By: Daniel Kwak, Writer
“I don’t want to show clothes, I want to show my attitude, my past, present and future. I use memories and future visions and try to place them in today’s world.”
When I first saw Ian at an org event, my initial thought was, “he kinda looks like he’s in an avant-garde art film about rockers.” Wearing a choker with an oversized top and distressed jeans, he didn’t look like the typical student, let alone human being living in Madison, WI. However, Ian wasn’t always the confident person I know today, rocking experimental, high end pieces.
Back when he was in Malaysia, Ian couldn't dress the way he wanted due to the constant 90+ degree weather… and his self-consciousness. What kickstarted his interest in fashion was his experience working at a restaurant. His manager informed him that self-image is important and took him and a couple other coworkers shopping for clothes. This made him more conscious about his clothing choices, and began his foray into fashion.
After coming to the States, he started watching fashion shows from labels such as Raf Simons, Undercover by Jun Takahashi, and Saint Laurent, as inspiration for his personal style.
However, while watching these fashion shows, he noticed a visible lack of diversity on the runway. Being an Asian male, he hopes that he will be able to see more people like himself be represented on the runway.
Ian has begun to feel more comfortable in his skin. Fashion has allowed Ian to express himself the way that he wasn’t able to before. As an introvert, he sometimes finds it difficult to fully communicate his feelings and ideas, but fashion provides an outlet to clearly do so.
He unapologetically states, “fashion does what words can’t for me”.
