Stitching Stories: Franky Tran’s Storytelling Through Styling

by Misha Poklad

Known for their eccentric and innovative fashion choices, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) students are well aware of their attires' hidden potential—and some even go on to shift the fashion industry with their designs.

Franky Tran (BFA 2016) has already left a mark on the fashion world, starting with the hip New York–based brand AREA, where he worked as a development manager. Currently, the fashion aficionado works as a technical developer for Rodarte, the luxury label known for its artistic approach to high couture.

In his free time, Tran styles himself as a school boy, a trucker, a ballet dancer, and yet he’s always originally himself. Here, Tran discusses his philosophy of creating memorable outfits—with the mirror selfies to prove it.

Day One

To me, style means engaging with fashion without compartmentalizing aesthetics and influences. I believe in dressing as multidimensional and complex as I feel inside. It’s just fun to dress irreverently, mixing high- and lowbrow in my own way. This particular outfit’s centerpiece is the skirt, mixed in with a cheap undershirt, and the Von Dutch hat. Top it off with the studded belt—a vestige of the Y2K gas station chic I grew up with. I often think, "Well, this might not make sense to others, but if it makes sense to me, I'm just going to go with it."

Day Two

I wear a lot of English tailoring fabrics because they can make me feel so posh and twee, like a little schoolboy. I love anything plaid: plaid shorts, plaid coats, plaid pants, and plaid skirts. Then I paired these plaid shorts with a bikini cover-up and a Bass Pro Shop cap—I love shopping at a souvenir shop like it’s Bergdorf’s. These shorts were way too big on me, so I just ended up rolling up the waistband until they fit me. It’s not visible here, but the back of my waistband aligns perfectly with the tiger print thong line printed on the backside of my shirt. And, of course, boots—I had to ground this look with a good clunky shoe I can stomp around in.

Day Three

I’m pretty sure I tried on five different outfits before settling on this one just to go to my storage unit. My friend Noa made these jeans—they are covered in cartoonishly milky white stains. I had to pair them with a heavily used vintage rugby shirt I got off eBay that I reworked to fit my body the way I like. (I’m pretty sure there are blood stains on it from whoever owned it last, and it’s fun to lean into that, mystery stains and all.)

Day Four

This was a work outfit—the blazer’s an old reworked Polo Ralph Lauren suit. I had some leftover fabric from the pants, which became the big poof flower on my shoulder. I paired it with some cords and sneakers, making it a comfortable, office-friendly, and fun-ish outfit for my day. I was definitely channeling a bit of my inner J.Crew corporate dude here.

Day Five

Not sure where I wore the bubble skirt that I made out of nylon taffeta. I got the fabric years ago and held onto it until I got an idea of what to do with it. I filled it with tulle and net inside so it becomes an airbag every time I sit down, puffing up in a really funny way. It does not ever lay quite perfectly because I purposely twisted the lining into itself when sewing it, so the shape is constantly torquing itself, making it really fun to wear and fuss with. Channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw, I paired it with this equally bubble-like sweater, red boxers, and these Vivienne Westwood shoes. I chose white socks because I wanted some lightness in what would normally be too dark of an outfit for my liking. Plus, they make me feel extra dainty! ■