If there is one word to describe Sun’s current fashion line it’s lace. Sun’s collection, called “Secret Garden” was based on a vivid lucid dream. She recalls the dream as she “entered into a world, where everything was made of lace; the clouds were made of lace, the sun, flowers, trees, people, and even the animals.” This was the first collection Sun brought to life. Up until now all her designs were only on paper. It took 4 months of hard work to culminate in the her models' appearances at the fashion show. Unlike other designers, Sun says she did not even know how to use a sewing machine. For her, "the most challenging thing was the materials I used. I didn’t know what kind of materials were better than others, I definitely wasn’t as experienced as a lot of the other designers.” 

 

Despite saying that the 4 month process was hard, she says she had a lot of fun doing it. The fashion show definitely proved to be a good experience as her “ favorite part was definitely showing pieces. I like to show my artwork to the audience, whether they liked them or not, it was a good experience for me.” Sun admits that the dresses she made were not exactly what she had in mind but she “selected the materials and ended up using by following intuition. I did good, but the clothes didn’t come out the way I imagined them. I have a lot more to learn.” 

 

Sun describes “Secret Garden” as dreamy, fancy, romantic, and looming. “For me, the most beautiful pieces combine beauty and sex appeal, people are like moths to a flame for those two things.” Although she is new to designing, Sun’s collection definitely embodied beauty and sex appeal. With soft colors and a wide variety of designs Sun’s collection was a big hit at the show. A few of her dresses have already been bought by students and clients, out of all the pieces there are just two in the line that Sun says she will keep forever. “My favorite two in the line are not for sale. I’ll keep them and when I make more collections in the future, I’ll compare my new things with them. I think I’ll feel they are probably ugly in the future, but at the moment they are my favorites!” 

Sun thinks of herself as someone who doesn’t adhere to fashion trends. “I just do what I want to do. I want to make a collect that is based off of surrealism or abstract expressionism just because I like it. Designing is something I do for me, not for other people.” 

"Follow your intuition," that’s Sun’s big advice for other aspiring designers. "Find your source of inspiration and follow your heart. That’s the first step towards bringing your dresses to life." For Sun, the experience of designing her first clothing line was a true journey of turning her dreams into reality.

 

Profile By: Kellan Lindley

Rachel Sun is a sophomore from China studying Studio Art and French. Although she associates with the on campus Fashion Interest Group (FIG) she’s not actually a member. Sketching designs of dresses and outfits for the last 13 years, she initially became interested in fashion the way so many other girls have, by dressing and undressing barbie dolls. “The first time I saw a Barbie doll, I got an idea. I would just take off her dress, break it, and even throw it in the trash. Then, I took a tissue and made a new outfit for her," Rachel said.

 

 

Rachel Sun 

Second Year 

Studio Art & French Major