Exploring the Dialogue Between Art and Fashion
- YungChing Chang
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
Interview with YungChing Chang
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
My name is YungChing Chang, and I’m a womenswear designer based in New York. I’ve always been fascinated by how clothes can express identity, culture, and emotion. I studied fashion design and over time developed my own creative voice by experimenting with structure, textiles, and storytelling.
Growing up in Taiwan, I was surrounded by a mix of traditional culture and modern city life, which still inspires my work today. Moving to New York exposed me to a whole new fashion world—one that really values individuality and creative freedom. That pushed me to explore how I can bring cultural influences into contemporary fashion in my own way.
These days, my work focuses on sculptural silhouettes and hand-painted or printed textiles, so that each piece has its own artistic expression. I love using prints and patterns to turn clothes into more than just garments, they become stories, cultural expressions, and ways to connect with people emotionally. For me, fashion isn’t just about clothes; it’s about craftsmanship, storytelling, and the dialogue between culture and modern life.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
For me, a typical day usually starts with a cup of matcha, paired with research and visual exploration. I often begin by reviewing references, sketching ideas, and organizing fabric swatches. A big part of my work is translating abstract ideas into wearable garments, so the early stages are usually focused on concept development.
Later in the day, I move on to more technical tasks, like pattern development or refining garment structures. I also spend time working on hand-drawn prints, which are a really important part of my creative process. Since each print is unique, this step requires patience and close attention to detail.
Although fashion design can be intense, I love the balance between conceptual thinking and hands-on craftsmanship. Every day brings new challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to push the boundaries of my creativity.
3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
The main theme of my work revolves around the dialogue between tradition and modernity. I’m particularly interested in how traditional garment structures and cultural aesthetics can evolve within contemporary fashion.
For example, one of my recent collections explored the influence of traditional kimono construction. I’m not replicating historical garments; instead, I reinterpret structural elements and incorporate them into modern silhouettes. Through this process, I aim to create designs that respect cultural heritage while also expressing a contemporary perspective.
Another important element in my work is prints. Prints can make a garment’s silhouette feel more unique, and sometimes a simple shape paired with the right print can be just perfect. This approach allows the clothing to be both wearable and artistic, reflecting my focus on craftsmanship and the emotional connection between the maker and the final piece.
4. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how you overcame them?
Pursuing a creative career often comes with uncertainty, especially in a highly competitive industry like fashion. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is finding my own voice while navigating different cultural environments.
Moving to New York was both exciting and challenging. The fashion industry here moves at a very fast pace, and as an emerging designer, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, these challenges also motivated me to keep refining my work and stay true to my artistic vision.
Sometimes, when I feel stuck or lacking inspiration, I give myself a day away from work. I might take a walk in a nearby park, sit and observe people going about their day, or go hiking in the nearby mountains. These moments away from the studio help me relax and often spark new ideas.
Over time, I’ve learned that persistence and self-belief are essential for any artist. Every obstacle becomes part of the creative journey, and overcoming these challenges often leads to stronger ideas and more meaningful work.
5. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
One of the highlights of my journey so far was presenting my Bliss Street collection at a fashion show held at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taiwan. It was an incredible experience to see my designs come to life on the runway, surrounded by an audience who could experience the textures, shapes, and hand-painted details up close.
For me, this moment was not just about showing clothes—it was about sharing a story and a cultural perspective through fashion. What made it truly unforgettable was the finale: as the models took their bows and I stepped out on stage, I felt a wave of excitement and emotion all at once. Seeing the audience engage with the garments and feeling that energy firsthand really reaffirmed why I do what I do. It reminded me how powerful fashion can be as a form of artistic expression and cultural dialogue.
6. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
My advice to fellow artists would be to stay curious and remain patient with the creative process. Developing a unique artistic voice takes time, and it is important not to rush that journey.
It is also essential to remain open to different influences and experiences. Traveling, learning from different cultures, and observing everyday life can all become valuable sources of inspiration.
Most importantly, artists should not be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. Creativity often grows through exploration, and sometimes unexpected results lead to the most interesting discoveries.
7. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
At the moment, I am continuing to develop new womenswear designs that explore sculptural silhouettes and hand-painted textile techniques. As a New York–based designer, I am particularly interested in expanding the dialogue between art and fashion, creating garments that function both as wearable pieces and as artistic expressions.
One of my current focuses is refining craftsmanship while exploring how cultural influences can be translated into contemporary design language. Through hand-painted fabrics and structured forms, I aim to create pieces that highlight individuality and artistic detail.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue developing new collections and collaborations that allow me to experiment with different materials and cultural narratives. My goal is to build a body of work that connects craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and modern womenswear. I also hope to present my work to a broader international audience and to have opportunities to participate in fashion weeks in different countries, such as New York, London, Paris, and Taiwan, where I can further engage with the global fashion community.
Social Media: @sunny_matcha1
