My apparel line titled, "Self" focuses on the dichotomy of the person. It is influenced primarily by self-presentation and self-perception, which I feel have key differences in the way they can be represented. With apparel being a prominent way in which one can express themselves, I feel that there is a lot to be explored. I began in fashion in high school where I designed, produced, and marketed pieces with what I had available at the time. I launched a streetwear label called "Known", and in retrospect, I was not able to flex my creative wings as much as I wanted. Additionally, I felt that the label lacked meaning. So I set out to get more acquainted with fashion and develop something that meant more to me. During this time I went through some depressive episodes, especially during COVID-19, however, it was through art and design that I found solace. It was here that the brand "Self" was born. I would like Self to be a critique about identity, and how we see ourselves. Identity has strong ties to mental health so much so they are almost in tandem with one another. To convey this within fashion I intend to design pieces that offer a reflection of the inner and outer self with the characters Watashi and Park respectively. Watashi will represent the inner self, boasting imaginative design with darker color schemes. This reflects the deep introspective part of us that many cannot see and the creativity that we yearn to set free. Park will represent the outer self, boasting more colorful schemes in addition to simpler designs. It will reflect the masks that we decorate ourselves with that somehow fit into the boxes placed upon us by society. For me, Self is less of a dream and more of an obligation. I feel as if I need to showcase my stories and assist those who may want to tell some as well. It is something that I owe to myself having started down this path, and something I owe to my community. I come from a predominantly black neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. As I walk around, talk/interact with people, and observe, I witness people that "hide". They hide from their families, friends and themselves whether that be through their activities or their identity. As someone who has gone through the same, I'd like to offer freedom whilst offering something that one can feel good about, passing on the message to others. I want Self to be supportive, community-oriented, and a safe space for those who wish to be themselves.

My apparel line titled, "Self" focuses on the dichotomy of the person. It is influenced primarily by self presentation and self perception, which I feel have key differences in the way they can be represented. With apparel being a prominent way in which one can express themselves, I feel that there is a lot to be explored. I began in fashion in highschool where I designed, produced, and marketed pieces with what I had available at the time. I launched a streetwear label called "Known", and in retrospect I was not able to flex my creative wings as much as I wanted. Additionally I felt that the label lacked meaning. So I set out to get more acquainted with fashion and develop something that meant more to me. During this time I went through some depressive episodes, especially during COVID, however it was through art and design that I found solace. It was here that the brand "Self" was born. I would like Self to be a critique about identity, and how we see ourselves. Identity has strong ties to mental health so much so they are almost in tandem with one another. To convey this within fashion I intend to design pieces that offer a reflection of the inner and outer self with the characters Watashi and Park respectively. Watashi will represent the inner self, boasting imaginative design with darker color schemes. This reflects the deep introspective part of us that many cannot see and the creativity that we yearn to set free. Park will represent the outer self, boasting more colorful schemes in addition to simpler designs. It will reflect the masks that we decorate ourselves with that somehow fit into the boxes placed upon us by society. For me, Self is less of a dream, and more of an obligation. I feel as if I need to showcase my stories and assist those that may want to tell some as well. It is something that I owe to myself having started down this path, and something I owe to my community. I come from a predominantly black neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. As I walk around, talk/interact with people, and observe, I witness people that "hide". They hide from their families, friends and from themselves whether that be through their activities, or their identity. As someone who has gone through the same I'd like to offer freedom whilst offering something that one can feel good in, passing on the message to others. I want Self to be supportive, community oriented, and a safe space for those that wish to be themselves.