Courtesy Hmong Nouveau
When you read that the schedule for the inaugural Hmong Nouveau event has a fashion show from 7 to 9 p.m., you might think that two hours sound like a lot. But there’s a lot to take in. Five Hmong fashion designers will be showcasing collections on the runway, with each model being accompanied by one of five Hmong musician acts. It’s a grand production, made even more so by the red-carpet entrance, the Canadian-Hmong rock band Sudden Rush, surprise guest performers, the after-party, and the launch of a new magazine, all at St. Paul’s Union Depot on February 15.
Co-founders Steph Chang and Steele Steel met when Chang moved to the Twin Cities in 2019. As Chang tells it, they met at a friend’s gathering, connected a few days later, and quickly realized their various individual passions—which included fashion shows, marketing, and technology—dovetailed. “I told Steele that one of my reasons for moving to the Twin Cities was to insert myself into the community as well as to find a place where I belong and where I can make a difference,” Chang says. “When we talked about the event and the magazine, they were two separate things we wanted to do, but the more we talked about it, the more things started falling together.”
And so Hmong Nouveau grew to become not only a celebration of Hmong culture but the launch of a digital marketing and publication company. With the event comes the first issue of their new magazine, called Nouveau Avenue.
“The magazine is focused a lot around art, entertainment, music, fashion, culture, people and travel, so this entire event that we’re putting on encompasses all of that,” says Chang, adding that the magazine will have a local focus and include all Southeast Asian cultures, not just Hmong heritage. “We want to be able to emphasize every single model, every single designer, every single performer that plays a part in the show.”
Besides the fashion and music show, there will be booths featuring Hmong food vendors (rising star, TPT food show host, and Union Kitchen chef Yia Vang will be there) and local designers, such as XIXO Menswear and Exotic Creations by Her jewelry. Print versions of the inaugural quarterly issue will be available at the event, and the other three issues will be published digitally.
Here’s the scoop on some of the designers hitting the runway, from St. Paul to California, Chang’s former home state:
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Gaoxue Nancy Designs
Gaoxue Yang made a show-stealing impact at Northern Vogue Gala’s afterparty this past fall at the Foshay. You may have also seen her looks at other local events, including the 41st Minnesota Hmong New Year Fashion Show. The apparel design student at St. Catherine University, in St. Paul, is bringing a whole new collection to Hmong Nouveau.
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Kachia Lee Designs
After graduating from St. Catherine University last year, Kachia Lee continued her focus on creating modern Hmong designs. While her work has been seen at local shows including the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent’s Fresh Traditions, Lee’s goal is to eventually become a fashion teacher, entrepreneur, and philanthropist to not only better the fashion industry but help others break into it.
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Duoa Yang of Zam Hmong
Among his accolades, the California-based Duoa Yang has been featured during San Francisco’s 2018 Jade Week. His brand, Zam Hmong, creates show-stopping traditional, modern, and bridal looks taking inspiration from Hmong culture.
Chewy Vangly
Lylena Hmong Couture
Lylena Yang of Lylena Hmong Couture is bringing her Red Queen line to the Twin Cities from California. Although she has been a guest designer at some Fresh Traditions shows in the past, this will be her first visit in a few years. Needless to say, she’s ready to wow with her intricately beaded and embroidered evening gowns.
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Brandon Yang
Brandon Yang is coming to town from California, and while the man has many talents (a triple-threat performer, choreographer, and model), he’s here to show off some of his latest apparel designs.
