THE STORY OF A BOY…

New York City, December 2006. Tony Wang at age 17 enters stage left. Junior year of high school.

Inspired by the flurry of art, beauty, and fashion in his brief stay at New York upon his return to San Francisco, he spends the next month strategically avoiding school and drawing clothing. The final product is a portfolio of pieces inspired by the theme of fluidity and circularity. Noticing the motif of waves present across his pieces, he names his collection 3st {pronounced thirst}. The collection is done. The boy is happy. The end. But not really.

Tony Wang was not just satisfied with drawing the pieces. He wanted to create them. He wanted to see people seeing them, feeling them, wearing them. But alas, Tony Wang couldn’t sew or pattern.

Tony Wang vs. Obstacles. 0 to 1.

But that didn’t stop Tony Wang. He contacted all the local suppliers and even global suppliers he could find using the internet. Finally, he snagged a producer willing to hear him out.

Tony Wang vs. Obstacles. 1 to 1.

The manufacturer was fascinated by Tony Wang’s dedication. More over, he loved the collection. But, he could only produce them if Tony knew how to make design specifications for the pieces. He did not.

Tony Wang vs. Obstacles. 1 to 2.

Down but not out for the count, Tony Wang would not give up that easily. Now a senior in high school, he spent all his free time learning how to make technical design specifications. How? He went online and found lecture slides from various design schools. He self-studied and dedicated himself to learning the ins and outs of design – the best one could do without a formal education. And learn he did. He was able to transform his concept sketches into design specs and approached the manufacturer again. Extremely impressed by this level of work and commitment, he agreed to produce five of Tony Wang’s original 3st collection.

Tony Wang vs. Obstacles. 2 to 2. The odds were now even.

What began there was an amazing journey for Tony Wang, now a student at the Wharton School in Philadelphia, PA. Despite his non-technical background in fashion, his creativity shines and continues to inspire him to create pieces. His self-proclaimed design style is “fluid” and always changing. However, Tony Wang enjoys the juxtaposition of different stylistic genres. And of course, he always enjoys living on the edgier side of fashion.He is currently hosting trunk shows around the local area and establishing himself as a fashion force to stay.