Snow Xue Gao is a New York luxury womenswear brand, founded by Asian American fashion designer Snow Xue Gao in 2017. The designer will be awarded Emerging Designer of the Year at Hamptons Fashion Week.
Tell us about your journey and inspiration that led you to become a fashion designer.
My journey into the world of fashion began with a deep fascination for art and culture. Growing up, I was always captivated by the rich tapestry of Eastern and Western artistic traditions. This duality in my cultural background profoundly influenced my perspective on fashion. My academic pursuit took me to Parsons The New School of Design, where I earned a Master’s degree in Fashion Design and Society. It was at Parsons that I honed my skills and developed my signature aesthetic, characterized by asymmetric draping and tailored lines. My designs strive to balance the delicate line between feminine and masculine, and they often draw inspiration from historical art movements and traditional costume cultures. The idea of “duality” has always been at the core of my work, reflecting my own experiences and the cultural collisions that shape our modern world.
You are a CFDA member and have a streetwear, ready-to-wear collection. Tell us more about your collection and what inspired you.
My collection merges avant-garde with accessible, inspired by urban energy and traditional tailoring. As a CFDA member, I create pieces with bold, asymmetric cuts and intricate draping, reflecting the interplay of different cultural and historical references. Each garment is a dialogue between past and present, tradition and modernity.
You are being honored as the Emerging Designer of the Year for Hamptons Fashion Week. How does it feel to be showcasing your collection on the runway and to be highlighted for your career?
Being honored as the Emerging Designer of the Year at Hamptons Fashion Week is a significant milestone. Even after showcasing at New York Fashion Week for over ten seasons, this recognition feels incredibly special. It’s a testament to my team’s hard work and the evolution of our brand. This honor motivates me to keep innovating and exploring new dimensions in design.
What’s next for you and your brand?
The future holds exciting possibilities for Snow Xue Gao. We aim to expand our presence domestically and internationally, explore new markets, and innovate within our collections. Sustainability and ethical fashion are key focuses, and we plan to expand into accessories and possibly menswear.
What will be your inspiration for Hamptons Fashion Week 2024?
For Hamptons Fashion Week 2024, my inspiration will be the elegance and natural beauty of the Hamptons. The collection will reflect the serene coastal environment with fluid, organic lines, and structured tailoring. It will continue to explore the fusion of Eastern and Western influences that define Snow Xue Gao.
