Sandy Liang's book evokes the sensation of being everyone's initial fashion recollection.
There's no other spot quite like the sidewalk outside a Sandy Liang show. It's not just about the pleated skirts, hair bows, or cotton candy pink fur coats; it's the murmured reminiscences from attendees who feel a connection to their memories triggered by the show. Liang has uniquely tapped into the collective nostalgia of countless fashion enthusiasts, both those present at her show and others who admire her collections from a distance, despite her unique upbringing in New York City. While her childhood experiences may not resonate with everyone, she possesses a remarkable ability to make each piece feel as if it was always intended for you, as if it had been nestled in the recesses of your mind, waiting for her to bring it to life. Additionally, her archive has been somewhat undefined until now, with the release of her latest collaboration with Rizzoli. Dressing Up: Sandy Liang marks the downtown designer's first book, documenting her brand from its inception in 2014 to the present.
Browsing through the book evokes the same nostalgic feel that Liang effortlessly captures season after season. The pages include photographs of models in front of her childhood neighbor's home in Bayside, Queens, and enjoying meals at Congee Village in the Lower East Side. There are street style images showcasing the Chinatown grandmothers she consistently refers to as her eternal inspiration. A photo even features her mini Australian Shepherd, TimTam, lounging on the floor of her studio in a leopard print dog fleece. This book serves as a polished version of her Instagram feed, celebrated for being equally aspirational and personal. Dressing Up: Sandy Liang extends this balance, providing insight into her design vision while also showcasing her perspective of the world.
Some fashion books can be weighed down by lengthy essays or detailed technical descriptions, making them feel unwelcoming and dry. However, Liang's book is not like that. Instead, it contains brief, witty notes from the designer accompanying the photos, sharing her thoughts from backstage or what film inspired her while creating a mood board. It's as warm and inviting as any of her projects. Flipping through it feels akin to going through a photo album, and you might be surprised to realize you're not featured in any of the images. But that's the signature Liang charm—continuously drawing you in and sparking nostalgia for an outfit you've never actually worn but have always envisioned.
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Sandy Liang
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Sandy Liang's book evokes the sensation of being everyone's initial fashion recollection.
The designer based in downtown outlines the development of her brand from 2014 to the present.
