10 Questions with Mei Ju Shen

Mei-Ju Shen, an innovative fashion designer with roots in New York and Taipei, channels a strong sense of social responsibility shaped by her upbringing in an influential Taiwanese family. After three years working with a city councilor on humanitarian issues, Shen refined her traditional Chinese techniques at Shiatzy Chen and later at Parsons School of Design, where New York's energy sparked her vibrant, experimental style. Known for her use of recycled materials, Shen's design is characterized by bright colors and expressive narratives that bring attention to social issues and convey her message through elegant and thought-provoking fashion.

Her fashion collection Micro Beauty won runner-up at the A'Design Award & Competition in Milan (April 2024), while her painting series received Honorable Mentions at TERAVARNA's 11th OPEN and 8th COLOR competitions in September 2024. Her impactful collection, Garbage Luxury, was also featured in FLANELLE Magazine and Vanilla online.

Shen's creations challenge the dichotomy between beauty and sustainability, offering an eco-conscious aesthetic that redefines fashion and art. Through her elegant yet provocative designs, she transforms discarded materials into meaningful art pieces, encouraging public awareness of critical social and environmental issues.

@candywish123

ARTIST STATEMENT

Mei-Ju Shen believes design is an exquisite expression of art—a dynamic process that shapes aesthetic identity while fostering a profound connection between artists and the audience. Fashion, for Shen, is a timeless vessel embodying culture and individuality. Through the interplay of shape, color, form, and fabric, she creates designs that resonate with authenticity and creativity, reflecting concepts inspired by cultural heritage, personality, and social responsibility. Her work invites introspection, encouraging viewers to connect deeply with their emotions and the world around them.  

As an advocate for environmental sustainability, Shen redefines the fashion industry's approach to eco-conscious design. Her celebrated project, Garbage Luxury, transforms discarded materials—plastic bags, aluminum cans, and bottle caps—into luxury fashion items that challenge the boundaries of traditional aesthetics. Through intricate craftsmanship, she combines unconventional materials with delicate textiles, crafting garments that merge elegance with environmental awareness. Techniques like stitching bottle caps onto fishing lines or sewing treated aluminum sheets into striking designs illustrate her meticulous process.  

Shen's creations stand as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of beauty and sustainability. Her work not only elevates fashion as an art form but also advocates for ecological mindfulness, inspiring audiences to rethink consumption and embrace a more sustainable future.

INTERVIEW

Could you tell us about your journey as a designer? How have your experiences shaped your creative vision?

I'm Mei-Ju Shen, a fashion designer whose creative vision is shaped by my upbringing in both New York and Taipei. Growing up in a prominent Taiwanese family instilled in me a deep sense of social responsibility that continues to influence my artistry. My early experiences, particularly three years of collaboration with a city councilor on humanitarian initiatives, emphasized the importance of advocating for social issues. This perspective inspires my work, whether it's securing funding for underprivileged families, giving a voice to women and children affected by domestic violence, or contributing to the preservation and restoration of estuarine environments. These causes resonate deeply with me and are integral to my creative journey.
My journey as a designer began with a strong foundation in traditional Chinese techniques during my time at Shiatzy Chen. This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and detail. Later, studying at Parsons School of Design in New York infused my work with a dynamic, experimental edge, encouraging me to embrace bold, contemporary elements. I am particularly recognized for incorporating recycled materials into my designs, creating vibrant pieces that not only captivate with their expressive colors and storytelling but also address environmental issues, human rights, and broader social concerns.
A series of proud milestones have shaped my creative vision: one highlight was when my collection, Micro Beauty, earned the runner-up spot at the A'Design Award & Competition in Milan. Another significant moment was receiving Honorable Mentions for my painting series at TERAVARNA's 11th OPEN and 8th COLOR competitions. Additionally, my eco-conscious collection, Garbage Luxury, was featured in FLANELLE Magazine, where I demonstrated how discarded materials can be transformed into elegant, meaningful art pieces. I've also had the honor of being interviewed by Cake Magazine, Rogue Magazine, and Vanilla Online, where I shared insights into my expertise in traditional Chinese crafts, such as embroidery, weaving, needle felting, and incorporating Chinese totems into my work.

What role did your studies at Parsons School of Design play in refining your unique style, and how has the energy of New York influenced your artistic process?

At Parsons School of Design, the diverse student body from all around the world exposed me to a rich exchange of multicultural ideas. The distinct design styles of students from various countries constantly inspired me and sparked creative brainstorms, pushing my style to be bold and avant-garde. Many of our professors were renowned industry professionals who encouraged us to think beyond conventional boundaries and cultivate independent learning habits. Through continuous experimentation and research, I was able to explore and develop new design elements and intricate details in my work.
In addition to traditional techniques, the core curriculum emphasized thinking like industry designers, addressing social issues, refining design processes, and integrating commercial strategies to prepare us for professional success. Foundational drawing classes strengthened my artistic basics, while specialized courses in 3D software and digital illustration ensured we met industry standards. This holistic approach not only shaped my design style but also aligned it with the dynamic demands of the professional world.

Your work incorporates traditional Chinese techniques and experimental elements. How do you balance heritage and innovation in your designs?

In my designs, I often merge traditional craftsmanship with innovative elements. While unconventional designs can capture attention, excessively avant-garde concepts may not resonate with the mainstream market. Striking a balance between heritage and innovation requires a deep understanding of the core values of tradition, reinterpreted through a modern lens. Designers should respect the cultural roots of tradition and introduce innovation gradually, creating designs that preserve the essence of the classics while addressing contemporary needs. This approach allows for harmony between familiarity and novelty.
When integrating traditional Chinese techniques with experimental elements, I prioritize respect for cultural heritage. I distill the core values and aesthetic characteristics of tradition, reexamining them within a modern context. I retain classic features, such as intricate craftsmanship or distinctive visual language, while employing experimental methods, such as material combinations, the adoption of new technologies, or reimagining structures. This balanced approach breathes new life into tradition, transforming it from a static legacy into a dynamic source of inspiration for contemporary design. It not only sustains cultural heritage but also bridges past, present, and future by meeting modern aesthetic and functional demands.

Your collections often feature recycled materials and unconventional elements. What drives your choice of materials, and how do you approach transforming discarded objects into luxury items? 

With a background in industrial design, I am skilled at working with unique and composite materials. I enjoy drawing inspiration from everyday life, incorporating readily available elements into my work. My choice of materials and unconventional elements stems from a dual commitment to environmental sustainability and creative innovation. For me, it is a way to challenge traditional aesthetics and demonstrate how design can apply discarded items for new value and purpose.
Unconventional elements reflect my passion for experimental design—they represent both a sense of environmental responsibility and an effort to foster meaningful dialogue between design, society, and culture. For example, I have explored how discarded aluminum cans can be transformed into objects of new value through experimentation, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern art. This process is not just a technical challenge but also an opportunity to push creative boundaries.

Could you share insights into your creative process? How do you conceptualize a collection, from initial ideas to final execution?

Developing a collection is a lengthy process that can take months or even up to a year. It begins with inspiration and research, where I delve into gathering information and conducting in-depth studies. The next phase involves defining the concept, narrative, and structure—much like crafting a story. 
Once the foundation is set, I shift to sourcing and exploring materials. I am particularly drawn to experimenting with unconventional or sustainable materials, reimagining how textures, components, or discarded and overlooked items can be repurposed. For instance, I have combined hand-spun wool felt with machine-made pleated fabrics or paired traditional hand-painted Chinese-inspired textiles with PVC to create bold, avant-garde designs.
After selecting materials, I move on to sketching and prototyping. This includes creating hand-drawn or digital designs and experimenting with early models on mannequins. During the iteration and refinement stage, I test the chosen patterns and fabric mock-ups on real people, incorporating audience feedback to adjust details and ensure the design aligns with my concept. 
Once finalized, I proceed to precisely construct the collection, using techniques like sewing, hand-stitching, or draping to bring each piece to life. Finally, the collection is presented through demonstrations, where I showcase my process and finished pieces. Audience feedback at this stage is invaluable for reflection and growth.   

Your recent projects, such as Micro Beauty and Garbage Luxury, have received international recognition. What narratives or messages were you hoping to convey through these collections?

The Micro Beauty series explores the preservation of marine ecosystems, using Taiwan's Tamsui River as its narrative backdrop. By examining plastic fragments collected along the riverbanks under a microscope, it reveals a fascinating microscopic world. This artistic narrative encourages viewers to confront environmental destruction. Inspired by the vibrant patterns within this microcosm, the colorful plastic fragments are repurposed to draw attention to global pollution, urging us to reconsider our roles and attitudes toward unresolved environmental issues.
Garbage Luxury redefines fashion through sustainability and innovation. By merging unique design concepts with a heightened awareness of ecological impact, the collection challenges traditional boundaries of fashion. It transforms discarded materials into luxurious fashion pieces, demonstrating that beauty and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Through integrating waste into refined textiles, the project blurs the line between art and fashion. This endeavor reflects my commitment to combining environmental consciousness with high-end fashion, involving the meticulous selection of materials from waste and reimagining them through complex processes into striking designs.

Sustainability is central to your philosophy. How do you see fashion as a platform for addressing critical environmental and social issues? Do you think fashion can play a role in promoting sustainability and influencing public awareness about environmental issues?

I view design as a refined form of artistic expression—a dynamic process that shapes aesthetic identity while fostering profound connections between artists and their audience. To me, fashion serves as an enduring vessel for culture and individuality. Through the interplay of shapes, colors, forms, and fabrics, designs resonate with authenticity and creativity, reflecting concepts inspired by cultural heritage, personal identity, and social responsibility. Such works can provoke introspection, encouraging audiences to forge deeper connections with their emotions and the world around them.
I see designers as advocates for environmental sustainability, transforming discarded materials into luxurious fashion pieces that challenge conventional aesthetic boundaries. For instance, my project, Garbage Luxury, merges unconventional materials with fine textiles through intricate craftsmanship, creating garments that blend elegance with environmental consciousness.
Designers' creations can demonstrate the harmonious coexistence of beauty and sustainability. These works not only elevate fashion as an art form but also advocate for ecological awareness, inspiring audiences to rethink consumption and embrace a more sustainable future.

What challenges do you face in creating eco-conscious designs, and how do you overcome them?

When working on sustainable designs, I often encounter several challenges. One is selecting materials—experimenting to create innovative and refined eco-friendly textiles takes significant effort. Another is finding ways to transform waste into wearable pieces while ensuring functionality and appeal. Additionally, with so many brands now focusing on sustainable materials, it's a challenge to stand out by developing unique concepts that distinguish my work in the market. To address these challenges, I continuously refine my craftsmanship and technical skills, learning and evolving to incorporate diverse elements into my designs. This constant push for improvement truly tests my abilities in fashion design.

What themes or projects are you most excited to explore in your future work, and how do you see your style evolving?

I am particularly interested in continuing to explore themes of sustainability, with a specific focus on material development. I am fascinated by the evolution of textiles and would like to work on creating functional fabrics or innovating unique, sustainable materials. I believe combining sustainability with functionality is an effective way to appeal to a broader audience while promoting sustainable development.

And lastly, what are you working on now? Is there any new project or collection you would like to share with our readers?

Currently, I have my own workspace, where I am not only focused on designing but also exploring the development of unique fabric materials. I plan to import some specialized fabrics, making them accessible not just for my own designs but also for others who might benefit from their unique properties. These materials could be applied to areas like home décor and fashion.
As for my next collection, I aim to create a line of apparel using eco-friendly materials with innovative functionalities. I believe combining environmental consciousness with technological advancements in fabric development represents the future of fashion.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.