We want to congratulate Shirley Tang on her feature in British Vogue for her Depop shop - Oriens! Shirley began her time here at The Cut Fashion Academy taking our Fashion Design and Illustration course, as well as our Launch Your Line course. She continued on to Portfolio Preparation where we were proud to help her build her successful application to Parsons New School of Design, and couldn't be happier to see her making strides in her career!

We connected with Shirley to learn more about her journey to her British Vogue feature and find out about her thoughts on the industry. Read below to see what she had to say! 

The Draw of the Fashion Industry

What drew you to the fashion industry?/ What inspires you about the fashion industry?

I loved the idea of fashion as a means of transformation-- whether storytelling or creating and expressing identity. I think that's a very empowering ability.

Where do you see the fashion industry going? What do you hope will happen in the fashion industry?

I see it undergoing significant change in our near future, from forces and catalysts already underway to push for a less rigidly structured system in terms of season, schedules and boundaries. I'm interested in seeing traditional boundaries being broken, moving into a more natural and sustainable rhythm of designing, and how technology will influence the industry in the future.

Who is a designer or fashion industry professional whom you would love to meet?

I would love to meet Manfred Thierry Mugler.

Who is your dream person to dress?

I don't have one single person I would dream to dress-- my ideal is someone who either completes my own visual fantasy or is someone I admire and want to collaborate with by way of dressing. I'm still searching for a perfect muse.

It is easy to tell that Shirley is empowered through her designs. We are sure that she will evolve as the industry does, and we can’t wait to see what she comes up with next! See Shirley’s work on her Instagram @oriens000.

Head to this link to learn more about our Portfolio Preparation course!