Spotted: Downtown SF
What are you up to today?
I'm going to Blick to buy some art materials.
Are you a student?
Yeah, I'm from the Academy of Art. I'm a new student.
What are you studying?
Fashion merchandising.
How did you become interested in that?
My undergraduate was in Taiwan — I studied fashion design, and now I'm in San Fran to do merchandising.
What do you like most about merchandising?
It isn't like design because that focuses more on what you're going to do with the garment. But with merchandising, you can focus more on what the customers think of.
When did you know that was something you wanted to do?
I never thought about it — I just thought it was pretty cool, so I went in and found out that I can do it! And I like buying clothes, shopping, like every girl does! [laughs]
So how long have you been here in San Francisco?
Actually for just a month.
Have you found any favorite places in the area?
Not any fashion places, but I've been to Berkeley and I like it there because there are lots of good restaurants there and some pretty cool things out there!
How would you describe the fashion in Taiwan?
I think it's pretty good! Girls like to dress up a lot, but it's different than America — because American people are more confident with themselves, and I think people in Taiwan are not that confident, but they're actually pretty good at styling.
What things fashion-wise have caught your eye lately?
I like to go to little flea markets to pick up something vintage — sometimes that's nice. I went to this event here — it was an Etsy market in SF, and there were a lot of cool handcrafted necklaces and things.
So you like more handcrafted items?
Yeah, made yourself — because it's unique, you don't find it anywhere else.
What's something that's caught your interest lately?
I think I want to explore more of the art of San Francisco but I'm still new so I don't know any places around here. If there are any museums, I want to go to those. The food of course, because it's different.
What's been the biggest adjustment, since you've recently moved from Taiwan?
I think the people. In Taiwan, everyone is like, "Oh, I can help you!" But here it's like, you gotta do it on your own. So you gotta be tough here! [laughs]
How would you describe your personal style?
I think I wear stuff like this, sometimes I wear stuff that's more casual — it depends on my mood.
I like this look, it's very cozy and kind of boxy.
It's kind of cold today so I thought it would work.
I also like this bag — it's got an interesting ombré pattern.
I made it! I just dipped it in dye.
