Ekko: Igniting the Runway

In the 2024 Academy of Art Fashion Show and Spring Show, emerging fashion designer Ekko captivated audiences with a blazing new collection inspired by the element of fire. With its dynamic silhouettes and fiery motifs, this collection reflects a deeply personal narrative and an innovative approach to fashion design.

Ekko’s inspiration stems from a traumatic childhood experience when his home caught fire. “I can still remember the details of that event, so I took elements from the fire and smoke and incorporated them into my designs,” he shared. Integrating these fire-inspired details into wearable garments was particularly challenging, Ekko noted.

Sponsored by the Italian textile factory Manteco, which provided exquisite wool for the collection, Ekko was grateful for their support. “Manteco saw my work and offered materials during a class,” he explained. The collection captures the essence of fire through its dynamic silhouettes and smoke-like colors, transforming a past tragedy into a powerful artistic statement.

Journey to Fashion

Ekko’s journey to becoming a fashion designer began with his strict upbringing in China. Despite the rigidity of his early years, he found solace and inspiration in fashion magazines during Middle and high school. “I loved reading fashion magazines and trying outfits from them,” Ekko reminisced. His passion for art was evident early on, as he enjoyed painting and dreamt of being a traveler, recording scenes from around the world.

In 2018, a visit to San Francisco and Academy of Art University sparked a turning point for Ekko. “When I traveled to San Francisco and saw ArtU, I fell deeply in love with this school at first sight,” he said—this moment solidified Ekko’s path toward a career in fashion design.

Looking Forward

Currently, Ekko is focused on establishing a career in the United States. “I’m trying to find a job in the US as a fashion designer,” Ekko stated, expressing his ambition to create collections that meet market demand while reflecting his unique artistic vision. In addition to fashion, Ekko enjoys wax carving and painting, skills that undoubtedly enrich his design perspective.

Ekko’s fire-inspired collection showcases his technical prowess and creative vision and serves as a testament to his resilience and passion. As he continues to blaze new trails in the fashion industry, Ekko remains a designer to watch, bringing both personal narrative and innovative design to the forefront of his work.

Click here to view Ekko’s full collection: