Patricia Wijaya. Image: Rob Curry
Patricia Wijaya, BFA Fashion Design, was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, and now resides in Oakland, California. Before pursuing her degree in the States, Wijaya worked as an assistant for Indonesian designers Itang Yunasz and Susan Budihardjo. Prior to working on her 2015 graduation collection, in 2014 Wijaya contributed her beading design efforts to a graduating senior’s final collection.
Illustrated lineup of Patricia Wijaya’s graduation collection. Image: courtesy of Patricia Wijaya
Wijaya’s family history of scoliosis has been a source of inspiration for the collection; scoliosis is represented through the center-curved seams on both the front and back of each garment. The hole cutouts on every piece represent the shapes of a back brace similar to the one her sister had to wear in childhood. Wijaya has also incorporated elements of sportswear—to represent her love of playing sports—with her use of denim througout the collection. Wijaya has taken no easy route, as she’s implemented an intricate and traditional technique with hand beading detailing in her asymmetrical designs.
An inspiration page from Patricia Wijaya’s sketchbook. Image: courtesy of Patricia Wijaya
What advice would you give students who want to do a collection?
Patricia Wijaya: Give it your all, do it wholeheartedly, do not give up and try your best. Manage your time wisely, and make going to school your full time job. Lastly, listen to your instructors they give the best insight.
Who are your favorite fashion icons and why?
PW: Biyan, he has a classy and feminine style for women of all ages.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
PW: Try your best in everything you do. Most importantly, be on time.
By: Jazelle Prado