Off-grain by chloe | capstone collection | 2025
"Off Grain by Chloe" is a conceptual exploration of identity and imperfection through textile distortion and deconstruction. Inspired by the tension between structure and softness, the collection challenges traditional patternmaking by intentionally working off grain, both literally and metaphorically. Through asymmetry, raw edges, and unexpected draping, each look tells a story of unraveling and reformation, reflecting the complexities of becoming.
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the design process
From a concept presentation to a fully realized collection, Off Grain by Chloe evolved from sketches and moodboards into something tangible—one stitch at a time. We hit the ground running with patternmaking, draping, and fittings, transforming abstract ideas into wearable form. This capstone pushed me technically and creatively, demanding not just design, but problem-solving, time management, and vision.
The photos below capture the behind-the-scenes process: the work, the mess, the breakthroughs, and the beauty of bringing an idea to life. Every fitting, fabric choice, and late-night adjustment is part of the story, and I’m proud to share that journey with you here.
After months of designing, drafting, sewing, and refining—seeing Off Grain by Chloe come to life in a professional photoshoot was a surreal and unforgettable moment. It was the first time I got to step back and see my work fully realized, styled, and moving in the way I always imagined. Every detail I obsessed over: the seams, the drape, the texture, finally had its place in the full picture. This shoot captured more than just the garments; it captured the story, the intention, and the growth behind them.
Below are the final editorial images, a celebration of the hard work, collaboration, and creativity that brought this collection from concept to reality.
THE PHOTOSHOOT
The lookbook
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Intro page
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400 oxford street
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93 greene street
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50 Avenue Montaigne
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30 causeway bay
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8448 melrose place
Producing the final video for Off Grain by Chloe was one of the most meaningful parts of the entire capstone experience. It gave me the chance to curate not just the garments, but the atmosphere, mood, and message behind the collection. From location scouting and creative direction to styling and filming, this was my opportunity to tell the story the way I saw it in my head from the very beginning. Bringing everything together through motion allowed the designs to breathe—to move, to unfold, to speak.
Below is the final film, a visual narrative that captures the soul of Off Grain by Chloe and the journey it took to get there.
the video
30 causeway bay
the look made specifically by me
30 Causeway Bay stands as the boldest and most structured silhouette in the Off Grain by Chloe collection: a visual anchor that encapsulates the collection’s themes of control, resistance, and transformation. The look is composed of two distinct pieces: a sleek, body-contouring leather dress and a dramatic, asymmetrical cape coat that elevates the entire narrative. The dress itself is cut from a mid-weight faux leather with a subtle sheen, chosen not only for its sculptural quality but also for the way it evokes power, protection, and permanence. Through an obsessive process of draping, sculpting, and refining, the dress was developed to contour the body without conventional softness, creating a silhouette that feels both assertive and elegant. Meticulous dart placements and curved seaming guide the eye through the garment, shaping the form while resisting typical feminine fragility. Every panel was mapped with architectural precision, and the internal structure was engineered to hold its shape without disrupting the natural movement of the wearer.
The accompanying cape coat introduces a dramatic counterbalance: oversized, sweeping, and intentionally off-grain, it was designed to distort the silhouette while creating tension between form and flow. Constructed from a heavyweight suiting blend, the coat is cut on the bias to create subtle warping and directional shifts that visually interrupt the linearity of the dress beneath. The collar is exaggerated, folding over into a sculptural form that nearly encases the neck, while the open sides allow for the dress to peek through in motion, constantly revealing and concealing. In fitting, countless adjustments were made to get the balance just right—ensuring the coat didn’t overpower the look, but rather amplified its energy. The final pairing of the two pieces tells a layered story: the dress represents the self—contained, shaped, and composed—while the coat embodies the external forces we navigate, often messy, oversized, and beyond control.
30 Causeway Bay earned its name from the intersection of chaos and poise, inspired by the bustling energy of its namesake street in Hong Kong, where structure and spontaneity coexist in tight, brilliant contrast. Within Off Grain by Chloe, this look marks a turning point in the collection: a moment of tension, confrontation, and ultimate resolve. It challenges the eye and the body, asking the viewer to consider what happens when construction becomes deconstruction: when what’s meant to contain us begins to bloom outward.
a tribute to the people who made it possible
a tribute to the people who made it possible
No part of this capstone journey would’ve been the same without the people I shared it with: my group, my constant source of laughter, strength, and support.
Annabelle Brager, you’ve been my rock throughout this process—the funniest human I know and truly one of the greatest additions to my life. Thank you for keeping me grounded and making every moment lighter.
Sarah Valentine, working alongside you was a dream. You’re not just my best friend, you’re the kind of collaborator every designer hopes for—someone who listens, pushes, and shows up with their full heart.
Josie Buckalew, I’m so thankful this project brought us together. You’ve become such a special part of my life and an incredible creative to learn from. Your talent as an illustrator added a layer of beauty and depth to our work that I’ll always admire.
Ashley Johanson, you were the glue that held us together. Your calm, steady presence kept us moving, and your dedication never went unnoticed. We all leaned on you more than you know.
This group made the long hours, the stress, and the deadlines not just manageable—but meaningful. I’ll carry the memories and friendships we built far beyond this project. Thank you for everything.
