Here and Now Fashion Festival

In February 2020, a necktie fell out of my school locker onto the floor. In that instant, an image flashed into my mind: an office worker hurrying to get dressed in the morning, accidentally ripping and twisting their clothes. My thesis collection, HURRIED, follows this fictional office worker’s process of getting dressed, moving from pajamas to trousers, to blazers, to my take (in silk duchess satin) on a full suit.

With the limitations of presenting HURRIED during COVID-19, I decided to make the collection virtually wearable in the popular video game Animal Crossing New Horizons (ACNH). Painting one pixel at a time on the game’s fixed silhouettes, I was able to create a modified, virtual version of the collection, which can be worn by any player of the game via entering a code. The restrictions of ACNH meant major adjustments were necessary (especially with lapels, sleeves, and anything below the waist), but adapting HURRIED for the game has allowed it to be worn and experienced in 360 degrees, just as in a physical runway show.

The six avatars modeling HURRIED are based on some of my favorite artist-activists: Gemma Chan, Lupita Nyong'o, Janelle Monáe, Jeffrey Marsh, Eugene Lee Yang, and Alok Vaid-Menon.

For more on HURRIED, and to virtually wear the collection in ACNH, please visit https://www.instagram.com/emiliechendesign/

American designer Emilie Chen is inspired by turning the familiar on its head. Drawing inspiration from classic tailoring, she creates easy-to-wear pieces that combine traditional menswear with feminine elements. With the button-down shirt being a favorite piece to reimagine, her designs can be described as having a touch of whimsy—serious fashion with a wink.

After interning with sustainability leader EILEEN FISHER and assisting designers behind the scenes at NYFW, Emilie is currently expanding her skill set by delving into virtual fashion design. Her goal is to design with brands committed to creating a more sustainable and inclusive industry.