Daisy Wang Jingwen, a Parsons School of Design graduate, has been seamlessly integrating modern Chinese elements into her personal style since her days as a fashion student. Born in Qingdao, China, Wang has always felt a strong connection to her cultural roots, which has significantly influenced her fashion journey. However, she found that there was no brand that truly embodied her love for modern streetwear while honoring her Chinese heritage. This gap in the market inspired her to create Dawang, a New York-based brand that fuses traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary Western sensibilities.
Dawang, launched in 2018, offers ready-to-wear clothing that combines the elegance of Chinese fashion with the practicality of modern streetwear. The brand features innovative designs such as casual qipaos and reimagined dudou tops, appealing to a younger generation eager to embrace their cultural identity in a modern context. Wang’s first collection, introduced in March 2019, included a black qipao with a high slit—a modern twist that resonated with her audience despite initial skepticism from her traditional parents.
Wang’s journey into fashion began at 15 when she moved to California for boarding school and took her first fashion design class. Her passion for creating wearable art grew, leading her to apply to art schools exclusively, with Parsons as her top choice. Throughout her studies, Wang interned at prestigious couture houses, but she soon realized that her true interest lay in ready-to-wear fashion.
Her senior thesis at Parsons, influenced by a course on the history of Chinese fashion, helped her recognize the lack of modern interpretations of traditional Chinese clothing. This realization led her to develop Dawang, a brand that pushes boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage. Wang’s designs aim to offer something unique for individuals who, like her, have experienced both Eastern and Western cultures.
Dawang’s success has grown, with Wang handling everything from design to marketing. Her brand has even expanded to include unisex and menswear pieces, reflecting her commitment to innovation. Wang believes that by making modern Chinese aesthetics more accessible, she can foster greater appreciation and respect for the culture.
Ultimately, Dawang is about more than just fashion; it’s about giving young people the freedom to express themselves and embrace a new, modern identity while honoring their cultural roots.
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