era. It underscored the importance of adapting and evolving within the industry to meet new environmental and consumer expectations, ultimately influencing how I approach design and production.
Pricing:
- Wabisabi – the appreciation of things imperfect and impermanent, accepting the flow of life. What I want to convey is not to abandon the pursuit of perfection, but rather to recognize that no design or creation is ever truly perfect. Instead, we should strive towards the ideal of perfection with each endeavor.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shanglidunde
Image Credits
all images are taken by @tum.tw, except the first image with two looks.
