PRojects
OLIVER JACKET (WIP)
The Identity Pants are a statement of both construction and concept. Cut in a wide-leg silhouette and made from 11oz raw denim sourced from Japan, they were drafted from the ground up—no base patterns, just original lines and fit. Every detail is intentional, designed to question and reframe how identity can be worn, changed, or displayed.
A clear back tab holds an interchangeable card, functioning as a space for the wearer to insert anything from artwork to statements—an evolving label for an evolving self. The rear pocket features a hand-embroidered sashiko design of Miffy, blending traditional Japanese craft with a playful nod to character and nostalgia. Two flannel-lined mule-ear pockets, typically seen in Western workwear, add comfort and durability while reinforcing the pants’ utilitarian roots.
The Identity Pants are not just clothing—they're a wearable canvas. A study in hybridity, heritage, and the quiet ways we define ourselves through the things we wear.
IDENTITY PANTS
This one-off collaboration between CLONE and O.KSTAN centers on individuality at its most elemental level. Inspired by the structure of DNA, the pants feature hand-embroidered kuguri-sashi sashiko detailing along the front—an intricate weaving technique that mimics the helix-like rhythm of genetic strands.
Rather than sold, the pants were released as a giveaway, receiving over 500 entries. The project was never about scale; it was about connection, craft, and the joy of making something worth giving away.
DNA DENIM
The Boro Ties are one of a kind dresswear statements. Commissioned by Shinzo— a brand known for blending contemporary fashion with Japanese heritage— the ties were made entirely by hand, each requiring several hours of meticulous boro stitching.
Constructed from repurposed textiles and layered with visible running stitches, every tie tells a quiet story of repair, resilience, and craft. The imperfect symmetry of the boro technique contrasts with the formal shape of a tie, creating a tension between tradition and modernity, elegance and rawness.
Boro tie
AsaczsThe Heritage Boxing Jacket is built from heavyweight 16oz canvas and inspired by the raw strength and visual drama of early 20th-century boxing culture. Its design draws directly from vintage fight posters—including one from the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics—translating their bold typography and iconography into front and back embroidery.
Structured with flat-felled seams and cut in a rigid, boxy silhouette, the jacket emphasizes durability and presence. The weight of the canvas combined with the stiffness of its construction gives the piece an almost armored quality—echoing the grit and spectacle of the era it pays tribute to.
HEritage boxing
ThThe Sonny Tote was designed to carry Sonny Angels with both care and intention. While the mass-produced version offered generous capacity through its 8-pocket construction, it lacked the intimacy and customization that collectors often crave.
This reimagined version was my first commission—a personalized take on the original. Tailored to the client’s needs, the design was scaled down to six thoughtfully placed pockets, making it more compact and functional. The addition of the client’s embroidered initials adds a subtle, personal touch, transforming the tote from a display piece into a keepsake
SONNY TOTE
The Ascension Belt encapsulates everything it means to be an avid climber. With the idea of repurposing at the forefront, this unique belt is crafted from retired rock climbing ropes, giving new life to durable and adventurous materials. Each belt is a testament to resilience and creativity, merging functionality with a nod to the climbing community.
Working with the dexterity of climbing ropes required a creative approach since the ropes were originally too rigid to properly fold on the fastening mechanism. The complexity of fastening was navigated by partially removing the inner core of the ropes, allowing for a precise fold and a clean, finished edge.
THE ASCENSIOn BELT
Inspired by Bryder Studios’ Woven Vest, The Wovens feature 1” utility straps, carefully interlocked to create a durable, shell-like material. The multi-purpose straps allow for a rigid yet functional appearance. As opposed to most vests, the woven vest was designed to feature just two seams as opposed to four.
The multipurpose material seemed to prove useful for a climbing chalk bag as well, allowing for a durable yet stylish take.
The weaving process required meticulous fastening and constant adjustment, as the straps were consistently shifting as a the piece began to grow. The pattern drafting process took three iterations due to the reduction of seams.
the wovens
the banzy skirt
The Banzy Skirt: a piece infused with the vibrant spirit of Tokyo nightlife. Inspired by the distinctive style of Banzy, a friend encountered in the streets of Tokyo, this skirt encapsulates a refreshing take on elegance and sophistication against a backdrop of chaos.
Drawing from Japanese culture, the Banzy Skirt incorporates colors reminiscent of matcha, one of Japan's beloved specialties. The garment is a tribute to the eclectic energy of Tokyo and the creative spirit of an undying city.
Particular attention was given to ensure the pleats retained their shape during international travels and multiple wears. To address this concern, the back pleats were thoughtfully tacked together 6 inches from the top of the skirt, allowing the pleats to hold their form gracefully.
The Paola jacket, by Fabric-Store, is a timeless take on the women’s chore coat. With the silhouette of a traditional men’s work jacket in mind, the pattern was reworked to create a modern and elegant rendition. The redesigned pockets enhance the jacket's sharp look while preserving the traditional charm of the chore coat.
Understanding how a garment’s fit changes after an alteration to just one piece proved challenging in this process. By simply decreasing the length, several alterations needed to follow. One area of contention was the width of the back panel, which caused the jacket to flare out. The solution comprised of tapering in the jacket on the side seam, as well as using the buckle back method seen on trucker jackets.
Rework: THE PAOLA JACKET
Sashiko, a form of Japanese visible mending dating back to the Edo Period, requires precision and patience to achieve an intricate and detailed finish.
Repairing tarnished garments breathes new life into these pieces, reducing waste. By mending and repurposing, these garments gain a second life with a touch of East Asian history. Embracing the art of repair and design promotes sustainability and celebrates the enduring beauty of well-loved pieces.
Understanding the intricacies of hand sewing and visible mending provides invaluable knowledge when designing and preparing a garment. By first establishing a fundamental basis of sewing, one is able to apply the concepts of sashiko in other pieces and practices.
sashiko
The Shigeta Tote is a take on the once-viral Maison Margiela mm6 triangle bag. Designed with both function and style in mind, it features a sleek, modern silhouette while offering practical utility. This tote caters to the fashion-forward business person, blending refined aesthetics with everyday practicality. Its handle is thoughtfully sized to comfortably rest on the shoulder, enhancing its utility while maintaining a streamlined look.
Named after Yutaro Shigeta, the Shigeta Tote pays tribute to those who appreciate the combination of elegance and functionality in their accessories. Inspired by a dear friend, this tote embodies the journey of design and the desire to share it with others.
the SHIGETA tote
The CLONE Set features a bold houndstooth jacket and pants ensemble with distinctive CLONE embroidery on the coin and breast pockets. Coordinated sets are a daring fashion choice which require near perfect execution in both design and styling. The set focuses on duality by curating the pieces to be stylish both as a set and as stand-alone garments.
Crafting this set posed challenges, especially with the fraying houndstooth fabric. To ensure durability and a refined finish, French seams were employed, which prevented fraying and enhanced the set’s overall quality. This meticulous attention to detail makes the ensemble both stylish and long-lasting.
THE CLONE SET
The Boro Bag is a one-of-a-kind creation that blends sustainability with personal style. Crafted from 12 oz locally sourced denim, the bag features a pattern designed from scratch, utilizing scraps from previous projects. This technique not only champions eco-friendly practices but also creates a distinctive, textured look. An embroidered front pocket with the last name Vu, adds a personalized touch.
Designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the bag includes an interior pocket to keep all your essentials organized. The boro-inspired design showcases creative reuse, making this bag a unique and practical accessory for those who value both craftsmanship and individuality.
The Boro bag
The Flora Pants, made in the spring of 2024, are designed for comfort and style. The lightweight cotton-canvas blend makes them soft and breathable, ideal for warmer days. Featuring a pretty floral pattern and a relaxed fit, they’re perfect for casual wear and add a touch of fun to any outfit. Whether you're heading out for a day with friends or just lounging around, these pants combine easygoing style with everyday comfort.
The creation process required knowledge of the applications of different thread tensions, as the lightweight material was subject to scrunching. These pants were created on a low-end sewing machine, teaching intention and patience with each seam.
flora pants
The Camp Shirt crafted features a baby blue fabric accented with bright yellow buttons, designed to highlight the finer details of the garment. This playful color combination brings a fresh, eye-catching touch to a classic style. The result is a distinctive shirt that combines vibrant aesthetics with meticulous craftsmanship, perfect for adding a splash of color and style to any wardrobe
Working with the fine, thin material posed significant challenges, requiring careful handling to ensure precision and quality throughout the process.
