How Katty Liang Is Changing American Fashion Through Eco-Innovation and Artistic Vision

Art has always been the most fertile breeding ground for new philosophies, ideologies, and concepts. Katty Liang knows this by heart, as her design had claimed finalist status in Macy’s prestigious flower show competition in 2022, although this was not just another achievement for her. Her creations made Liang realize she had fostered a new philosophy that would define her career: fashion could be both beautiful and responsible, artistic and sustainable.

Today, Liang represents a generation of designers who refuse to accept the industry’s destructive status quo. Her journey from Fashion Institute of Technology graduate to associate designer tells a larger story about how young creatives are rewriting the rules of American fashion, one sustainable thread at a time.

From Student Competitions to Industry Recognition

Katty Liang’s ascent through fashion’s competitive ranks began with a series of strategic victories that would establish her reputation as both an artist and an advocate. Her triumph at the Under Fashion Club design competition in 2023 marked a turning point, but it was her feature in Vogue Runway’s RTW Fall 2023 coverage that truly announced her arrival on the industry stage. The recognition came through her thesis design at Fashion Institute of Technology’s Future of Fashion show, where her work stood alongside other emerging talents destined to reshape the industry.

The path from student to professional was not without challenges. Liang’s resume reveals a methodical climb through some of fashion’s most respected houses, including internships at Narciso Rodriguez and Anna Sui, followed by design roles at Lola and Sophie. Each position added layers to her technical skills while reinforcing her belief that fashion could serve a higher purpose than mere aesthetics. Her trilingual abilities in Spanish, Chinese, and English opened doors to international collaborations, including a notable fashion publication feature in a Spanish magazine.

What sets Liang apart isn’t just her technical proficiency in draping, patternmaking, and CAD design, but her ability to see beyond the immediate demands of each collection. Her work spans from couture dresses at Larglinda Ilazi to ready-to-wear pieces for other labels, each project building toward her ultimate goal of launching her own sustainable fashion line.

The Sustainability Imperative

The fashion industry’s environmental crisis has become impossible to ignore, with textile waste and unethical production practices drawing increasing scrutiny from consumers and activists alike. Katty Liang positions herself at the forefront of this reckoning, developing what she calls her “sustainable fabric and technology” methodology. This isn’t merely about using organic cotton or recycled polyester; it’s about reimagining the entire design process through an environmental lens.

“I want my story to be about my extraordinary abilities, and also about the fashion dream and sustainability,” Liang explains, revealing how these three elements have become inseparable in her creative vision. Her work addresses what she identifies as fashion’s most pressing challenge: the industry’s criticism of its environmental impact. Rather than treating sustainability as an afterthought, she builds it into the foundation of every design decision.

Her solutions extend beyond materials to encompass the entire consumer experience. Liang envisions a future where AI-driven personalization helps customers discover clothing that matches their style and fit, reducing the waste associated with impulse purchases and returns. This data-driven approach to sustainability represents a new generation of fashion thinking, one that uses technology not just to create clothes, but to create better relationships between consumers and their wardrobes.

Preparing for Fashion Week and Beyond

As September 2025 approaches, Katty Liang’s preparation for New York Fashion Week represents more than a personal milestone; it’s a statement about the future of American fashion. Her upcoming collection will serve as a manifesto for sustainable luxury, proving that environmental responsibility and high fashion can coexist without compromise. The timing couldn’t be more significant, as the industry grapples with increasing pressure to address its environmental impact while maintaining its creative edge.

Her current role as associate designer at Lola and Sophie provides the perfect launching pad for this ambitious debut. The position allows her to refine her technical skills while building the industry relationships necessary for an independent launch. Her responsibilities include creating comprehensive tech packs, managing international production relationships, and overseeing the critical fitting process that transforms sketches into wearable art.

The international recognition she’s already received, including features in Spanish fashion publications, suggests that her message resonates beyond American borders. This global perspective will be crucial as she builds her own label, particularly given the international nature of modern fashion production and consumption.

A Burgeoning Change in the Fashion Industry

Katty Liang’s story reflects a broader transformation within American fashion, where young designers are refusing to accept the industry’s traditional trade-offs between creativity and responsibility. Her journey from student competitions to Fashion Week debut illustrates how the next generation of designers is redefining success, measuring it not just in sales or critical acclaim, but in positive environmental impact.

“Trying to make design with more sustainable fabric and technology” may sound like a simple goal, but in Liang’s hands, it becomes a force for change. As she prepares to unveil her vision on fashion’s biggest stage, she carries with her the hopes of an industry ready for change and the determination of a designer who believes that fashion’s future depends on its ability to heal rather than harm.