Story Si
Designer Daorui Story Si from the label Si Story is a student at Parsons School of Design in New York City, who is working on his Master of Fine Art. His bold silhouettes and use of pattern have created an androgynous aesthetic tied to the brand that is breaking barriers. For his Parsons’ Bachelor of Fine Art Graduation Collection, he produced They Are My Fathers, recognizing becoming a father and starting his own homosexual family. In 2020, he produced the collection Build Clothes, inspired by his family’s desire for him to pursue architecture postgraduation but his desire is to build clothes instead of buildings.
Why did you study at Parsons?
When I was in middle school back in China, I searched for the top fashion school globally and Parsons was on the list. That was the first time I heard of Parsons. Then, I did a lot of research on the school and many famous American designers studied there. That was why I decided to go to Parsons BFA.
Why did you decide to go to graduate school?
After I graduated from BFA I planned to work in the fashion industry for around two years to have more understanding of the real fashion business and then to go back to school with what I have learned. I wanted to develop my design aesthetic in order to establish my brand if that is possible in the future.
Did you always know that you wanted to be in fashion?
I guess, yes. I wrote my dream job as a fashion designer in my 6th grade yearbook.
Did your designs start more traditional or have they always been so avant garde?
My design silhouette, material, and details come from my concept and research. Therefore, I think my designs could be practical or dramatic.
The inspiration for They Are My Fathers is very personal. Do you think there are subjects that you would feel too vulnerable to create off of?
They Are My Fathers is a really personal project that I did as a gift for our son. And that is also my first collection testing on the LGBTQ topic. In the future, I guess I will do more research and design development based on homosexual culture.
What do you hope your work does for the world, or how do you want it to make people feel?
I wish my design could speak for the LGBTQ community. And I want people to feel brave and emotional when the audiences see my works.
Whom are you trying to reach with your designs?
I think my target audiences are males who want to express their femininity or females who want to express their masculinity.
Where do you find inspiration for the strong silhouettes of your pieces?
After my research, I would make many collages on the figures and drapings on mannequins. So, most of my silhouette’s ideas came from the drawings and collages.
Where do you find inspiration for the wide range of materials that you use?
I love using firm fabric to create dramatic shapes such as heavy wool, denim, or organza. Other material choices are based on my concept. For example, in the Build Clothes, the idea of exposing the horsehair is based on the research of building's steel bars. Therefore, I decided to use clothing's under construction, horsehair, to represent the building under construction.
Where do you see the future of genderless clothing going?
I think it will be an important part of the fashion future. Nowadays, some heterosexual men are willing to try some women's jewelry, accessories, and cosmetics. It is a good direction to blend the boundary of gender clothes.
Where do you see the future of Si Story going?
Currently, as a designer, I am still on the way to exploring my design possibilities. I wish after my two years of research in the Master program at Parsons. I could have some new changes in my design and more find various possibilities. If I have a chance to build up my brand, I wish I can put the changes and possibilities I found in it.
What are your socials? Instagram @drs.story
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/30IOv9u
Article by Bridget McDonald, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Kenisha Seth, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
