A KPU fashion design graduate recently showcased her designs at the Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW).
Lexi Chang, who graduated with a Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology, began her VFW journey by shadowing designer Alex S. Yu during an internship as a first-year student.
During this time, Chang began helping out backstage and attending trade shows. Now, Chang has officially showcased her own collection at the VFW in October for the Spring/Summer season of 2025.
“I couldn’t believe it was happening. I was almost in denial, but also extremely proud of myself,” said Chang.
Her passion project, HAZI HAUS, was launched in 2024, with plans for it to become a fashion line.
Having been born in Taiwan, part of Chang’s inspiration to become a fashion designer can be attributed to her father’s work in the textile industry, where she grew up surrounded by rolls of fabrics.
She found her calling in fashion after finishing high school despite growing up as a painter.
“I borrowed a sewing machine from school and locked myself in my bedroom for two weeks straight,” said Chang. “Fashion really spoke to me. It was a way for me to self-express and show how I want to be perceived in the world.”
Shortly after Chang joined KPU's Wilson School of Design's fashion program, she had the opportunity to attend an exchange program in 2020 at Leeds Art University in England.
Chang said this experience was a major directional change in her practice, helping her figure out a balance between being a daydreamer and being practical.
Heather Clark, an instructor at KPU, said Chang’s talents were clear, with her creativity only growing after graduating.
“I was delighted to cheer her on and admire all of the work, time and effort that had gone into producing that collection,” said Clark.
“I could not be more excited for Lexi and look forward to seeing where the future will take her.”
The Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology is the longest-running four-year fashion degree in Western Canada, according to KPU.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected]. To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter. Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
