by Ely Estoesta
Sandy Hsieh and The Imaginary Zebra Crew
Sandy Hsieh, Design major/Textiles & Clothing minor, recently teamed up with The Imaginary Zebra to design a new line of dresses. The Imaginary Zebra is an apparel brand started by Benson Chou in 2006. Past collections have included graphic tees and tanks, so this collaboration is a slight departure from what TIZ patrons might expect. Sandy took some time out of her hectic schedule to do an interview for our newsletter so read on to find out what inspires her, what her ultimate dream job is, and if she’s ever been in a fistfight!
You’re a Design major for obvious reasons, but what made you decide to minor in Textiles and Clothing as well? My emphasis is [in] Fashion Design. Without textile fabrics, fashion doesn’t exist. I believe a basic understanding of the textile industry is essential and will give me an edge in the fashion industry.
Describe your philosophy about the art of fashion. This is pretty lame of me, but I think Coco Chanel couldn’t have said it better: “Fashion is not simply a matter of clothes. Fashion is in the air, born upon the wind. One intuits it. It is in the sky and on the road.”
What inspires your designs in general? Was there anything in particular that inspired this collection of yours? This is really, really weird, but I pretend I have “inspiration birds” flying around my head and occasionally they fly into my ears and flap around in my brain until I get the job done and make them reality. I’m usually inspired by what I like. Since I was working under the TIZ label for this particular line, I was mainly inspired by stripes and for some reason, crochet and denim.
So exactly how did The Imaginary Zebra collaboration come about in the first place? Funny story. I was looking to sublet an apartment for summer session and my friend Jason found me a great place with these great girls. Turns out my summer housemates are good friends with Benson Chou and the entire TIZ crew. I quickly got to know everyone and one day, when we were talking about god knows what, I showed Benson my fashion show from high school. He was, (I assume) impressed, and asked me if I wanted to collaborate right away. I actually attended one of their shows last year and was blown out of my frickin’ mind, so you can only imagine how eager I was to say, “Uh, hell yeah”. Props to Jason Lee for hooking me up.
What’s it like being involved with a brand that is quickly gaining popularity on campus?
Such an honor. I remember thinking to myself how it will probably be awhile before I touch a sewing machine again, but before I knew it, I was working with a renowned brand at Davis and a most talented designer and crew. Benson Chou of TIZ is perhaps one of the most awesome people I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know and work with. Not only is he ridiculously talented, he is so humble about his achievements. I got really lucky.
Did you learn anything in any of your TXC minor courses that came in handy for this collaboration? Last year, I took TXC 164 with Professor Joan Chandler (a really great class) and learned the entire apparel production process. The whole time I was sewing my garments from scratch, I wished I could just send detailed design sketches to companies for production. Yeah, I’m lazy.
So did you do all of the construction for the collection?
Yes, I did all the construction for the entire line. The jean shorts, I cut apart and reconstructed to fit the model. The two more colorful dresses (pictured bottom two of ‘my line and models’), Benson gave me old TIZ shirts to recycle and make into dresses.
What’s your ultimate dream job? I definitely want to work under an established designer for a couple of years, and eventually take the experiences I will have gained to establish my own name in the fashion industry. Zac Posen would be a dream. Otherwise, I think I would be satisfied being a freelance non-starving artist with a stable income, perhaps owning my own flower shop, or worst case scenario but not really, a wandering nomad who does nothing but eat, sleep, and play with forest animals everyday.
Any Fall/Winter 09 trend in particular that you think people should be wary of/avoid altogether? Cowl-necked sweaters. They’re popular every year during the fall and winter, but wearers definitely need to be wary of this neckline. Often, cowl necklines can look sloppy when not worn correctly, or are even exaggerated to unflattering extremes.
I very much prefer the classic turtleneck. It’s simple, sharp, and functional.
Is there something you might wear while traveling (New York, Los Angeles, Paris, etc) but that you’d never wear in Davis? I would wear probably wear more of my fancy stuff. Coats, fitted blazers, motorcycle jackets, 5 1/2 inch heels and what not. In stark contrast, I usually throw on old T-shirts with unintentional paint stains, an oversized flannel button-up over skinny jeans, and moccasins/flip flops when I’m in Davis. Comfort comes first here.
Last one! What’s a question you’ve always wanted someone to ask you and what’s the answer to it? Q: “Have you ever been in a fistfight? If so, where?” A: Yes, at religion camp.
To learn more about The Imaginary Zebra’s beginnings, read Ashley Carros’ interview with Benson Chou and make sure to visit The Imaginary Zebra to check out their online shop.
Filed under: Students Matter
