Profile: Evelyn Pao – Only Natural Design Competitions

Evelyn Pao

Fashion Institute of Technology

Evelyn Pao is a fashion designer whose work explores the intersection of craftsmanship, cultural identity, and storytelling. She holds a BFA in Fashion Design with a focus on sportswear from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where her graduate collection was selected to be featured in the graduation runway. Her international education includes a semester at Bunka Fashion College in Japan, where all coursework was conducted in Japanese, as well as a semester at the American Business School of Paris, where she studied Business Administration in Paris. Born in Taiwan and fluent in three languages, Evelyn approaches design through a multicultural lens shaped by both Eastern and Western influences. Evelyn’s designs celebrate the fluid interplay of cultures and identities, weaving these elements into garments that speak to unity and diversity. Embracing expressiveness and Eastern influence, her work merges bold individuality with the timeless depth of Eastern aesthetics. She views fashion as a powerful medium of self-expression, where each piece resonates with the wearer’s inner spirit while amplifying their outward presence.

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The Answer

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2026

Shamans, often seen as messengers of the divine, practice one of the world’s oldest spiritual traditions, with deep roots in regions such as Mongolia and Northern Europe. People turn to shamans for guidance in moments of uncertainty, whether seeking clarity about the future or solutions to problems that feel unsolvable in the physical world. Through rituals, shamans invite ancestral spirits to inhabit them, becoming vessels through which wisdom and answers are revealed. To protect themselves during these ceremonies, shamans wear special garments that serve as a form of spiritual armor. As someone who is half Mongolian, I am fascinated by these rituals and feel drawn to explore the history, symbolism, and attire of shaman culture, uncovering the layers of meaning within this ancient practice. Fabric manipulation has always been a big interest of mine. I believe that the manipulation of fabric not only showcases character, but also visually conveys personality to the viewer. When designing this collection, I wanted to make sure there was some form of fabric manipulation that connected to the rich history of shamanism. During my research, I discovered botanical dyeing, one of the oldest methods of coloring textiles. Its natural process reflects my commitment to sustainability as well as resonating with the shamanic belief that all living beings, including plants, possess a soul. The idea of adding a sense of soul to garments with botanical leaves and flowers became an especially meaningful aspect of my design process. This collection serves as both a research project and a tribute to my ancestors. Through the lens of fashion, I hope to honor and share my culture's heritage and philosophy with my audience.