Q+A with Marisa Sirichartchai
Pratt Institute BFA 2026
HandMeDown
In Next Gen / No Kill, we spotlight standout fashion graduates whose work opens up new conversations and possibilities. From New York’s top programs and beyond, these are the designers shaping a future of fashion defined by intelligence, creativity, and intention.
What is the inspiration or concept behind your collection?
This collection explores the transformation of donated garments as an allegory for growing up and awakening to embodiment and womanhood.
It centers on the threshold between being and becoming, where identity shifts and memory leaves its trace on the form.
Strips of donated T-shirts are braided into textiles that carry the touch and history of many hands.
What’s one material or technique you’re currently obsessed with?
I am currently obsessed with braiding t-shirts. I found such deep satisfaction in the process the especially when stretching out strips with print on it. I love how the prints get cracked as the jersey gets stretched and also being able to play with colors in each braid. It brings me the same joy as knitting or crocheting.
What does fashion mean to you today?
Fashion for me today is about intention and care. It brings me great comfort to know that there are designers out there that really care about their impact and that in itself makes their clothes more beautiful.
What’s one thing you wish the fashion industry would leave behind—and one thing it should embrace?
I think the one thing fashion industry should leave behind is disposability and that may not be up to them, but I feel like the industry has trained consumers into that line of thinking. I think it needs to embrace longevity and that comes with deliberate care and awareness of a garments life span. I also wish that more brands would offer repair services.
Embrace Anti-waste.
Who or what has shaped your design values most?
What shaped my design values the most is seeing/experiencing art and talking to people.
If you could design for anyone in the world, who would it be—and why?
I would design for all my friends and family because It would be more meaningful for me to see them wearing what I’ve created.
Three things keeping you sane right now
Good food, my friends and my parents.
One word to describe your design approach
Frankenstein
Where can we find you online?
IG: m.xhai3 https://marisasiricha.myportfolio.com/work
