Vancouver Fashion Week FW23 Interview With Designer Mia Cong (Vancouver)

Mia Cong will be showing her collection - Hazy Urbanites - on the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week FW23 on Friday, Apr. 14th at 6:15 P.M. Purchase Tickets HERE!

From the VFW website - 

Born in Beijing, China, I am a creative and innovative fashion design major who attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. With a detail-oriented approach, I possess extensive knowledge of fashion design, the industry, and fashion software programs. I graduated with a BFA degree in May 2022 and showcased four sets of clothes during the graduation runway that appeared in Vogue magazine. Following my success, I returned to Vancouver to live and prepare for postgraduate study. For me, fashion is more than just clothes - it's a powerful means of self-expression and connection to the world around us. My collections are inspired by the current state of people in the world and often reflect the status and mood of these individuals as a central theme. My ultimate goal is to create clothing that resonates with people on a deeper level, helping them feel seen and heard.

Interview - 

How did you learn your skills?

I earned my BFA in Fashion Design with a four-year program from the Academy of Art University, which is renowned for its fashion design program in the United States. During my time there, I acquired essential skills needed by designers such as computer drawing, making flats, sewing, pattern making, draping, and fun collection step-by-step designing. The workload was quite challenging, but it helped me develop a strong work ethic. 


Our school had numerous talented students, and it's no secret that an excellent school requires excellent professors. I was fortunate enough to have two renowned professors, Gary Miller and Curry Robert, who provided me with valuable knowledge and opportunities a year before my graduation. As for my drawing skills, I have been passionate about drawing since I was about five years old. I enjoy taking art classes, but I must admit that I can be a bit lazy at times. Nonetheless, I have been exposed to art and painting since childhood, which undoubtedly contributed to my design skills.

Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?


As a designer, I believe that I embody a combination of aesthetics, customer preferences, and brand identity. During my time in college, I chose styling for all my elective courses, and I plan to pursue a graduate program in Business Leadership starting in May. One of my hobbies is buying clothes from various brands, which gives me a unique perspective on customer preferences.

My design aesthetic revolves around creating innovative and visually pleasing designs that are also practical and functional. I understand the importance of considering customer preferences when designing, and I ensure that my designs meet their needs while staying true to the brand's identity. Moreover, I prioritize the brand's vision in my work, and I strive to represent it in my designs while pushing boundaries to create captivating and cutting-edge designs.

What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?

In my opinion, the hardest part of transitioning from a fashion design student to a professional fashion designer is dealing with the reality that there are limitations and constraints that must be considered in the design process. The easiest part is being able to freely explore your creativity in school without limitations. However, in the professional world, you must consider factors such as commercial viability and market demand, which can be complex. This can lead to compromising your original vision to meet the needs of customers and the market. 

It can also be challenging to balance creative expression with practicality, ensuring that the garments you design are functional, comfortable, and meet the needs of the customer. So while the design process may come naturally to some designers, navigating the commercial side of fashion can be the most challenging part.


Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is colour to your design process?

Designers can derive inspiration for their latest collections from diverse sources such as natural phenomena, art, culture, history, music, travel, and everyday experiences. They can be influenced by the colors, shapes, textures, and patterns that surround them, as well as by present-day trends, social issues, and personal encounters.

In fashion design, color assumes an indispensable role in the creative process. It can reflect different emotions, moods, and meanings, and can substantially impact people's perception and response to a garment. Selecting the color palette prudently is crucial in establishing the collection's overall aesthetic, while simultaneously communicating the brand's identity and message. Therefore, designers must carefully contemplate the color scheme when crafting their collections. They can experiment with various color combinations, shades, and tones to create exclusive and visually alluring looks that appeal to their target audience

Readers would love to know more about the current collection you showed at Vancouver Fashion Week.

Hazy Urbanites, the collection I'll be showcasing at Vancouver Fashion Week, draws from my imaginary 2033 inspiration from a dystopian future where a lack of sunlight and unpredictable weather patterns have led to a society focused on basic survival. Despite their dire circumstances in this stance, The world has put thought into their hairstyles and clothing, resulting in avant-garde elements mixed with a sense of starvation.

The collection features pieces of denim that capture the damp and ethereal feeling of a foggy day. The denim selection is anything but ordinary, with bold and unique pieces that are color-coded to make creating standout outfits effortlessly. The use of color-plated denim adds depth and dimension to the pieces, creating a dynamic and eye-catching visual effect.

Overall, Hazy Urbanites evokes a moody and atmospheric quality that leaves the viewer feeling captivated and curious. It is a collection that seamlessly blends elements of dystopia, avant-garde fashion, and practicality. But more I want to have a little power to remind everyone to cherish the earth's resources and protect the earth. 


Many of my collections are themed with blue and environmental protection, as I believe it is important for fashion to have a positive impact on the environment. By using sustainable materials and ethical production practices, we can create fashion that not only looks good but also promotes a healthier planet. In Hazy Urbanites, we have incorporated eco-friendly denim and utilized upcycling techniques to give new life to old materials. It is my hope that through my designs, I can raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in fashion and inspire others to make conscious choices as consumers.

Do you have a favorite look in this collection?


Honestly, I only learned that I could participate in VFW at the end of March, so my preparation time was very short. I needed to create eight complete sets of clothing, which seemed unlikely. Therefore, I decided to use the collection that I showcased in my graduation fashion show and complete the remaining four looks for this collection. 

I believe that every set of clothing is special, from the unique fabrics to the colors and shapes of the designs. I have a deep attachment to these clothes, as this collection has been with me for almost two years and has been a significant part of my design class. Although it was originally created for my graduation show, I am excited to showcase it again and add four new looks at VFW.

What's next for you as a designer and your brand?


As a designer, and for my brand, I am always seeking new opportunities to grow and expand. In the near future, I plan to continue participating in fashion events and shows, showcasing my collections to a wider audience. I also hope to collaborate with other designers and brands while exploring new materials and techniques in my designs. 

My biggest hope now is to find a job as a fashion designer or stylist in Vancouver, as I recently moved from San Francisco, United States to Vancouver, Canada. Having gone to high school in Vancouver, I am a nostalgic person who loves the people and the atmosphere of the city.

In the long term, my aspiration is to establish my brand as a sustainable and ethical fashion label, using eco-friendly materials and production methods to reduce the impact on the environment. I aim to make a positive impact in the fashion industry and promote awareness of the importance of sustainability.



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