Thank you! I’m honored to receive this recognition. My name is Rakee Chen, a fashion designer and digital artist. I specialize in 3D fashion and textiles. My work focuses on bridging digital and physical fashion, using 3D software and digital fabrication to bring designs from concept to reality.

My journey into fashion began with product design, where I learned to shape form and structure through material exploration. Later, I transitioned into costume design, working with directors and producers to create garments that enhance storytelling. These experiences shaped my approach, allowing me to balance technical precision with artistic expression.

One of my key steps was winning an award in fashion. This experience led me to trying my hand at more fashion awards where I showcased my designs. Through this, I gained a deeper understanding of digital fashion and its possibilities.

Currently, I work as a Technical Designer, helping brands turn digital fashion into real garments through 3D garment construction, pattern-making, and textile printing. This award is an exciting milestone, and I look forward to continuing to explore fashion and technology to create new possibilities in design.

I submitted ‘Echo Wanderer’ to the MUSE Creative Awards because this competition values innovation and storytelling, which are at the core of my work. This project represents my vision of combining music, fashion, and technology into a single experience.

Music is more than just sound—it carries movement, rhythm, and emotion. I wanted to translate that energy into fashion in a way that feels natural and immersive.

To achieve this, I developed a custom program that generates print patterns based on musical compositions. Each design responds to sound, creating garments that visually reflect the rhythm of music. This concept was showcased at New York Fashion Week and Utah World Fashion Week.

Winning this award is both an honor and a motivation. It reinforces my belief that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about interaction. It also strengthens my role as a designer who bridges technology and creative expression. This recognition encourages me to keep exploring new ways to connect music, digital programming, and fashion.

The idea for ‘Echo Wanderer’ came from the concept of "music backpackers"—travelers who roam the world with nothing but their instruments, sharing stories through sound. While living in Atlanta, I often spent time at Closette, a boutique where fashion and music naturally blended.

That space made me think—what if music could be seen, not just heard? This question led me to develop a custom program in TouchDesigner that translates melodies and rhythms into visual patterns. These patterns became the prints for the collection, turning music into something wearable.

I think in today’s industry, Echo Wanderer reflects the growing connection between fashion and technology. It challenges traditional printmaking by introducing a new method of pattern creation and bridges the gap between sound and visual art.

Echo Wanderer stands out because it brings together music, technology, and storytelling in a way that feels both natural and innovative. Instead of creating prints based on abstract inspiration, I developed a custom program that converts musical rhythms into static visual patterns.

This process gave the collection a deeper connection to sound, turning music into something tangible and wearable.

The way the collection was presented also made it unique. The lookbook was shot in winter on Antelope Island, a vast landscape of rocky terrain and dry grass. This setting reflected the collection’s theme of wandering, capturing a sense of solitude and movement.

The models sat among the grass, reading books in the open landscape, creating a quiet, reflective atmosphere. This poetic approach reinforced the idea that Echo Wanderer is not just about clothing but about the connection between music, space, and experience.

One of the biggest challenges was turning digital patterns into physical prints while keeping their original feel. The designs were made using my custom software, but printing them onto fabric without losing their depth and flow was tricky.

I tested digital printing and water transfer methods on different materials, making adjustments until the prints looked sharp and natural while keeping the fabric soft and flexible. After many trials, I found the right mix, allowing the prints to blend smoothly with the garment's shape.

Winning this award is a big moment for me. It confirms that fashion, technology, and storytelling can work together in new and exciting ways. I hope this recognition will open doors to more collaborations with musicians, performers, and digital artists, allowing me to keep exploring new ideas.

I’ve already seen new opportunities. Musicians and performers have reached out, interested in turning their music into custom prints for stage outfits and visuals. There has also been interest in using my techniques for accessories and jewelry, applying water transfer printing on metal and leather to create reflective, futuristic pieces.

The response was encouraging. Many people were drawn to how Echo Wanderer combines music, fashion, and technology in a fresh way. Musicians showed interest in using music-generated prints for stage outfits and visuals, reinforcing my belief that fashion can be more than just clothing.

One of the most memorable moments was after the New York Fashion Week runway show. Several industry professionals told me they appreciated how the collection was not just about aesthetics but also about storytelling and emotion. The lookbook shoot on Antelope Island, with models reading in a vast, quiet landscape, also received a lot of positive feedback. People connected with its poetic and cinematic feel.

Starting with a strong concept is important. A great project is more than just visually appealing—it needs a clear idea or story behind it. Whether inspired by music, movement, or culture, a strong message makes the work more memorable.

In addition, be open to experimenting. Try new techniques, materials, or technologies, even if they feel unfamiliar at first. The uniqueness of Echo Wanderer came from developing a custom program that turns music into print patterns. It was a challenge, but it gave the collection a clear identity and purpose.

Fashion, music, and digital art are becoming more connected than ever. With virtual fashion, AI design tools, and interactive textiles gaining momentum, fashion is shifting from being just about clothing to becoming an immersive experience.

Beyond garments, I also want to expand into accessories, set design, and collaborations with musicians and digital artists. There’s huge potential in bringing these ideas into gaming, performance art, and even home design.

The future of fashion is not just about what we wear—it’s about how we experience and interact with it. No matter how the industry evolves, I want my work to stay at the cutting edge of creativity, constantly exploring new possibilities.

Competitions are not just about winning. They are a chance to refine your skills, gain feedback, and get your work noticed. Even if you don’t win, the process of preparing your entry helps you organize your thoughts, improve your presentation, and build a stronger portfolio. The first time I submitted my work, I had no idea what to expect, but each experience helped me grow and sharpen my creative direction.

Also, don’t compare yourself too much to others. Everyone has their own perspective. Connecting with other designers and creatives can also help. Seeing different approaches and hearing about other people's experiences can be inspiring and reassuring.

I encourage creatives to support and uplift one another. Instead of seeing the industry as purely competitive, look for ways to exchange ideas, collaborate, and create something new together. Some of my best projects have come from conversations with musicians, digital artists, and designers from other disciplines.

Also, the best ideas often come from trying something new, whether it’s using a different material, exploring new technology, or changing the way a story is told. Creativity is about pushing boundaries and constantly evolving.

First, I want to thank the musicians and artists who inspired me to think beyond fashion. Their passion for sound and storytelling played a huge role in shaping Echo Wanderer.

I’m also incredibly grateful to the photographers, stylists, and models who helped bring this vision to life. The lookbook shoot on Antelope Island and the runway presentations at New York Fashion Week and Utah World Fashion Week wouldn't have been possible without their talent and dedication.

I’m continuing to explore how fashion, music, and storytelling can come together in new ways. My next project will push the idea of sound-inspired prints even further, working with musicians to turn their compositions into visual designs. This will go beyond clothing to include accessories, stage visuals, and immersive experiences.

I’m also building a digital showroom for Echo Wanderer, where people can explore the collection in an interactive space. At the same time, I’m preparing for Metaverse Fashion Week, where I’ll experiment with merging digital and physical fashion in new ways.