Fashion Student Spotlight: Bena Yang's Metrix caters to men in tech industry

By Jessica Ternowski

The first time Bena Yang touched textiles was in Grade 10 at Seaquam Secondary School. She fell in love with clothing and later applied to the fashion design and technology program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Yang began her creative journey as a fashion designer. In her final year, she discovered a need in the market and created Metrix: a line tailored toward professional men working in the tech industry who want to find comfortable casual business wear that is versatile in a variety of weather conditions.

Metrix will be unveiled at 2016 The Show: The Final Cut, presented by Tamoda Apparel Inc., on April 6 and 7 at the Imperial Vancouver (319 Main Street). Thirty-five other lines by Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion design and technology students will also be showcased.

For event details, visit kpu.ca/2016fashionshow, or follow @kpu_fashion on Twitter and @kputheshow on Instagram.

Jessica Ternowski: Describe your collection.

Bena Yang: My collection Metrix is an innovative menswear brand for the professionals in the tech industry. It’s about functionality, quality, and comfortable clothing. I chose to focus my line on combining technical elements with formal and casual business wear. The fabrics are designed to be water resistant and comfortable with wrinkle-free components. The clothes are easy-to-wear and repellant.

JT: What was the inspiration behind your line?

BY: The inspiration behind my collection was from what people were wearing around me, specifically during the weather shifts in Vancouver. As I was doing my research, I was very inspired by Arcteryx’s Veliance line and that led me to design this collection.

JT: Can you tell me about your creative process?

BY: My creative process starts with sketching my inspirations from an idea, an artwork, photograph, clothes or a person. Then it’s about researching whether there is a need. It’s important to understand the concept behind what your market needs and what you can provide them that’s different. The process of researching ideas never stops. The exciting part of the creative process is to see my designs fitted on a person, understanding what works, what doesn’t work then redesigning.

JT: What have you learned at KPU?

BY: The four years at KPU have taught me to be a designer that can not only design, but also design for a need. It taught me through hard work that I can be successful in what I love and be able to see my vision turn into reality.

JT: What aspect of design are you most passionate about?

BY: I have really found my passion through both designing and pattern drafting. Each process is important in order to create the final product and it’s rewarding to see the effort that you take into reality.