My design DNA is rooted in storytelling, culture, and self-discovery, shaped by a fascination with the elegance and quiet rebellion of the 1930s Shanghai jazz scene. Inspired by time spent in Asian-influenced jazz spaces in New York City, such as Tomi Jazz and The Red Pavilion, this project became a reflection on my identity as a Taiwanese American and the balance between heritage and contemporary life. I explore how fashion can bridge these two worlds, imagining what an woman like myself might wear for a night out to a jazz club—pieces that honor her cultural roots while feeling modern, expressive, and her individuality. The work challenges the idea that traditional elements belong only to ceremonial moments, reimagining them as part of everyday self-expression. This is where I design: in the space between nostalgia and innovation.