The young Chinese talent, who lives in Brooklyn, New York revolutionizes fashion with her incredible designs, focusing on cultural fashion and bold inclusivity, making fashion empowering for all.
It is always surreal to know about all those people and professionals who instead of following the paths already trodden by others, choose to take unconventional ways to create a unique niche for them and eventually reach their higher selves through their work. Even more astonishing is how these founders, leaders and top voices, especially from the female brigade are those who put in every possible effort with the aim to bring about a wave of great positive change in their chosen niche and industry. We couldn’t help but notice the rise of one such incredible young founder, Yixuan “Apple” Zhao, who with her brandApple the Human is on her way to reach the forefront of the modern-day fashion world.
The fashion world thus far has also remained marred by narrow standards of beauty; however, Apple Zhao’s Apple the Human emerges as a breath of fresh air and a trailblazer, rewriting the norms of the industry. Zhao’s fearless approach in fashion speaks the loudest about her as a designer and Apple the Human as a fashion brand. The Chinese talent, educated in North America have over the years shaped her vision, promoting inclusivity, self-expression and diversity in the industry.
Take for example her much-talked-about graduate collection Seika that boldly confronts societal norms, shattering outdated constraints on identity and self-expression. Her designs are inspired by the vibrant aesthetics of drag performances and the rebellious spirit of punk movement. Apple Zhao’s Apple the Human’s designs turn heads exuding a harmonious clash of prints, textures, and fabrics. She highlights that this collection serves as a tribute to alter egos, both past and present, most importantly, celebrating all sizes, genders and cultures.
Talking more about her brand’s story, Apple Zhao says that the brand name Apple the Human was inspired by Steve Job’s bold decision to make his tech company after the humble fruit. Thus, Zhao adopted “Apple” with the same spirit of reinvention. This transformation happened in North America, where her identity as a designer and individual found a voice. Hence, she believes that Apple the Human isn’t just a brand, but beyond that, a testament to her journey of authenticity and self-discovery.
What has helped Apple Zhao’s brand stand unique in the ever-evolving and competitive fashion space is not just her bold designs and collections that defy norms and stigmas in society, celebrating individuality, but also for being a platform for empowering others. She is pristine in her vision to dissolve the stigmas attached with Chinese designers and promote a world, where fashion embraces all sizes, backgrounds, and genders. With each new collection, she pushes boundaries, explores new ways to make fashion a space, where everyone can belong.
Apple Zhao highlights that a defining moment for her brand was the introduction to drag culture during vacations in Asia, where she found inspiration in the freedom and intuition expressed in drag performances. This was also the time, her love for punk aesthetic grew, which reflects the beauty of life’s imperfections, she says. These two powerful influences became the foundation of her design philosophy. Her current collection is about the use of horsehair, mimicking human body hair as a symbolic representation of authenticity, and the intricate rainbow lace appliqué flowers technique, which captures the beauty of diversity. Apple believes in integrating tradition with innovation. She aims to combine made-to measure craftsmanship with mass production, a balance she refers to as “相辅相成” (complementary in Chinese). In the near future, she aims to incorporate tech into her work, using tools like CLO 3D to push the boundaries of sustainable fashion.
As a Gen-Z fashion designer, Apple Zhao with Apple the Human introduces a new era in fashion, thriving on a bold vision rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and cultural diversity.
