Fashion has always been a language of expression, but Rakee Chen takes it a step further—turning sound into sight, rhythm into fabric, and music into movement. Her latest collection, Echo Wanderer, is inspired by the concept of musical backpackers—individuals who carry melodies across time and space, transforming them into tangible visual narratives.

True Stars was invited to witness the designer’s new groundbreaking collection at The Ethereal Fashion Show during NYFW 2025, held at the iconic Wall Street venue. The opportunity to showcase Echo Wanderer alongside Rakee’s streetwear brand, SCHNABBIT, was a testament to the growing recognition of her unique design approach. As we delve into this conversation, Rakee takes us through her creative process, the technological innovations behind her work, and the future of fashion as an immersive, multisensory experience.

Your new collection, Echo Wanderer, beautifully translates music into visual art. Can you walk us through your creative process of turning rhythms into textile patterns? How do you decide which musical elements to transform into prints and colors?

The creative process begins by turning sound into movement and then into visual patterns. I developed a custom program that reacts to music and creates changing patterns. This helps capture the energy, rhythm, and texture of sound in real-time. I listen to the tempo, frequency, and intensity, then break it down into waveforms. These waveforms become the base for my textile patterns. The process feels like painting with sound, letting the music shape the design naturally.

The music I use comes from EDM and Renaissance compositions. EDM has heavy beats and layered synths, which create sharp contrasts, glitch effects, and bold color blocks. Renaissance music has structured melodies and deep harmonies, which bring flowing, detailed patterns with a sense of elegance. Combining these two styles makes a mix of digital and organic, futuristic and classical, adding more depth to the visuals. The way the music feels decides how it looks as a pattern. Fast beats turn into sharp, broken shapes, while smooth melodies become soft, flowing lines. Deep bass and distorted sounds create heavy textures, while light acoustics bring simple and airy designs.

Your background in computing and technology plays a significant role in your design approach. How did you integrate digital tools or programming techniques into the creation of Echo Wanderer’s unique patterns?

My background helps me explore new ways to create fashion. For Echo Wanderer, I started with sound interaction research to study how different frequencies and rhythms change visual forms. I used Touch Designer to build a system that projects real-time sound-responsive visuals onto a mannequin. This helped me decide how patterns should flow on the body. The intensity and movement of the sound determined the placement and shape of the prints.

After capturing these visuals, I moved to CLO 3D to refine the design. By combining real-time projection mapping, sound-driven pattern generation, and 3D garment simulation, I created a collection where each piece feels connected to the music.

You mentioned seeking collaborations with music artists to bring their compositions to life as wearable designs. What excites you most about this intersection of music and fashion, and how do you envision these collaborations evolving? 

Fashion is visual. Music adds a new way to tell stories. It brings movement, rhythm, and energy, making fashion feel alive. What excites me is how sound can shape design in a way that feels natural and free. The idea for Echo Wanderer comes from this. I imagine musical backpackers drifting through the universe, carrying sound with them. Their music does not just exist in the air. It forms patterns, textures, and colors around them.

While living in Atlanta, I found myself immersed in a vibrant community of music and fashion enthusiasts. At Closette, a local buyer’s boutique, I often gathered with friends to share our love for music and fashion. Those inspiration, sparked a question for me: What if music could be seen, not just heard? Artists can wear custom pieces created from their music, giving them a visual identity that moves with their sound. In live shows, projection mapping on garments can make patterns change with the beat. In digital fashion, wearable soundscapes can react to music in virtual spaces.

Behind the scenes at NYFW is always buzzing with creativity and energy. What was the most memorable moment for you at The Ethereal Fashion Show this year? How did it feel to see Echo Wanderer and SCHNABBIT come to life on the runway?

The most unforgettable moment at The Ethereal Fashion Show was the final walk. The models finished their runway, and I stepped out for the designer bow. After months of work, everything came together on stage. The audience’s response, the flashing cameras, and the energy in the room made me feel that all the effort was worth it.

Seeing Echo Wanderer and SCHNABBIT on the same runway made the experience even more special. I believe Echo Wanderer’s music-driven aesthetic can blend with SCHNABBIT’s bold streetwear style. So, I added a SCHNABBIT Bunny performance in the middle of the show. Echo Wanderer is about wandering through the universe. SCHNABBIT is about racing through a futuristic city. Both are part of a larger narrative, different yet connected.

A New Era of Music Composition

As the final beats of Echo Wanderer resonated through the runway at The Ethereal Fashion Show, it was clear that Rakee Chen is not just designing clothes—she’s composing wearable symphonies. From developing custom software that visualizes sound in real time to collaborating with musicians to create pieces that embody their art, Rakee is at the forefront of a new wave of fashion storytelling.

Her seamless blend of technology and craftsmanship, combined with an intuitive understanding of both digital and organic aesthetics, ensures that her work stands out in a crowded industry. As Echo Wanderer continues to make waves, one thing is certain: Rakee Chen is shaping the future of fashion, one rhythm at a time.

Photography credits:

Model：@TheNataliaKwak  @Kiiantay  @Casidy.c  Nikki Martin Kenzie Jade @Naomi_.Hernandez

Photographer：@Prestonrphoto  @Alsu.leyman  @Martygottlieb

Designer：Rakee Chen @Cherrakee_

Brand: SCHNABBIT @Schnabbit