In the illustrious halls of Parsons School of Design, one rising star has carved out a distinctive path with her bold and thought-provoking creations. Nora, a design student with a keen interest in the integration of Eastern and Western aesthetics, is captivating the fashion world with her collection titled ‘Bunny Tales’. Her unique journey through Parsons and her diverse influences have culminated in an innovative collection that is as visually striking as it is profoundly symbolic.
At Parsons, Nora’s academic journey instilled in her a comprehensive understanding of the design process. “Concept generation, research methods, and the translation of 2D designs into tangible 3D creations – Parsons covered it all. It also shaped my creative thinking and nurtured my unique aesthetic sensibility,” she explained.
Nora’s designs are distinctive in their fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics. This harmonious blend is achieved through bold silhouettes influenced by Western contemporary art and a meticulous, detail-oriented approach drawn from Eastern culture.
“I’ve borrowed key elements from both cultures. My work often features unconventional constructions with a strong emphasis on intricate detailing and beadwork, nodding to the conservative yet delicate Eastern aesthetic.”
Depression, a consistent theme in her work, has led Nora to a fundamental color palette of black, white, and gray. Lan noted, “Colors serve as a primary means of expressing my emotions. The cohesive combination of these colors helps me maintain a consistent tone throughout my collection, effectively conveying the intended mood and message.”
Texture, shape, and proportions play a central role in Nora’s designs. Working predominantly with black, she leans heavily on textures to create distinction between layers. “Sculptures serve as a significant source of inspiration for the exaggerated shapes and proportions I incorporate,” she revealed.
Striking a balance between visual appeal and practicality, Nora ensures her designs are both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear. She shared, “Working closely with my model, who is one of my closest friends, we conduct frequent fittings, enabling me to make necessary adjustments to enhance comfort and wearability.”
Her current collection, ‘Bunny Tales’, draws significant influence from Joseph Beuys’ performance art piece “How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare”. The artwork, which involves Beuys explaining pictures to a deceased hare, resonated deeply with Nora due to her personal experience of losing her own rabbits.
Influences from other artists such as David Altmejd and Nick Cave are also present in ‘Bunny Tales’. Lan said, “David Altmejd’s captivating sculptures, which often depict a fusion of human and rabbit forms, provided significant silhouette inspiration. Conversely, Nick Cave’s creation, ‘Bunny Boy’, featuring long, hairy fabrics, influenced my textile choices.”
Nora’s work also harbors a strong focus on the human-nature relationship and animal rights. She explained, “The concept of interconnectedness between humans and nature, as exemplified in Beuys’ work, became a driving force in my creative exploration.”
As she prepares to graduate, Nora hopes to collaborate with artists from diverse fields. “I have a desire to incorporate various media and materials into my garments, constantly exploring new avenues of creativity,” she declared. In an industry often accused of homogeneity, Nora’s bold vision and commitment to pushing boundaries promise a future filled with exciting, innovative design.
To see more of Noras work follow her instagram here.
