Global Fashion Collective NYFW FW24 - Interview with Alex S. Yu (Vancouver)

ALEX S YU will be a part of the Global Fashion Collective shows February 9th and 10th. Please contact Global Fashion Collective for more information or to request an interview with this designer at info@globalfashioncollective.com.

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Bio -

ALEX S. YU is an eminent creator of womenswear collections that intricately navigate the delicate boundary between reality and fantasy for the everydaydreamer. His design aesthetics are a jubilant celebration of the joyful emotions of childhood, infused with elements of nostalgia and wanderlust. A contemplative exploration of modern femininity takes centre stage in his collections, presenting a whimsically quirky perspective through meticulously crafted garments. The ALEX S. YU woman is characterized by her adventurous spirit, embracing novelty with enthusiasm. She revels in a palette of vibrant colours, dynamic prints, unconventional shapes, and varied textures, placing paramount importance on comfort and functionality. With an essence that is eccentric, lively, and nonchalant, she perceives life through a lens tinted with rosy optimism.

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Hailing from Taipei, Taiwan, and nurtured in Vancouver, BC, ALEX S. YU embodies the essence of a 1.5 generation immigrant. Trained at Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver, he further honed his expertise at London College of Fashion in the United Kingdom, culminating in a graduate degree in womenswear & technology. The genesis of his label took place at Vancouver Fashion Week in September 2014, a pivotal moment following his recognition as the Emerging Designer of the Year by Niche Magazine. His journey has been marked by showcasing 16 collections at Vancouver Fashion Week, earning accolades such as the Nancy Mak Award in September 2016. A globetrotter on the fashion scene, ALEX S. YU has presented his collections at fashion weeks worldwide, including New York, London, Tokyo, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal, showcasing his mastery of proportions, colour blocking, and inventive silhouettes.

His avant-garde creations have resonated globally, gracing the pages of esteemed publications such as Vogue UK, Vogue Italia, Glamour UK, Fashion Canada, Elle Canada, i-D, GQ, and many more. ALEX S. YU's innovative designs have transcended the fashion realm, finding expression in music videos and independent films, creating a visual language that extends beyond traditional boundaries. Noteworthy celebrities, including Malia Baker, Jordan Claire Robbins, and Paige Spara, have adorned his creations, attesting to his growing influence in the fashion industry.

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The label's global footprint is marked by bi-annual pop-up shops and partnerships with stockists in major cities such as New York, London, Vancouver, Taipei, and Miami. ALEX S. YU, made with dream and love, stands as a testament to the designer's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion.

Interview 

Please share a bit about your journey to embrace fashion design as a career.

Since secondary school, my passion for fashion ignited through exposure to Fashion TV, the internet, and various magazines. The captivating world of models, fashion designers, and their creations became my obsession, fueling my aspirations to become a designer or stylist. This dream materialized with the launch of my label, ALEX S. YU, following my graduation from the London College of Fashion in September 2014 where I debuted my first full collection at Vancouver Fashion Week, where I clinched the title of Emerging Designer of the Year by Victoria's Niche Magazine. Since then, I have consistently unveiled two collections annually, establishing a creative and evolving presence in the fashion landscape.

In 2021, I expanded my involvement in the industry by joining the faculty at Blanche Macdonald Centre, where I share my expertise in fashion design.

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How did you learn your skills?

I earned my diploma at Blanche MacDonald Centre and pursued my graduate degree in womenswear at the London College of Fashion. The journey through fashion design education demanded an immense amount of effort and sleepless nights. Prior to Blanche, I lacked any sewing skills, unable to distinguish a seam from a hem or comprehend the purpose of a bobbin. The intensive pace at Blanche forced me to exert additional effort and dedicate substantial time to practice, ultimately overcoming the significant challenge of sewing.

Transitioning to the London College of Fashion, the primary hurdle shifted to the course's central objective – self-discovery as a designer and defining one's voice in the industry. This phase involved profound introspection, requiring me to delve deeply into my aspirations and contemplate the direction I wanted to take with my unique voice in the fashion world.

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

ALEX S. YU is an eminent creator of womenswear collections that intricately navigate the delicate boundary between reality and fantasy for the everydaydreamer. His design aesthetics are a jubilant celebration of the joyful emotions of childhood, infused with elements of nostalgia and wanderlust. A contemplative exploration of modern femininity takes center stage in his collections, presenting a whimsically quirky perspective through meticulously crafted garments. The ALEX S. YU woman is characterized by her adventurous spirit, embracing novelty with enthusiasm. She revels in a palette of vibrant colors, dynamic prints, unconventional shapes, and varied textures, placing paramount importance on comfort and functionality. With an essence that is eccentric, lively, and nonchalant, she perceives life through a lens tinted with rosy optimism.

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

As a designer, the storytelling process comes naturally to me, facilitated by my penchant for daydreaming. Imagination flows effortlessly, allowing me to weave intricate narratives and convey my unique perspective. Conversely, the greatest challenge I encounter lies in navigating the delicate balance between creativity and the practicality of garment wearability.

In recent seasons, I've assumed a dual role — one that indulges my unrestrained imagination and another that serves as a vigilant guard, compelling me to step into the customer's shoes. This dynamic requires me to both unleash my creativity and exercise restraint, ensuring that my designs not only captivate the imagination but also resonate with the practical preferences of those who wear them.

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

I don't confine myself to a single source of inspiration. Instead, I draw inspiration from a diverse array of contrasting elements, employing my unique style to seamlessly merge these varied sources into my designs. My creative influences often stem from youth subcultures, contemporary arts, films, and different historical periods. Emphasizing the significance of color in my collections, I consistently incorporate a spectrum of hues to enhance the vibrancy and depth of my designs.

Readers would love to hear about the collection you will be showing on the runway at New York Fashion Week FW24 in February? Inspiration, fabrics, pallette, etc.?

Capsule 006 represents the culmination and conclusive evolution of Capsule 001 through 005. Drawing inspiration from the enchanting narrative of Alice Through the Looking Glass where everything is but a reflection and reversed. This collection undertakes a meticulous and reflective exploration of its predecessors, ingeniously reimagining them with a renewed perspective. Infused with ALEX S. YU's distinctive mastery of intricate colour palettes, modern functionality, dynamic silhouettes, contemporary femininity, and a touch of whimsical fantasy. Capsule 006 emerges as a prelude to the much-anticipated 10th-anniversary show scheduled for Autumn 2024.

Do you have a favorite look in this collection?

Choosing a favorite look is always a challenge, but if I had to pick one, it would be a design that puts a unique ALEX S. YU spin on the classic white shirt.

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Where can readers purchase your designs?

My designs are available at select retail shops in Vancouver (Tran5cend, Commonplace), London (Wear that Walk), and New York (Red Velvet Boutique, S&W). Additionally, the ALEX S. YU online shop carries the collection. We are in the process of a significant rebranding and repositioning initiative in celebration of our tenth-year anniversary.

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

I aspire to keep creating collections and expand the presence of my clothing line in boutiques worldwide. My ultimate long-term goal is to establish my own flagship store showcasing the entire collection. Having my own store would provide a platform to present my ideas comprehensively, encompassing not just the clothing but also the interior design and layout of the store.

In closing is there anything else you'd like to share with readers?

In 2024, ALEX S. YU will mark its tenth anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, we are organizing a celebratory event that will include a runway show, performances, and a retrospective review of the brand's remarkable 10-year journey. Stay tuned for updates on our official Instagram account @alex.s.yu.

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