Spotlight on Parsons BFA ’23 | Chiedza Kaseke, Emily Xu & Esther Park

The first in a series highlighting recent fashion graduates.

Chiedza Kaseke

Origin: Nationality is South African Ethnicity is Zimbabwean

For a long time my idea of making as a designer was to mass produce. But as I grew and developed my own beliefs and values on design, I realized that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Name of Collection: Kutungamirwa: To Be Guided

What is the inspiration or concept behind it?
My concept behind this collection is to take aspects of my culture and integrate them with a future that I hope for. These aspects being the people, the objects and the atmosphere from back home in Zimbabwe. But my grandmother and great grandmother were the core inspiration for this collection. I used their Ndebele and Shona culture to inform many design features in my clothes. As well as using the idea of craft to embody my grandmothers love of crafts. As for the future I hope for, I did a lot of world building to really make this universe come to life with the use of bright colors, vibrancy and connection.

How is circularity part of your ethos? OR How has your idea of “making” changed in this era of climate change?
For a long time my idea of making as a designer was to mass produce. But as I grew and developed my own beliefs and values on design, I realized that it doesn’t have to be that way. As I look for more ways to combat climate change with my fashion, my motivations have changed to being part of the slow fashion movement. I believe there is something very special in having a custom one of a kind piece that has been hand made for you.

Where do you hope to be in 3 years?
I hope to be building my brand while moving to achieve my goal of creating a creative design community back home. I want to create more resources for others back home to achieve their dreams as well. To give them a chance to express their own beliefs.

Three things keeping you sane right now
Acid Jazz, my knitting machine and the Sims

If you could design for anyone in the world who would it be and why?
I would absolutely love to design for Doechii. I have been a big fan of her music and vibrancy for a long time. She exudes such a strong energy and presence in everything she does so it would amazing to collaborate with her in creating a look.

Where can we find you online?
You can find me on IG and TikTok as chiedzakstudio and on my website chiedzak.com


Jialu Xu/Emily Xu

Origin: China

I believe it is important to preserve the traditional craftsmanship while also embracing the possibilities of futuristic digital designs

Name of your collection: Thesis on Self-Contradiction and Uncertainties

What is the inspiration or concept behind it?
The entire collection comprises two distinct parts, the first of which involves the physical constructions of the concept, which talked about the self-contradiction and uncertainties that myself, my friends, and my generation are facing in this most advanced yet contradictory era of human history. As a designer with great interest in exploring humanity’s relationship to the “unseen” I want to use the shadow of physical garments as a metaphor for the hidden selves behind our physical existence. My aim is to express the contradictory aspects of humanity through the dark and negative. The entire photo shoot entailed a collaboration with Franklin Yeep, a distinguished photographer specializing in black and white imagery, aimed at seamlessly blending modernity with tradition to evoke a distinctive and captivating experience for the audience.

The second part of my thesis is fully digital and was inspired by the physical making. In an effort to push the boundaries of shadows, I have incorporated various techniques, aiming to provide a new level of interactivity and engagement for viewers, allowing them to see different human side faces as the avatar rotates. Ultimately, the second part of my thesis seeks to bridge the gap between physical and digital art, providing a new perspective on the ways in which these mediums can intersect and complement one another.

How is circularity part of your ethos? OR How has your idea of “making” changed in this era of climate change?
As a designer, I believe it is important to preserve the traditional craftsmanship while also embracing the possibilities of futuristic digital designs especially in this era.There is a resounding demand from society for designs that prioritize sustainability, and while I wholeheartedly support this endeavor, I recognize the inherent challenges of expediting progress in this regard. It is worth considering an alternative perspective: if something possesses enduring longevity, does it not also align with the principles of sustainability? By effectively bridging the divide between the physical and digital realms, and by exploring novel ways in which these mediums can intersect and mutually complement one another, I believe such an approach holds the key to the future of fashion.

Where do you hope to be in 3 years?
In my current role, I want to focus on further expanding my creative horizons by exploring new approaches to design that incorporate the latest Digital technologies alongside traditional techniques. This pursuit extends beyond the realm of fashion, as I aim to establish a brand that caters to customers through the provision of both digital and physical collections. By embracing this holistic approach, I seek to deliver a comprehensive and dynamic experience to clientele across various demands.

Three things keeping you sane right now
Passion, hope to change the future of fashion, support of my family

If you could design for anyone in the world who would it be and why?
I want my designs to reach people from all over the world, without any specific target audience in mind. By tapping into the universal aspects of creativity and style, I hope to create a brand that is inclusive and resonates with people from all walks of life.

Where can we find you?
Ins: emileee_mayling
Parsons official web
Personal web


esther park

Origin: Born in Korea, raised in New Zealand

My work is an homage to those who have sacrificed and dedicated their lives to someone they love.

Name of Collection: Raised By A Swan

What is the inspiration or concept behind it?
My collection “Raised by a Swan,” embodies my relationship with my mother. It explores the love and protection of my mother as well as its intensity. It portrays how I see her as my swan. A swan that crosses oceans to raise her young, with a vast wilderness inside of her when it comes to protecting her young. The collection focuses on the raw and primitive aspects of motherhood and its inevitably animalistic nature. It encompasses enamel coated pumice stones to create the illusion of something that is tough but appears soft. The inspiration to explore my relationship with my mother for my thesis came naturally as an homage to my mother and all the women who raised me alongside her.

How is circularity part of your ethos? OR How has your idea of “making” changed in this era of climate change? Craftsmanship is a core element of my making process and cornerstone of this collection. By integrating natural resources like pumice stones found near volcanic sites and incorporating them as embellishment and applying them on natural fibers like hymo, I aspire to celebrate the natural resources this Earth has gifted us.

Where do you hope to be in 3 years?
My utmost goal in three years is to launch my brand “Esther Park” and continue developing innovative textiles and embellishments after gaining experience in the field.

Three things keeping you sane right now
Iced Americano, phone calls with my mum and recurring fights with my brother

If you could design for anyone in the world who would it be and why?
All the women in this world. My work is an homage to those who have sacrificed and dedicated their lives to someone they love.

Where can we find you?
Website: www.estherpark.co
Instagram: @estherpark03

moodboard – Esther Park

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