Fresh Traditions X Fashion Show Look Book

F R E S H

T R A D I T I O N S X

F R E S H

T R A D I T I O N S X

n o v .

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e x h i b i t i n g

o r i g i n a l i t y H m o n g

t h e &

c r e a t i v i t y ,

e x p r e s s i o n

o f

f a s h i o n d e s i g n e r s

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planning committee keng xiong khamphian & christina vang khou chang

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kia xiong lylena yang mai see heurh sheng, nakita & kalina

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nonmala xiong oskar ly seelia vachon sponsors

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I V • 2 0 1 0

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Choua Yang

Linda Thao

Benjamin Moua

Chong Moua

Ashaley Yang

Linda Thao

Dawn Thao

Chivouayi Lo

Khamphian Vang

Dokiang Thao

Malia LLC

Mai Moua

Dwana Ly

Lylena Yang

Kao Lee Thao

Nou Vang

Oskar Ly

Pafoua Vang PFT Couture

Nonmala Xiong

Marlena Thao

Susan Vue

Susan Vue & Annie

Pangra Thao

Seelia Vachon

Sai Chang

Oskar Ly

Xee Vang

Pafoua Vang

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T R A D I T I O N S X

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I X • 2 0 1 5

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Oskar Ly

Chong Her

Ceceil Lee

June Yang

Keng Xiong

Pahoua Vue

Kahoua XiongPachay

Hilltribe Fusion

Bao Crystal Yang

Khamphian &

Khou Chang

Malika Lor

Kia Kehrer

Kia Kerher &

Christina Vang

Linda Lee, Hiyana Lee &

Nhia Xiong

Mai See Her

Pahoua Xiong

Kia Xiong

May Yang of N3

Nou Her

Pafoua Vang

Pachia Vang

Lylena Yang

Pachia Vang & Hy Xiong

Sanida Xiong

Yuri Xiong

Mai See Heurh

Yuri Xiong

Nakita, Sheng, & Kalina Vang Nonmala Xiong Oskar Ly Khou Chang Seelia Vachon

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Fresh Traditions offers an opportunity for Hmong fashion designers to make fresh and contemporary interpretations of these traditional fabrics.

The Fresh Traditions Fashion Show Challenge: In addition to their collection, each fashion designer is required to design at least one ensemble using a combination of 5 traditional Hmong fabrics including: black velvet, black satin, florescent pink chiffon, neon green chiffon and royal blue satin.

Fresh Traditions is a program of the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT) that nurtures and develops Hmong artists in fashion. The program culminates with a showcase of work by Hmong fashion designers in the annual Fresh Traditions Fashion Show.

The history of Hmong art is rooted and sewn into the fabrics of traditional Hmong clothing where the unique combination of vibrant colors and textures make the Hmong identifiable.

In 2016, we celebrate the 10th Annual Fresh Traditions Fashion Show! Since its inception in 2007, the program has presented and engaged over 1000 artists including fashion designers, hair stylists, makeup artists, photographers, videographers, graphic designers, dancers, singers, comedians and set designers.

This year, the Fresh Traditions X Fashion Show has been working with 13 designers - 4 returning designers and 6 new designers from California, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. We are proud to present 10 collections for the 10th year! Thank you for joining us for this monumental celebration.

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P L A N N I N G

C O M M I T T E E

KHOU CHANG

SAI CHANG

ASHALEY YANG

P R O D U C T I O N C O O R D I N A T O R

C O - C H A I R

F A S H I O N D E S I G N E R C O O R D I N A T O R

PHENG KHANG P R O D U C T I O N C O O R D I N A T O R

KATHY MOUACHEUPAO &

F O U N D E R C O - C H A I R

MISSION: CHAT (Center for Hmong Arts and Talent) exists to nurture, explore and illuminate the Hmong American experience through artistic expression.

VISION: CHAT envisions a vibrant community where Hmong American artists are inspired to share their perspectives, valued for their creative contributions, and empowered to challenge life’s boundaries.

PROGRAMS OF CHAT ARE SPONSORED BY:

995 University Ave, Studio 220 St. Paul, MN 55104 (651) 603-6971

• McKnight Foundation • John S. and James L. Knight Foundation • Bush Foundation • Build More Philanthropy with Purpose Giving Circle • Community Shares Minnesota

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: www.aboutchat.org twitter @hmongCHAT www.facebook.com/ centerforhmongartsandtalent

Christopher Yang Kabao Xiong Zog Yang Xena Lee

Tayo Yang Yue Lor Shinaah Thao Robert Thao

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K E N G Keng Xiong is a self-taught fashion designer from central Indiana. As a stay-at-home mom with a part-time job, she still finds time to design and sew.

She started sewing at a young age inspired by her mom and grandma as they worked long hours sewing paj ntaub.

Now as a designer, she subtly incorporates Hmong elements

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X I O N G into the construction of her designs. Her collection, A Warrior’s Journey is inspired by the boldness of Alexander McQueen’s art and tells stories of female warriors going through battle without losing femininity.

It is comprised of geometric shapes, handcrafted beadwork, sequins and Hmong Chinese inspired embroidery.

A W A R R I O R’S J O U R N E Y Photography: Elmo Lee / Makeup: Monee Lee Styling: PXKIN / Model: Mary Lee Hair: Peter Phung & Xee Vang F T X

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Chain head piece & gold cuff earrings: Festive Colors India Silver flower hair pieces & bracelets: Designer Xee Collection

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S T I L L W A T E R S Photography: Elmo Lee Makeup: Monee Lee Styling: PXKIN Model: Piko Vang

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K H A M P H I A N

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C H R I S T I N A

Allkind is debuting its first collection Still Waters. Allkind is a sister design team founded by Khamphian and Christina Vang focusing on wearable art. Allkind is inspired by the connectivity of body and soul stemming from Hmong culture. The sister-duo has a wide range of artistic accomplishments ranging from theatre/costume design, graphic design, fashion design (Khamphian has been featured in FTIV, Sol Inspiration Eco Fashion Show and Envision), art direction, printmaking and illustratration.

In this collection Khamphian brings her background in costuming and fashion design while Christina draws from her experience in graphic design creating original prints.

Still Waters highlights unexpected combinations with original batik patterns inspired by art deco. This collection is for a woman with a bold sense of style ready to make a statement that is both dramatic and feminine.

Sponsors: Chipotle & Nuku Naturals F T X

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Short silver nkauj hmoob necklace: Exotic Creations by Her Long silver necklace & bracelets: Designer Xee Collection

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K H O U

C H A N G

Khou Chang is a Minnesota Hmong

custom designs and vintage resale.

American artist and designer. Khou

Khou is a Communications graduate

has been involved in the Twin Cities

from the University of Minnesota

fashion scene since 2012 when she

and pursued Apparel Technologies

debuted her first collection La Sirena

and Design through the Minneapolis

at the Fresh Traditions VI Fashion

Community and Technical College.

Show. She has worked in costuming

Currently, she is a member of the

and wardrobe styling for various

Fresh Traditions planning committee

local retailers and projects. In 2014,

and is a collaborator with the Asian

Khou and sister, Sai Chang, launched

Economic Development Association's

the collaborative label/brand and

Creative Makers Initiative.

online shop, madfor, with a focus on

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S Y N T H Photography: Elmo Lee / Makeup: Monee Lee Hair: Erika Irene Nash & Sarah Navratil Styling: PXKIN / Model: Rani Yang

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Necklace, chain belt & thin cuff bracelet: Milly's Collection Big cuff bracelets: Designer Xee Collection

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D I A S P O R A Photography: Elmo Lee / Makeup: Monee Lee Hair: Beauty by Betsy / Styling: PXKIN Model: Aeola Liu

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K I A

X I O N G

K from XiongSeams is a Hmong-

contestants to make self-design outfits

American designer and seamstress

for the competitions. K also collaborates

based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

with

K developed an interest in designing

and makeup artists to feature current

and sewing in 2013 and started helping

Hmong

her mother run an online etsy shop

2013, K has been a personal stylist for

called XiongSeams in January 2014.

pageant competitors, working with 3-8

XiongSeams offers pieces that combine

contestants annually. This experience

modern silhouettes with traditional

has

local

Hmong

Pageant

shaped

her

photographers

titleholders.

FTX

Since

collection,

Each

Diaspora, which draws inspiration from

year XiongSeams releases a spring/

the historical vibrancy of Hmong clothes

summer and a fall/winter collection. In

and the modern trends featured in

addition to the etsy shop, XiongSeams

Hmong pageants.

Southeast

Asian

elements.

collaborates with Hmong pageant

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Short silver necklace: Festive Colors India Silver head piece & bracelets: Designer Xee Collection Silver dai siab necklace: Exotic Creations by Her

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Lylena Yang is a Hmong fashion designer from Sacramento, CA and has been designing for the past ten years. She currently divides her time between fashion projects within the Hmong community, working on her fashion line: Lylena Hmong Couture, and running a family. Her work is published in several magazines including, “18 Xyeem” and “I is Hmong” showcasing innovative Hmong designs. She has worked as a Fashion Coordinator with the Sacramento Hmong New Year Pageant and SEA Games USA Pageant. She also designed for Ntxhi Yaj, a popular Hmong singer, who wore one of her dresses at her concert.

She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Costume and Textiles from the University of California, Davis; and has participated in several fashion shows including Fresh Traditions IV (2010). She is currently working with the Hmong Story 40 exhibit (California) as a Fashion Co-Lead in researching, gathering, and displaying traditional Hmong clothing from the different regions of Laos during the Secret War. She hopes to expand her research to show the historical diaspora of Hmong fashion around the world.

Sponsors: Destiny Cafe, St. Paul, MN Heu Chiropractic Clinic, Fresno, CA SEA Games USA, Sacramento, CA Photographers: Kazua Melissa Vang and Katherina Maivab Vang

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L Y L E N A H M O N G C O U T U R E F A L L 2 0 1 6 Photography: Elmo Lee / Makeup: Monee Lee Hair: Beauty by Betsy / Styling: PXKIN Model: Maria Hak

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Earrings, chain shoulder jewelry, gold bracelets: Milly's Collection Peacock necklace & gold Belt: Festive Colors India

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shows and galleries including, University fashion shows, Fresh Traditions, Art-a-Whirl and for the International Textile and Apparel Association. Her most recent collection Refraction S/S2016 was featured at the Minnesota Orchestra Hall. She will be launching her M.HEURH online shop where her S/S 2017 collection can be purchased.

M A I S E E H E U R H

Mai See Heurh is a Twin Cities fashion designer. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Design from the University of Minnesota, College of Design in 2014, and is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Fashion studies at Savannah College of Art and Design. Mai See designs under the label M.HEURH and has been showcased in various

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Her collection Oriental Bloom is a Fall/Winter Collection inspired by exotic flowers and the Flower Hmong.“This collection is designed for any fashion follower who loves to take risks (good ones).�

Sponsors: Macy Vang Kia Lor Nancy Yang Lue Vang Kao Hle Vang Susan Heurh Zoua Vue Muachi Lee Yeng Thao Tswjfwm Vang Yeng Thao Michael Yang Nonmala Xiong Mai Yang Pa Dao Yang Nhia Lee Leigh Thao Tou Thai Lee

O R I E N T A L B L O O M Photography: Elmo Lee Makeup: Monee Lee Styling: PXKIN Hair: Peter Phung Model: Chandra Vang

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Long silver necklace, bracelets, & Earrings: Designer Xee Vang Blue and Silver metal art necklace: ArtzByVika

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K E E B

K W M

Photography: Elmo Lee Hair: Erika Irene Nash & Sarah Navratil Makeup: Monee Lee Styling: PXKIN Model: Duha Vang

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L E

B O R D E R L E S S

Nikita, Sheng and Kalina Vang make up Le Borderless, a mother-daugher trio that has been self-designing modern-infused Hmong clothing since 2009 for Hmong New Year celebrations and community fashion shows. With their collection, Keeb Kwm, they aim to bring Hmong traditions into the future by incorporating the Hmong Hlab Nyiaj into futuristic designs. The trio also conveys their admiration for the borderless unity of the Hmong through inspirations from Hmong clothing all over the world such as Laos, China, Thailand, Vietnam, France,

and the USA. Nakita holds a concentration in Fashion Studies from the University of Minnesota and works as the main designer, Sheng leads in sewing, and Kalina brings the collection together as the stylist of the team.

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2 Layer silver necklace & cuff bracelets: Festive Colors India Silver draping collar necklace: Exotic Creations by Her

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N O N M A L A

X I O N G

Nonmala Xiong is a vintage-influenced ready-to-wear fashion designer & visual stylist enthusiast. She is a returning Fresh Traditions designer from FTIV, and has since been involved in various fashion productions throughout the Twin Cities, as a designer and producer.

Nonmala designs and sells under the label Seams Vintage, infusing vintage silhouettes and recycled materials. She studied Clothing Design and Retail Merchandising at the University of Minnesota and has obtained her certificate in Apparel Technologies from Minneapolis Community & Technical College.

She continues to educate herself on sewing techniques, fabric manipulation, and the world of fashion.

Nonmala’s ultimate goal as a designer is to aesthetically evolve and continue sharing her vision with the world.

Her collection this year, Pattern Play, is made up of separates that are light and airy; whimsical in nature but mature in its sense of textiles and details.

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P A T T E R N P L A Y Photography: Elmo Lee / Makeup: Monee Lee Hair: Erika Irene Nash & Sarah Navratil Styling: PXKIN / Model: Michelle Yang

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Chain necklace, belt, Earrings: Milly's Collection Red Motif Indian pendant necklace & Orange and gold clutch band bracelet: ArtzByVika

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X O Photography: Elmo Lee / Makeup: Monee Lee Hair: Erika Irene Nash & Sarah Navratil Styling: PXKIN / Model: Julianna Thao

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O S K A R

L Y

She has been a part of the FT production team since 2013 and continues to collaborate with FT organizing fashion events. She’s received awards for her creative work through Minnesota State Arts Board, Pfund, and Twin Cities Pride She is currently leading creative placemaking initiatives centering arts & culture, social enterprise, and community development. She enjoys crafting and wordling; sharing food, culture and conversations, while invigorating and centering her practice.

Oskar Ly is a queer Hmong French American multi-disciplinary artist, organizer and creative cultural producer based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. She launched her label Os.Couture seven years ago at Fresh Traditions III, exploring complexities of culture, gender and identity through fashion.

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Earrings, Gold shoulder chain & Gold bangles: Festive Colors India

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S E E L I A

V A C H O N

Seelia Vachon is a Hmong American artist who paints, designs and creates costumes. A self-taught designer skilled in the construction of corsets, Seelia began sewing professionally in 2009 and donates her time to teach fellow designers the craft. Her designs have been showcased in several Midwest fashion shows including, Fresh Traditions IV, VivNcaus, Myth (Halloween 2011-13), and local charity fundraisers. Her collection, Dark Dragons, is inspired by the scary yet mythical and powerful creature – the dragon (the year in which she was born). This is Seelia’s most personal collection to date and she is excited to launch this epic collection as a returning Fresh Traditions designer.

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D A R K D R A G O N S Photography: Elmo Lee / Makeup: Monee Lee Hair: Xee Vang / Styling: PXKIN Model: Nouqouja Yang

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Earrings, necklace & red dot gold bracelet: Designer Xee Vang Gold head pieces: Festive Colors India Gold cuff: ArtzByVika

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T H A N K

Y O U

TO OUR PARTNERS

Lookbook & Creative promotional content by:

Collective Vibe T H E C O L L E C T I V E V I B E . C O M

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Fresh Traditions X Fashion Show hair and makeup provided by:

D O N O R S

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S P O N S O R S H I P S

FRESH TRADITIONS is supported by:

Generous support provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR

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Cover Photo: Photography/Hair & Makeup: Peter Phung Designer: Xee Vang Styling: PXKIN Model: Eve Liu 2016