HALEY NEWMAN

Age: 18
Hometown: Pittsford, New York
School and Year: Parsons The New School for Design sophomore


What is fashion to you? I live by the words of Coco Chanel in her observation that "Fashions fade, only style remains the same." To me, I see fashion as a means of capturing the art of human expression and individualism in an instant. Such kind of artistic expression resonates deep within my persona and great passion to escape from the status quo. The notion of expressing one’s style is what defines each and every one of us in further depth of liberating oneself.

Collection: “Memento Mori” - The collection I plan on designing focuses on the simplicity of graphic, geometric shapes and how they visually and physically interact with the exterior anatomic structure of the human figure. In each of the garments, I plan to show how the abstract and simplified arrangement of shapes, combined, create an organic look and feel to them. I incorporated graphic shapes and textile patterns within the garments to define the silhouette. I am investigating the contradictory themes of complexity and simplicity, allowing them to interact within the designs, fabrics, and overall collection aesthetic. The color palette is inspired by wild fauvist colors and subtle, neutral toned textures that express a suave, natural feeling yet are constructed in very geometric, tailored garments. My intention is for the collection as a whole, to be both visually appealing and meaningful in its design aesthetic. I strive to embark upon challenges, move forward, and most importantly innovate; that is my primary objective as a developing artist and designer.

What/who inspires you? I am mostly inspired by the art movements of Impressionism, Primitive and Synthetic Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism, in response to our world of nature and artifice. Modernist architecture, the Roaring Twenties “Comme le Garçon” look, and elements of graphic design are alternative inspirations. The synthesis, or dynamic components of these liberating movements are influential in the production of a collective narrative that one can wear and express their inner realm of consciousness. Fashion designers Coco Chanel and Alexander McQueen, US Vogue Editor Anna Wintour and Creative Director Grace Coddington, Artists Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Paul Corio, and my mother, Haozi, are all impacting and influential individuals who inspire me to keep moving forward.

What does Fusion mean to you? Fusion is a marvelous opportunity to open new doors and express my vision to the world audience. It is a learning experience in the development of my design progression of concepts and techniques, and growth of perspective in exploring the meaning of art and fashion, synthesized, in further transformation.


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