The focus of my work is to explore the space in between two identities, both my own. Being a Cambodian adoptee in America raises many internal questions for me. My experiences of not fully fitting into either space make the idea of the in-between central to my work. Through fashion, I have been able to investigate this idea while using metaphors and references from both Khmer and American culture.
Lotus Blanc, Photo by Kyle Dong
Model: Luis Alfredo, Footwear: collaboration Todd Barrera-Disler, Buttons: Mary Fissell
Lotus Blanc, Photo by Kyle Dong
Model: Luis Alfredo, Footwear: collaboration Todd Barrera-Disler, Buttons: Mary Fissell
Lotus Blanc, Photo by Kyle Dong
Model: Luis Alfredo, Footwear collaboration: Todd Barrera-Disler, Buttons: Mary Fissell
Lotus Blanc Contact Sheet, Photos by Kyle Dong
Model: Luis Alfredo, Footwear collaboration: Todd Barrera-Disler, Buttons: Mary Fissell
Design board, by Sam Fissell
Looking through archive images of my own and images from various sources help inform my designs.
Illustrations, by Sam Fissell
Stills, Photo by Sam Fissell
Raglan detail, Handmade bronze enameled button, Cotton sateen lining, Photo by Sam Fissell
Buttons by: Mary Fissell
Inter-workings, by Sam Fissell
Moodboard, Photos by Kyle Dong
Model: Luis Alfredo, Footwear collaboration: Todd Barrera-Disler, Buttons: Mary Fissell
Lotus Blanc
The lotus is a sacred flower in Cambodia and a piece of symbolism that has grown in significance to me as I have grown. Combining something as western as the suit and Southeast Asian as the lotus sparked my curiosity and prompted me to create this look. The symbolism of the lotus, meaning enlightenment and regeneration was important to me in designing the garments. Everything was deliberate, from the lapel shaped like a lotus leaf to relaxed tailoring with careful curvature of the seams to imitate the lotus. No detail of the construction was overlooked, such as hand interfacing and fully lining the jacket. Collaboration was an integral part of this project. I worked with my mother, a jeweler, to design enamel buttons, and my friend Todd Barrera-Disler to create a bespoke pair of shoes referencing traditional Khmer footwear. The intent was to create something as beautiful as the lotus while also referencing the west.