Update in a Ramble

27Nov11

Hi!

Yes, I’m still alive and well. I just finally settled in my new job. It’s not my favorite job– but I have to hang in there if I want to do what I want to do later. I will be patient!

Moving to San Francisco is probably one of the riskiest decisions I’ve ever made. But it’s also one of the best. I absolutely love SF; there’s just so much to explore and experience. So far, I’ve visited many museums and parks. My favorite museum so far is the Children’s Creativity Museum. Children from all over the world, especially in China, create like, really amazing and detailed artwork at age 4+. My friend and I were so shocked to see the ages and the materials that they used. When I was 5, I drew stick figures with blue clouds and a sun with yellow and orange spikes with crayons. These kids made me feel so low. Haha!

Anyway, I guess today’s post turned out to be a ramble… sorry. :/ Will try to be more creative next time!

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Irresistable little things

13Sep11

crocheted accessories for my soon-to-be twin nephews

My summer hasn’t been very exciting. Job hunting with no results.

I did do something productive last week though: I crocheted a little project (literally.) My sister is having twins! They’re due in December; I’m super excited so I made hats and mittens for them. I’m starting to be obsessed with baby clothes, bibs, toys, etc. Baby things are cute no matter what. The littleness of them is just enough for the products to be irresistible.

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I Need A Job

18Jul11

Ack, trying to get a job, so far, has proven to be a lot harder and more stressful than I had imagined. It worries me to know I might not find a job soon because I really don’t want to live at home for too long. I enjoy being with my family, but I feel like life has no meaning without passion.

I’m starting to get depressed from waiting and anticipating. I can’t do anything. So bummed.

Just wanted to update and vent.

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Website in the works

21Jun11

I’m currently working on my website which has been a work in progress for a couple of months now. It’s taking longer than I thought! But I’m out of school now (I’ve graduated!) so I’m working full time on my website portfolio. I really need to complete it asap so I can start applying for jobs. It’s so hot in Davis now…. I wanna move already~~ ;D

Anyway, here’s a preview of my website:

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Video of my Collection!

03Jun11

Forgive and my awkward bow at the end.
I hate being on stage!
Thanks to Levi for recording!

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Tags: fashion show 2011, in the mood for love ost, nature prints, on video, picnic day, romantic refinement, runway, signature collections

Collection Photoshoot!

20May11

During the weeks after the SF fashion show, guess what I did? I invested some time in recovering. I enjoyed my time off very much. But today I got back into my collection! I had a photoshoot for my portfolio with one of my models from the fashion show, Jessica. She’s so talented and has natural model instincts, not to mention, natural beauty! She’s such a pleasure to work with. I’m so thankful to her! Of course, the photoshoot went really well and smooth. We did over 10 outfits, including one outdoors, in 2.5 hours. The hair and makeup took 1 hour. I have a couple more shoots to do this weekend and monday so I’m looking forward to those too. But since I am so happy with this photoshoot– and can no longer contain this happiness to myself– I’d like to share 3 photos! Exclusive previews, we can call it, to those who read my blog! ;D Enjoy!

Full outfit shot. You might not recognize this outfit~~ that's because it wasn't in the fashion show. The garments are all from the fashion show though; I just mixed and matched the articles.

We did an outdoor shoot with this garment-- specifically I did it so I can use one for my website home page!

And another~

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San Francisco = Done!

01May11

Today was our last show, our SF Show!

It was nice to be in SF again. I love SF. The show was located in the Performance Arts Institute (a gallery). It was definitely different than at UC Davis campus. The relatively smaller space of the gallery created a much more intimate environment than freeborn hall. To add to the intimacy, there was a reception after the show which allowed guests to mingle with designers. It was really nice.

But to be honest, I don’t really have much to say about this show. It was just another show to me, I guess. Maybe it’s because I was just too tired. I was too focused on completing my collection I kind of forgot to enjoy the process. Sadly, today was more of a burden than something I was looking forward to. Nonetheless, I’m really proud of all the designers and their hard work. I know many have not slept for days, sacrificed their classes (and grades), and spent all their money just for the sake of their collection. But I think everyone might agree when I say it was worth it. BRAVO, Signature Collections Class of 2011, we did it!

And now? …. I guess I have to prepare for my next journey: job-hunting. =_=

Some pictures from the show:

Backstage

During reception

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Picnic Day= Done!

17Apr11

Yesterday was our first show at Picnic Day! It was so stressful above all things. I spent all night and morning preparing for it… so I was so tired! It started to seem more dreadful than exciting. After everyone was in their clothes and hair and makeup.. I was starting to feel more relaxed. But still, it was so crazy.. I had to hem a jacket while backstage waiting for the show to start. CRAZY.

But at last, it was our turn to go. It turned out wrong: my models were queued incorrectly so they had to pose. I was yelling nooooo. But I could not do anything. I just decided to go with it. Then I started crying! I could not believe it. I was crying and hugging my friend. I was so crying. Haha. She thought I was crying because the choreography was messed up… but I kept telling her “it’s a good cry.” That was a moment. I tried to dry up my tears before going to the runway to bow. But then after I got off the runway, I started crying again to my peers and to my models. I was so proud of them and the work we had put into this show. I can cry now just thinking about it.

As for the show– it went well, I think. Overall,  it was awesome. But I think my collection might have confused some people. It was a bit slow and I think the audience was looking for excitement. That’s what my brother told me too. But I think it’s okay. I just can’t imagine my models walking fast in these clothes. The story in the clothes does not really call for a fast beat song. The song I thought was most appropriate was one that triggered a thoughtful, deep thinking, and patient response in the audience.  I put my models in walking order according to maturity within the clothes and colors. I think overall I’m pretty happy with my collection. BUT for the SF show, it will be more refined (pun?).

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to support! And thanks so much to my amazing models who put my vision to life.

Here are some articles, one of which we are on the front page!

http://www.dailydemocrat.com/ci_17862766

http://www.dailydemocrat.com/news/ci_17867512

Photos:

Models: Jessica Bondi and Peter Petkov. Credit goes to my lovely co-worker, Kim-Loan Nguyen

Credit goes out to Matthew Henderson (henderson-photo@hotmail.com), a news reporter who put us in the front page of an article.

Credit: Matthew Henderson (henderson-photo@hotmail.com)

Credit: Kim-Loan Nguyen

All of us together at the end of the show! Models: Victor Lor, Peter Petkov, Yee Lee, Jessica Bondi, Jade Domingo, Linda Sah. My amazing models.

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Rehearsal

07Apr11

I just got back from the fashion show rehearsal tonight and I’m starting to feel really disappointed… or even something like resentment. Basically, my professor thinks my collection is too slow and too long… And worse, she said it’s going to be boring. At first I wasn’t sure how to react and probably didn’t even quite grasp the fact that she just basically called my whole concept/vision “boring,” but now I feel like someone just told me I have ugly babies.. : (

But I think there were many factors that aid in her idea that my collection possibly may be boring. First, the fact that there are 25 designers showcasing their collection. Obviously this would risk the possibility of making the show feel dragged out and “boring.” Second, there are 2 opening “acts”: the red dress collection and single garment collections, which probably takes up 10 minutes of the show.  Third, I’m the 4th to last (aka 22nd designer) in the line-up. So if the audience is already starting to zone out by then, of course my slow melody collection has a high possibility of putting them to sleep.

Though I have confidence in my collection, unfortunately, it is more possible now that it may not reach its potential to make people understand the artistic concept and thought behind it.

UPDATE 4.8: My professor apologized for using the term boring. I feel better now. AND! My collection might be moved up the lineup!

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MENSWEAR

05Apr11

We’re back from spring break! It’s been over a week now since we came back. So far, I have not been able to focus on anything except my collection. Since I wanted to add 2 menswear outfits into my collection, my crazy sewing lifestyle had to continue. The past week til today, I’ve been focused on making those menswear pieces I envisioned for my collection. Making the garments was a little easier than I thought, but styling it is a little tricky. My first piece of garment for the men’s department was this cowel neck shirt made of knit fabric. It’s super drape-y but very comfortable (yes, I tried it on! .) It looks like this:

So far, it is my favorite piece for the men’s. I’m planning to make a jacket that goes on top— but that’s a bit of a challenge so we’ll have to wait and see.

Well, I guess that’s my preview for the day. I can’t believe picnic day is in less than 2 weeks! I may not have time to blog before then…. so next time you may get to see the whole collection! Crazy…!!

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