Michelle Zhao is an emerging New York based fashion designer who embraces the juxtaposition of utility and feminity. Her work is both functional and poetic with influences of asian culture, such as origami and paper cutting; but one with an unequivocal modern ease and confidence.

 

With a strong textile background, her design development process always starts with fabric experiments. Michelle's designs embody complexity in the form of extensive fabric treatments and manipulation. She frequently merges garments with nontraditional fabric pairings and utilizes unique textures to create beautiful and unexpected effects.

 

Growing up with drawing and traditional Chinese calligraphy, her fascination with arts has known no bounds. She spent a lot of time dealing with different forms of arts that laid a foundation for her aesthetics and creativity, and eventually discovered her true passion for fashion design. 

 

In 2010, she moved to Madison, Wisconsin where she completed her bachelor degree in Textile & Apparel Design at UW-Madison. As part of the program, she attended F.I.T in 2013 and received an associate degree in Fashion Design. Xiaotong interned at several top design houses like Derek Lam, Milly, and Vivienne Tam in New York City while at school and was actively involved in Textile & Apparel Student Association. She received following accolades:

 

• 2013 YMA national scholarship

      Award given out to 125 across the country (45 schools participated)

• ​2012 CollegeFashionista Best of the Show

• 2012 TASA Fashion Show Best of the Show and Juror's Choice

• 2012 LandsEnd Jacket Competition, Honerable Mention

 

Michelle graduated top from class and has worked for J.crew and start-ups like J.Simple and RiaBulga. She is currently working in Design and Product Development at Nili Lotan where she translates her vision and aesthetic into sophisticated products and gains personal growth in all aspects.