Meet Rakee Chen

We recently connected with Rakee Chen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rakee, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I’ve always been a person filled with passion for both life and work. My optimism stems from my ability to enjoy the present and live in the moment. When I started my own brand, I encountered many frustrating situations, such as a heavy workload and chaotic schedules. I had to balance my creative endeavors with the need to network and meet new people.

In moments when I felt overwhelmed by the world’s material desires, competition, and constant comparisons, I focused on taking things one step at a time. By concentrating on the task at hand and not overthinking the future, I slowed down my pace. This approach allowed me to maintain a calm mindset and stay optimistic.Living in the present moment has been key to my optimism. It helps me to appreciate the journey, find joy in small achievements, and stay positive even when faced with challenges.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a fashion designer who recently graduated from SCAD. This year has been a pivotal one for me, as my designs successfully debuted on the RUNWAY and have been featured in publications such as VOGUE and PAPER MAGAZINE.

I’ve fully immersed myself in developing my brand, SCHNABBIE. I’m particularly excited about the collaborations I’m planning with musicians and illustrators. Currently, I’m working with various artists to prepare for the upcoming fashion week this fall. We will be showcasing products that incorporate 3D printing, unique prints, and the iconic Schnabbit series. Schnabbit is a rabbit with crocodile genes, characterized by its unique colors and a restless, freedom-seeking personality. This character embodies my artistic pursuit—limitless creativity, breaking boundaries, and embracing joy.I’m thrilled to see my brand flourish in Atlanta. The Atlanta Streetwear Market has been a fantastic platform where I’ve connected with many designers, stylists, and buyers. The fashion scene here is vibrant, street-savvy, and supportive, fostering a community of mutual growth and inspiration.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey as a fashion designer, three crucial areas have greatly impacted my success. First, a deep knowledge of garment construction has been indispensable. Understanding pattern making, precise calculations, and the characteristics of both the human body and various fabrics is essential. Each detail, no matter how small, can determine whether a garment will be comfortable and well-fitting. This technical foundation is vital for turning creative ideas into wearable reality. In addition, I believe that fashion should not only express individuality but also be functional. The ability to create clothing that is both stylish and practical has been a key aspect of my work. Fashion that only looks good on a runway but fails in everyday wear doesn’t serve its full purpose. By focusing on functionality, I ensure that my designs meet the needs of those who wear them, making my creations both desirable and practical.

Finally, the exploration of materials and technology has been a cornerstone of my design process. Staying curious and open to experimenting with new materials and techniques has allowed me to push the boundaries of traditional fashion design. By embracing the potential of new technologies, such as 3D printing, I’ve been able to innovate and create unique, forward-thinking pieces. This approach keeps my work fresh and ahead of the curve.For those just starting their journey in fashion design, my advice is to deepen your technical skills, balance creativity with practicality, and remain curious about new innovations. Invest time in learning about garment construction and fabric properties to build a strong technical foundation. Strive to design pieces that are not only unique and expressive but also functional and comfortable. Finally, continuously explore new materials and technologies, staying open to experimentation. This will help you create groundbreaking and wearable designs, ensuring a successful and innovative career in fashion.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am actively looking to collaborate with music artists. My latest project involves using music software to create original prints that can produce real-time psychedelic patterns based on sound. The core of this project is to visualize music, transforming auditory experiences into captivating visual art.

If you are a music artist interested in this unique fusion of music and fashion, I would love to connect with you. You can view the project’s video and my portfolio on my Instagram: @kee.design. Feel free to reach out to me there if you are interested in collaborating or learning more about this exciting endeavor.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

1. ANT/DOTE X SCAD Exhibition, Rakeechen’s collection
2. SCHNABBIT 2024SS POSTER
3.SCHNABBIT at CLOSETTE boutique
4.Rakee chen’s runway project
5.Rakee chen’s collection “THE ERA”
6.Rakee chen’s collection “THE ERA”
Photographer:@the.tylerx
Model:@lelia.white

7.SCHNABBIT at CLOSETTE
Photographer:@jinjinlla
Model:@scorpio.james @mycahtr @pcsavo

8. POP-UP of SCHNABBIT WITH CLOSETTE

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