INTERVIEW: ANNA ZHANG ABOUT FASHION + 3D SCULPTURE
Anna Zhang is an Asian fashion designer currently residing in New York. In September 2022, after showcasing her latest haute couture collection at New York Fashion Week, Anna’s work received extensive coverage from major fashion media outlets worldwide, and her designs were featured in fashion magazines the Vogue China, Bazaar Vietnam + more. Celebrities such as Julia Fox, Yu Jingtian, Emma Corrin, and others have also reached out to Anna with collaboration invitations.
In February of this year, Anna Zhang exhibited her latest collection titled “A Letter to the Underworld” in New York. The exhibition was jointly organized by ANNA Z and the New York creative agency DUN DUN Agency, and took place in New York SOHO, for a duration of five days. The exhibition not only featured the highly acclaimed knitwear pieces from ANNA.Z., but also showcased Anna’s design “sketches” for the first time. The exhibits included interactive films, 3D modelling sculptures, and other contemporary art forms, providing guests with an immersive experience while narrating the fascinating brand story behind the exquisite designer pieces.
INTERVIEW WITH ANNA ZHANG
When did you first realize you wanted to launch your own label, ANNA Z?
There was no specific moment. While working on my school project at Parsons, witnessing the transformation of cloth from sketch to reality, I recognized its immense potential in the market. It was then that I knew I had to establish my own label to share it with others.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?
Starting an individual designer brand requires more than just passion and fashion design skills. It entails networking with diverse individuals, having commercial sense, and cultivating leadership abilities. If you truly aspire to start your own business, begin practicing these skills during your time in school instead of solely immersing yourself in your design world. Fashion is a language, not just a personal expression, and learning how to communicate and create value with it is crucial.
How do you want your clients to feel when wearing your pieces, and on what occasions can they be worn?
The essence of ANNA Z is to bring joy to my clients. I want them to feel unburdened and discover their inner and outer beauty when wearing ANNA Z. I aspire for my pieces to instill them with boundless confidence. They can be worn in various settings, be it daily wear, work, dates, or parties. There are no limitations on the occasions for wearing ANNA Z, as the star is not the clothing itself, but rather the wearer who finds their best self by adorning ANNA Z.
Can you define the meaning of a long-lasting garment in a few words?
A long-lasting garment, firstly, possesses its own unique style that transcends trends, ensuring it remains fashionable indefinitely. Secondly, it represents a concept of wearability and practicality, providing the wearer with comfort and ease, and having the capability to be worn for a decade.
Who is the most important person in your life that pushes and motivates you to believe in yourself?
Without a doubt, my dad. He has always sto od behind me, offering advice, support, and unconditional love. He inspires me greatly and has played a significant role in shaping my artistic and fashion perspective, given that he is also a designer. With his support, I feel empowered to pursue my dreams.
How do your feelings influence the creative process?
I am a designer driven by my moods and emotions. I possess a sensitivity that allows me to effectively capture and channel my feelings into various mediums, such as sketches, filmmaking, and 3D modeling. I thoroughly enjoy this process. In fact, this past February, I presented my self-directed fashion film, self-made zine, and 3D-printed sculptures at the NYFW Immersive Pop-Up in New York’s Soho. I was delighted to witness the immense impact and resonance they had on visitors.
We know that almost all your pieces are conceptually and technically created with knitwear and handmade embroideries. Why did you make this choice, and how are you working on building a strong visual identity as a brand?
Regarding the choice of fabric, I combined embroidery and knit techniques, drawing inspiration from the traditional production method of water-soluble lace, which happens to be one of my favorite fabrication categories. I am striving to create my own water-soluble lace that expresses my personal story.
As for visual exploration, I believe it is a crucial journey for all fashion brands. As mentioned in the previous question, I love to manifest my visual identity by exploring various art forms.
What are the next steps for your label in order to grow further?
At the moment, I am not in a rush to achieve significant commercial success. I still want to maintain a sense of curiosity and continue learning. My focus lies in refining my brand’s visual character, strengthening my network, and hoping that my fashion concept can inspire and influence more individuals.
Website: https://annazofficial.com
Follow ANNA Z on Instagram HERE
words + interview: Mira Wanderlust
