Enping Hsu
Designer
Enping Hsu is a New York based Taiwanese fashion designer. Having already studied at undergraduate level, she cut her cloth in Textiles and Clothing Design. This is where she learned about integrating material innovation with aesthetic concepts to develop unique fabrics and patterns. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Design Management at Pratt Institute to deepen her understanding of fashion industry operations and brand management. Currently, Enping is actively developing her own brand, one that aims to be more than just a fashion label.
We were eager to talk to Enping about her background, work, processes, and what influences her most. Here's what she had to say...
Solstice: Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? Were you artistic as a child?
Enping: I am a fashion designer with years of experience in the design field and extensive international exposure. Born and raised in Taiwan, a place rich in warmth and cultural depth, I developed a strong emotional connection with my surroundings, which I translate into creative inspiration. I firmly believe that design is not just a visual presentation but also a medium for cultural and emotional expression. Influenced by my parents from an early age, I developed a passion for hands-on creation. They possess an exceptional artistic vision and aesthetic sensibility and have successfully built their own brand, achieving remarkable success in the industry. Growing up in this environment fueled my passion for design and gave me deeper insights into brand building and market development.
Solstice: How did you get into fashion design?
Enping: At first, I simply enjoyed creating, but as time passed, I gradually discovered my deep passion for art and design and my desire to share different stories and perspectives through my work. With this in mind, I successfully gained admission to the Department of Textiles and Clothing at Fu Jen Catholic University, one of Taiwan’s top fashion design schools.
After graduating in 2022, I made a major decision—to move to a different city and explore new possibilities. The following year, I received a master's program offer from the United States, leading me to New York, a city full of creativity. There, I embarked on my design journey and began working on establishing my own brand.
Solstice: What is the main style/identity of your brand? Does your own personal style inform the style of your fashion design work or they completely different to each other?
Enping: My brand integrates avant-garde experimentation with minimalist aesthetics, transforming the concepts of deconstruction and optical illusion in fashion design to create a unique sense of tension. Through bold patterns, textures, and cuts, I aim to explore the connection between virtual and reality, individuals and their environment, allowing wearers to express themselves through clothing while engaging with the world in new ways.
My personal style and brand identity complement each other. As a designer, I am particularly interested in technology, digital culture, social change, humanities, and individualism—elements that naturally weave into my design language, shaping the distinct visual and conceptual identity of my brand.
Solstice: Which designers do you look up to/have influenced your work?
Enping: The designer I admire most is Karl Lagerfeld, the icon with his signature white hair in a low ponytail, leather gloves, and dark sunglasses. He was not only a legendary fashion designer but also a master of visual language and brand building. His ability to strike the perfect balance between classic and contemporary, his meticulous attention to detail, and his endless creativity have deeply inspired me. His confident, avant-garde, sophisticated, yet playful approach to fashion has always fascinated me.
Beyond creating countless iconic designs, he also redefined the fashion industry with his sharp vision, proving that fashion is not just about clothing—it is an attitude and a culture. Inspired by him, I strive to seamlessly merge my personal style with my brand identity, using a unique visual language and innovative thinking to create fashion pieces that resonate with the spirit of our time.
Solstice: How did you get your inspiration for this collection?
Enping: I was inspired by the delicate balance between light and shadow and the uniqueness of an individual’s inner world. I have always been intrigued by the “shadows” that people carry—whether they stem from personal memories, emotions, or the imprints we leave through our interactions with the world.“Wherever there is sunlight, there will also be shadows. Everyone carries different shadows, and these are unique and beautiful, belonging to each individual.”, became the core concept of my design. These shadows not only symbolize the accumulation of personal experiences and emotions but also represent the journey of self-exploration. My goal is to evoke a sense of self-discovery and appreciation for the unique shadows within each person.
This collection was showcased at the YODEX Young Designers Exhibition and other major cultural exhibitions, where it received a strong positive response. I deeply value these opportunities, as they not only allow me to share my design philosophy but also connect with an audience that appreciates contemporary individualism and self-expression.
Solstice: Describe the process from concept to final realised collection? What was your favourite part of the process?
Enping: I started with the theme of the balance between light and shadow, exploring the symbolic meaning of shadows in both nature and the human inner world. Through visual research, image collection, and material experimentation, I sought to develop a visual language and techniques that could effectively express this concept. During the design and development phase, I created numerous design sketches, paying special attention to contrast and layering to achieve the interplay of light and shadow. I personally selected the yarn and wove the fabric myself, ensuring that every step—from yarn to fabric to the final garment—was entirely crafted by me. What excites me the most is the process of transforming a concept into a tangible visual design. That moment is the most thrilling and fulfilling part of my work.
Solstice: What is your favourite piece from this collection? Why?
Enping: My favourite piece from this collection is the womenswear design, as it carries a strong personal projection and deep emotional connection. This piece embodies my reflections on femininity and individuality, showcasing a tension between softness and strength, while also symbolising the transformation and growth of the inner world.
Compared to other pieces, this womenswear design is closer to my personal style and self-expression, reflecting my emotions and philosophy in design. I hope that those who wear this piece can feel the freedom, independence, and confidence it conveys and, in the interplay of light and shadow, discover their own stories and sense of beauty.
Solstice: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had so far?
Enping: As a designer, I believe the biggest challenge comes from pushing my own boundaries and personal growth. Throughout the creative process, I often face self-doubt, creative blocks, and external expectations, all of which require strong mental resilience and a continuous spirit of exploration. I constantly experiment with new materials, techniques, and forms of expression, striving to discover my own unique design language in fashion and to communicate with the world through my work.
After graduating in 2022, I made a major decision—to move to a different city and explore new possibilities. The following year, I received a master's program offer from the United States, leading me to New York, a city full of creativity. There, I embarked on my design journey and began working on establishing my own brand.
Solstice: If you could design for any major event (Met Gala, Oscars, etc.), what would you create?
Enping: For grand events like the Met Gala and the Oscars, I would design a gown that merges meticulous weaving craftsmanship with avant-garde tailoring. Using special yarn and a unique weaving technique, the fabric’s texture would dynamically shift with changes in light and angle, giving the garment a sense of fluid vitality. Under the flashes of cameras, it would take on bold and expressive forms, while maintaining a structured and layered silhouette that achieves a perfect balance between minimalism and intricate detail.
Solstice: How do you see your designs and brand growing and evolving in the next 5 years?
Enping: In the next five years, I aim to further expand my market and collaborations within the arts, not only within the fashion industry but also by working with musicians, architects, and innovators in technology to create immersive fashion experiences. I envision my brand as more than just providing clothing—it will serve as an artistic medium that provokes thought and emotional resonance, finding balance between fashion, technology, craftsmanship, and futurism while exploring new possibilities. Additionally, I plan to incorporate sustainable design methods, such as circular materials and customised weaving techniques, to reduce waste and enhance personalisation in fashion. In the future, my brand will not only be a fashion label but also a design laboratory that merges creativity, technology, and craftsmanship, paving the way for a new fashion language.