Lucid Dream

christiechau

My capstone collection, Lucid Dreams, explores the surreal, psychological journey of lucid dreaming—beginning with passive dreaming, progressing to conscious awareness, and ultimately seizing control over one’s dream narrative. The story draws from personal themes of finding one’s true self, breaking free from perfect expectations to something more real, raw, and full of flaws. The idea that lucid dreaming, realizing the act of dreaming and taking over the narrative, reflects my story of realizing my flaws and finding myself in a world that seeks perfection. Inspiration also comes from Korean streetwear that reflects the K-pop influences that shape my personal style in fashion and has become a big part of my identity. The collection merges personal, cultural, and aesthetic influences into a cohesive story of self-empowerment. The collection falls within the women’s ready-to-wear category and includes a balanced mix of streetwear-inspired tops, wide-leg pants, deconstructed skirts, and a few outerwear pieces. The collection introduces that dreamlike feel with flowing fabrics, layered textures, and asymmetrical draping. At the same time, it is paired with a sharper, more structured feel, incorporating materials such as denim, metal detailing, and heavier fabrics to evoke a rock, gothic energy.

 

Key concepts explored in the collection include lucid dreaming, the story of finding one’s identity, and taking control over one’s narrative, expressed through fashion. Research draws from academic theory on dream consciousness and visual storytelling in design, including Geczy and Karaminas’ exploration of fashion’s relationship to subculture and identity (2012), and Evans’ writings on fashion as a narrative and psychological space (2003). These theories support the collection’s foundation: that clothing can reflect not only external style but internal transformation. I took a deep dive into my personal interests and hobbies, such as music and film, and I felt inspired by things that had a deeper meaning beyond the surface and created something I could relate to. I created this collection with that same goal in mind. I wanted this collection to speak to the things that make me who I am and tell a story that could reach out to people. In addition, the collection offers an identity-centred, culturally layered collection that bridges East and West, filling a gap in the market for Asian-inspired streetwear that isn’t based on stereotypes or typical traditional wear. This collection is an embodiment of my identity and stories, and holds my hopes and values in the form of fashion, which I hope can reach out to people and empower them. 

Media

https://massexodus.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/1fd51f4a00ac4aef824fb6fbee1b7c09.mov


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ABOUT THE DESIGNER

christiechau

I’m Christie Chau, and I’m a student in TMU Fashion concentrating in Design. As a designer, I believe clothing is more than something we wear—it is a storytelling tool that can inspire, empower, and reveal our truest selves. It has the power to resonate with the world and evoke emotion, inspiration, and empowerment. My work stems from the idea that fashion has the power to break expectations and give people the confidence to express their identities. It is a reflection of my identity, guided by a desire for authenticity, cultural depth, and the psychological dimensions of personal expression. My work blends personal expression, storytelling, and cultural influence to explore how fashion shapes and reflects who we are. I aim to fill a gap in the market for Asian-inspired streetwear that challenges stereotypes and empowers self-expression. 

My inspiration comes from my own experiences and stories with themes such as identity, trauma, and self-realization. I’m drawn to themes that carry conceptual and psychological depth, and I enjoy digging into deeper meanings behind things. It sets my creative process and helps me create something that not only speaks to me, but potentially to others as well. Aesthetic influences from subculture fashions, including Gothic, Alternative, Grunge, and Korean streetwear, shape my personal style and influence my designs through bold silhouettes, metallic details, textured layering, and overall mood. These visual languages blend to create a narrative of empowerment that bridges East and West, softness and strength, tradition and futurism. My design practice is about empowerment, and through clothing, I invite people to discover their inner strength, embrace their identities, and express their stories with confidence.

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