Xingqian Wang

"1789 Les Amants de la Bastille" is a French musical that tells the story of the French Revolution, 1789.  My aim was to create costumes that accurately reflected the social classes of the characters and their historical context, while remaining true to the fashion and style of late 18th century France. Marie was adorned with ornate and opulent garments, including corseted gowns and powdered wigs and jewelry, emphasizing their wealth and status.The commoners, on the other hand, are dressed in simpler, more practical clothing such as linen shirts, breeches, and vests. Their costumes are earthy in color and texture, reflecting their working-class origins and their connection to the land.  

In the Nike Mentor Project 2021-2022, I had the opportunity to work with Michelle Kwak, the Technical Design Director of NIKE CATALYST Apparel, to design a collection consisting of 12 garment sets. Our goal was to upcycle industrial waste provided by the Nike team and create sustainable solutions to repurpose them. One design was selected and I worked on making patterns and sewing the garment, which involved two fittings with a 5-year-old model. Throughout the process, I focused on meeting the unique demands of children, such as comfort level and practicality, while also incorporating sustainable practices. I collaborated with the Nike team, as well as other instructors and mentors, to refine the design and make modifications. Additionally, I made accessories such as a stuffed animal toy and prepared for the fashion show, which involved dressing up children models backstage. It was an exciting and rewarding project that I was lucky to be a part of, and I was also fortunate to have been selected by mentor Michelle and to visit Nike's headquarters in Portland, Oregon and connect with four other major designers.