10 Questions with Ying Kimily Jiang

Ying Kimily Jiang is a professional in the fashion industry, having spent the past ten years honing her skills and building a solid foundation of experience. She is a graduate of the Academy of Art University, where she earned a degree in fashion design in 2022. Before her studies, Kimily worked for Dishang Company, China's largest garment processing company, where she was responsible for customizing and measuring men's suits. This experience, combined with her more than four years of experience in customizing private men's suits, has given her a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the technical skills necessary to succeed. In addition to her work as a customizer, Kimily has also been involved in functional clothing product design and peripheral product design. Her ability to bring together various elements to create a cohesive and functional final product is a testament to her creativity and attention to detail. As a fashion stylist, she has participated in the shooting of lots of fashion series, showcasing her ability to bring together different pieces to create a complete and cohesive look.

Kimily's dedication to the fashion industry has been recognized through her achievements, including her graduation work being featured in the French fashion magazine MOEVIR. She was also the winner of the "Trash'n Fashion" competition, which recognizes individuals who are able to turn discarded materials into beautiful and wearable designs. Additionally, she was a finalist in the "Silk Goddess Cup" 2019 China Silk Clothing Creative Design Competition, further demonstrating her skills and creativity. Kimily is also actively involved in the fashion community, participating in two fashion shows and volunteering at the New York Fashion Show. This experience has given her valuable insight into the industry and has helped her build connections with other professionals in the field.

Ying Kimily Jiang's background, experience, and achievements make her a highly qualified and talented individual in the fashion industry. She has the technical skills, creativity, and drive necessary to succeed and make a significant impact in the field.

kimilyjiang.com | @kimily_jiang

ARTIST STATEMENT

Ying Kimily Jiang is a highly accomplished individual who was born and raised in China and has been active in the fashion industry for over a decade. Her unwavering passion for fashion and her innate ability to explore the ways in which fabrics interact with the human body have made her a sought-after talent in the industry. 

Throughout her career, Kimily has demonstrated a deep commitment to finding the perfect harmony between fabric and the human form, as well as a fascination with beauty and the art of sculpting fashion. She is drawn to the extremes of beauty, whether it be in terms of color, shape, or inspiration, and has a unique sense of style that sets her apart from others in the field. Kimily is highly skilled in putting together outfits and complementing accessories, and her ability to create her own distinct look has earned her a reputation for being a fashion innovator. She has no interest in following current fashions and instead chooses to pave her own way, making her an inspiration to those around her. In her professional life, Kimily is known for her exceptional work ethic and exacting standards. She is highly skilled in communicating her ideas and is able to work effectively with others to bring her vision to life. Her ability to react quickly in dangerous situations and make sound decisions regarding how to handle them has earned her the respect of her peers and superiors.

INTERVIEW

First, introduce yourself to our public. Who are you and how would you describe yourself as a person and an artist?

My name is Kimily Jiang. As a fashion designer with a little bit of romance, I am passionate about creating beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated designs that reflect the essence of life. With my extensive experience as a fashion stylist, I understand the importance of creating unique and personalized looks that showcase individuality and personality. My design inspiration comes from my daily experiences and observations of the world around me. I believe that every aspect of life can be a source of creativity, whether it's the colors of a sunset, the texture of a fabric, or the intricate details of a piece of jewelry. As a result, my designs are both diverse and versatile, reflecting my open-minded approach to the fashion industry. In my pursuit of fashion design, I am open to studying any major related to fashion. Whether it's jewelry design, photography technology, makeup technology, window design, modeling design, or any other related field, I believe that each area has its unique perspectives and techniques that can be applied to fashion design. This willingness to learn and experiment allows me to continually expand my skillset and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the industry. 

When did you first realize you wanted a career in fashion?

It's an interesting start. When I was still in junior high school, my teacher gave us a unique assignment that has stuck with me ever since. We were asked to write down our biggest wish or the person we wanted to be in the future, put it in a time-drifting bottle, and one day in the future, we could return to school and open it to see what we wrote. Back then, I wrote down the words that would change my life forever: "Be the greatest costume designer in the world." Looking back, I know that this sentence might have sounded ridiculous to others, but to me, it was a goal that I was determined to achieve. Even though it's been years since I wrote that wish, I still remember it vividly and continue to work towards it every day.
I know that I've taken many detours along the way, but I've never lost sight of my purpose. Initially, I was just curious about the fashion industry, but the more I delved into it, the more I fell in love with it. I discovered that there was so much more to fashion design than just creating beautiful clothes; it's about telling a story and bringing a vision to life. As I gained more experience in the industry, my confidence grew, and I became even more determined to achieve my goal. I knew that it wouldn't be easy, and that there would be many challenges along the way, but I refused to let that stop me. I was committed to making a name for myself and proving to the world that I was capable of achieving greatness.

What is your background? How did you develop into the artist you are today?

I was born and raised in China, and from a very young age, I was drawn to the world of fashion design. I remember spending countless hours sketching designs and dreaming up new ideas, fascinated by the endless possibilities that the industry had to offer. Thankfully, both of my parents were incredibly supportive of my passion and encouraged me to pursue a career in fashion design. With their unwavering support, I was able to follow my dreams and begin my journey in the fashion industry.
Over the past nine years, I have studied and worked in fashion design in both China and San Francisco. During this time, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience that has helped me to hone my skills and develop my unique style. I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of materials and techniques, from intricate beading to bold prints and vibrant colors. In addition to my formal education and work experience, I have also had the opportunity to travel extensively, both within China and abroad. This has given me the opportunity to learn about different cultures, discover local handicrafts, and gain new perspectives on fashion design. I am constantly inspired by the people and places I encounter on my travels, and I often incorporate these influences into my designs.
All of these experiences have broadened my horizons, given me a lot of inspiration, and improved my fashion design ability. I believe that fashion design is a constantly evolving industry, and I am committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies to ensure that my designs are always fresh and relevant.

You work with a variety of different media. How would you describe yourself as an artist?

As a fashion designer, I work with a variety of different media, including fabrics, colors, prints, and textures. I would describe myself as a creative artist who is constantly seeking inspiration and new ways to express my ideas through my designs. At the core of my artistic vision is the belief that fashion should be more than just clothing; it should be a reflection of an individual's personality and style. My designs are influenced by a variety of sources, from art and architecture to nature and culture. I am constantly exploring new techniques and materials to bring my unique vision to life, and I am committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fashion design.
One of the most exciting aspects of being a fashion designer is the ability to work with so many different media. I love experimenting with different fabrics and textures to create unique and unexpected combinations, and I'm always looking for ways to incorporate new technologies and materials into my designs. Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create designs that are not only beautiful and visually appealing, but also meaningful and inspiring. I want to push the limits of what is possible in fashion and create designs that make a lasting impact on the industry and on the people who wear them. Whether I am working with fabric, color, or texture, my ultimate goal is to create designs that are both artistic and functional and that inspire and delight those who experience them.

You start working in men's suiting and tailoring. How has this experience helped you develop your current practice?

My initial foray into the world of fashion design began with men's suits and tailoring. Through this experience, I gained a great deal of professional and technical knowledge that has laid a solid foundation for my future endeavors. Custom tailoring requires patience, precision, and an eye for detail. It is a discipline that has taught me the importance of careful planning and meticulous execution, two skills that are critical to any successful fashion designer. Over time, I have grown and developed my skills, moving beyond the realm of tailoring and into the broader field of fashion design. Through continuous training and learning, I have honed my craft, experimenting with new materials and techniques, and developing my unique style.
As a fashion designer, I approach each project with a sense of curiosity and wonder, always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in fashion. Whether I am designing a new collection or working on a custom piece for a client, I approach each task with the same level of care and attention to detail that I learned through my work in tailoring. Ultimately, my goal as a fashion designer is to create designs that are not only beautiful and aesthetically pleasing but also functional and wearable. I believe that fashion is not just about creating a certain look or style, but about empowering individuals to express their unique personalities and identities.

Let's talk about your project Glacier World. Can you explain to us the concept and how you developed it?

For one of my recent projects, I designed a collection of clothing that was inspired by glaciers. Drawing inspiration from the beauty and majesty of these natural wonders, I incorporated a variety of elements into my designs that reflected the unique characteristics of glacial formations. One of the key design points in the collection was the use of wavy fabrics that were superimposed to form the shape of glacial lines. This technique allowed me to create a sense of movement and fluidity in the garments, while also capturing the essence of the glacier's dynamic and ever-changing nature.
Another design element that I incorporated into the collection was the use of double-layer square collars to represent the state of superimposed ice blocks after the glaciers are broken. This added a visual depth and complexity to the garments, while also serving as a nod to the fragility of the natural world. 
To further capture the essence of the glaciers and their impact on the environment, I used long tails to express the rivers that form after the glaciers melt. This design element was particularly important to me, as it helped to communicate the importance of preserving our natural resources and protecting the planet for future generations.
Throughout the collection, I used a variety of techniques and materials to create a cohesive and impactful design system. From the wavy fabrics to the double-layer square collars to the long tails, every element of the collection was carefully chosen to evoke the beauty and power of the glaciers.

How did you come up with this idea? What is the main goal of this series?

The inspiration behind my "Glacier World" collection is actually quite personal and comes from a powerful experience that I had while traveling in Iceland. A few years before creating this series, I was on a plane and was shocked to witness the sight of glaciers cracking and melting right before my eyes. This experience made me acutely aware of the impact of global warming on our planet, and it left a deep impression on me. As I drifted off to sleep that night, I had a vivid dream about the world of the glaciers. In my dream, a glacier princess was determined to save her people from the imminent danger of melting ice. She transformed from a young and inexperienced princess into a powerful and wise glacier queen, leading her people to safety and salvation. This dream served as the inspiration for my "Glacier World" collection, which was created as a call to action for people to care for the environment and take action against the devastating effects of climate change. The collection incorporates a variety of design elements that reflect the beauty and majesty of glaciers, from wavy fabrics to double-layer collars and long tails that represent the melting rivers. In addition to the "Glacier World" collection, I also created a "Garbage Series Trilogy" that calls attention to the importance of responsible waste management and environmental protection. Both of these collections are meant to inspire people to take action against the harmful effects of climate change and work towards creating a world in which humans and nature can coexist in harmony.

Tell us more about the colors and fabrics you use. Do they have any specific meaning or reference?

Choosing the right fabric is an essential part of creating a successful fashion design, and for my "Glacier World" collection, I was careful to choose fabrics that would accurately reflect the beauty and essence of glaciers and rivers.
One of the key fabrics that I used in the collection was a liquid water-shine organza, which was perfect for creating glacial and river graphics. I chose this fabric because it reflects light in a way that is very similar to the light spots reflected by the glaciers in the sun. The effect is almost magical, and it really helps to bring the designs to life.
In addition to its light-reflecting properties, the liquid water-shine organza is also extremely lightweight and can move with the wind. This was important for capturing the fluidity and movement of the glaciers and rivers, which are constantly changing and evolving.
For the body of the garments, I chose a thick white silk that was reminiscent of a thick layer of ice floating on the sea. This fabric was silky and reflected light in a way that was similar to ice, with dense light spots that looked expensive and luxurious. It was a difficult fabric to find, but I was lucky enough to stumble upon it during my search for the perfect materials.

Now let's talk about the future. Do you have any performances or collaborations that you look forward to in the near future?

As a fashion designer, I am always seeking out new opportunities to showcase my skills and gain more experience in the industry. One way that I hope to do this in the near future is by participating in more competitions. Competitions provide an excellent opportunity to challenge myself, learn new skills, and showcase my designs to a broader audience. Winning awards in these competitions would not only be a great honor, but it would also give me valuable exposure in the industry and help to further my career.
Another way that I hope to gain exposure in the industry is by collaborating with fashion magazines. Working with these publications would allow me to share my designs with a wider audience, and to connect with other industry professionals who could offer guidance and support. It would be a great honor to see my designs featured in these publications, and I believe that this exposure would help to further establish me as a respected and innovative fashion designer.
In addition to competitions and collaborations, I am also committed to continuing my education and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the fashion industry. This includes attending fashion shows, workshops, and other industry events, as well as staying current on fashion news and developments.

Finally, what is your biggest goal for 2023?

As a fashion designer, I am always looking for new opportunities to explore my creativity and bring new designs to life. This year, I am excited to be working on two new series that I hope to design, produce, and publish in the coming months.