Angel Luo, Fashion Designer

Tell us about your approach to fashion design.

I just graduated from Uni, so my design taste skews more abstract. I tend to like more couture designs, so I’m really attracted to the art field itself because you don’t have to get this commercial taste. 

What artists or fashion designers inspire you?

I suppose I’m inspired by the classics. For fashion, I really love Alexander McQueen. If we’re going modern day, I guess Iris van Herpen, Schiaparelli, etc. For artists, I really do love the classics. I love Alma-Tadema and Salvador Dali. I also love some of the modern artists. I don’t think they’re shown here. My favorite, new up-and-coming modern artist is this person named Evan Oliphant who does very textured oil paintings.

What is the best thing you’ve seen at The Armory Show so far? 

I mean, it’s all so beautiful. I’m still more drawn to the more figurative work, the ones with visible inspirations rather than the abstract work.

Could you share a little bit about your own style and how you decided to dress yourself today? 

I’m just the type of person who really likes dressing up. I have trouble starting conversations, so I rely on the outfit to do the talking. I like a little bit of texture, but it’s New York, so I am into the full black. This dress is from Roberta Einer who does very beautiful knitted and crocheted work. The jacket is vintage Yohji Yamamoto.

Are you born and raised in New York?

No. Born in China, raised in Texas, and then moved here for school and work. 

Does your background inspire you at all?

Yeah, I think so. I will say my favorite gallery here is based in China. They had some works from famous Chinese artists like Ai Weiwei and some other really cool paintings. A lot of Chinese artists haven’t gone this fully abstract. They still have this really strong connection to cultural heritage and old ways of drawing art. I really love that. Rather than this whole paint splatter look. 

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