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Pu brings ancient techniques to modern work

6/28/2021

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Xuena Pu began her fashion journey in China as an apprentice of sewing and pattern-making at a small garment factory. Yet her fashion roots run even deeper, as she learned and practiced ancient weaving techniques in her early childhood with her grandma. 


As a sustainable fashion designer who now lives in Powell, she says she has a strong mission to preserve the cultural heritage in textile art.

“I hope to share these traditional ancient techniques with the next generation,” Pu says.

Currently, Pu is exploring various ancient weaving techniques, creating examples and combining them all to create a database.

“My goal is to incorporate more intricate processes into new designs to produce modern pieces that we can identify with today while reminiscing about our history,” she said.

Pu will be one of four Ohio-based designers featured in an intimate runway show Sept. 18 called, “Fashion of Our Times. The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio event will also include designers Tracy Powell, Celeste Malvar-Stewart and Dom Susi. The show will include designs inspired by these four, as well as a panel discussion for them to share their inspiration, vision and other behind-the-scenes details leading up to creating their collections.

A Magna Cum Laude graduate from Columbus College of Art and Design, Pu will also teach a headband workshop at DACO Oct. 17 where she will instruct learners 14 and older on how to crochet their own headband using their new skills. 

“I will teach some basic skills of crochet and macrame,” she said. “This class is ideal for those who are interested in crochet.”

While the pandemic put on hold or changed how many fashion shows, classes and other events were held, Pu says she took advantage of the opportunity to have more time to evaluate her designs, think about long-term goals, and focus on what she wanted to be and where she wanted to go.

“Pursuing and finding the true meaning and power of fashion design, and the process of art creation, has guided me during this special time period,” she said.

Taking a moment of reflection can sometimes have a greater impact on one’s life than expected, she says. She recalls one moment, in particular, from years ago that changed the direction of her career.

“I was inspired by an article that was talking about fashion designers and fashion school,” Pu says. “This article reminded me about the fashion dream I once had in my life. I made up my mind to chase my dream and started to prepare my portfolio for the application to a fashion school. Looking back, I appreciate the author who wrote the article that helped me reshape my life.”

“Fashion of Our Times” will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 18. Cost is $65 for the general public and $60 for members. Member pre-sale begins July 8, followed by general admission Aug. at decartsohio.org.


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Designer Emily Rinehardt brings Sketch Class to DACO

6/14/2021

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Fashion designer Emily Rinehardt remembers how intimidated she was when she learned to sketch.

Last weekend, she shared her techniques in the hopes that others may feel a little more comfortable with trying their hand at the craft and seeing their visions come to life. Through her Fashion Sketch Class, held on June 13 at DACO, Rinehardt explored the basics of sketching - drawing stylized figures, proportions and how to render garments.

“I think what is so fun about this type of illustration is that it can be very stylized,” she says. “Everyone has their own illustration style. There is more room to be creative with what you want your style to be.”

Even though there are guidelines, Rinehardt says that the creativity individuals bring to sketching makes it fun and easier to learn.

A Kent State Fashion School 2018 graduate, Rinehardt interned with fashion and textile designer Celeste Malvar-Stewart, who is teaching a “Farm to Fashion Nuno Scarf” workshop Aug. 14 at DACO. 

“When I interned with her, I got a passion for sustainable fashion,” Rinehardt said. “She was so inspiring to be around.”

After graduating, Rinehardt worked as an assistant designer at La Senza, an intimate wear retail company, before co-founding a sustainable upcycling company in Columbus called Salvaged Apparel Co.

“Our mission is to upcycle clothing, redesign and reuse apparel, and to keep clothing out of the landfill,” she said. “We had our first collection in August 2020.”

Although her passion for sustainable clothing plays out in her company, she still embraces and practices her first passion, fashion illustration.

“Fashion illustration is so important because it’s the first step in the design process,” Rinehardt said. “I like to start with it because it’s the most emotional way to communicate what your design is, for yourself or a client.”

Rinehardt says she’s excited to work with DACO and those who share her passion. She recently visited DACO to see the “Distinctly Paramount” exhibition.

​“The construction of those garments are so cool and I’d love to try to incorporate some kind of costume sketches into my class,” she said. 

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    The Staff of the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio contribute to this blog.

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Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
145 E. Main St.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Phone: 740-681-1423