https://www.davidiwang.com/upcycle daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1567405993025-F87DUSL9QDVSYIV6I4CD/IMG_2152.JPG upcycle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1563818443482-I3Z4UML4Q59DVMTEA3BU/IMG_2152.JPG upcycle - basics Materials | post-consumer merino wool, cashmere, paper Elevated summer basics made from thrifted merino wool (t-shirt) and cashmere (shorts). Inspired by the favorite items in my closet: a plain t-shirt with relaxed sleeves and a pair of skin-tight black shorts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1580667526580-5X2FPKKFVDM27UOW5WOV/IMG_2087.JPG upcycle - gentleman Materials | post-consumer wool Inspired by the worn but sturdy, beautifully textured fabric of an old pair of Brooks Brothers wool dress pants, I repurposed the pants into a pouch to showcase the fabric’s quality and durability. Although I will likely never discover the original owner of these pants, I imagine him to be a gentleman. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1584666877065-J1OPGDGGWRJGJ1883ZBO/IMG_3493.JPG upcycle - corona Materials | used Lysol wipes Pandemic, but make it fashion. White coat and face mask made from used Lysol wipes. This project was conceived and executed in March 2020, days after several counties in the San Francisco Bay Area announced “shelter in place” mandates amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Inspired by symbols of the pandemic and crafted using contemporarily relevant materials, this piece takes the form of a public serve announcement to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Notably, all photos were taken indoors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1586815889161-L4F6D3095GC7U5EG8WVH/image-asset.jpeg upcycle - adolesce Materials | t-shirts collected while growing up Although there are many unknowns in my life, one thing is for certain: there is no shortage of t-shirts. Over the years, some were acquired to demonstrate support for a high school club, others to commemorate completion of summer camp, and yet others were simply souvenirs from places I visited. This piece is a physical snapshot of my journey towards adulthood, created from t-shirts collected from 5th grade through college. The oversized sweater silhouette is reminiscent of a child wearing clothing several sizes too large. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1587062413325-TE8AJ2TUD05LMP6SSD2X/edited_3.jpg upcycle - iris Materials | CDs, plastic bags, paper Presented at the MIT Trashion Show, an annual fashion show that celebrates creative design and promotes waste reduction and sustainability, run by the MIT Undergraduate Association Committee on Sustainability. Iris (/ˈaɪrɪs/; Greek: Ἶρις) is the Greek goddess of the rainbow. This medieval armor-inspired design juxtaposes masculinity of the male physique with femininity represented by the iridescence of broken CDs. Modeled by Steven Speck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1592172759837-ROUBZ25FZD9MQIXL4WIH/6Metal+Ballerina.jpg upcycle - éditoriale Materials | Vogue magazine, paper bags Editorial look created from fashion editorials. This look is the synthesis of Cindy Chen’s avant garde makeup and bold aesthetic with my obsession with materials and upcycling. Outfit constructed from Vogue magazines. Makeup, modeled, headpiece, and retouch by influencer Cindy Chen. Photography by James Clark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1587061190248-8O21J9ZCYCMCDNBEIL21/IMG_2027.jpg upcycle - la paeony Material | vintage floral denim The paeony is a flowering plant with a rich history dating back to the Tang dynasty, when they were grown in Chinese imperial gardens. While helping my mother clean out her closet, I uncovered a pair of vintage floral pants from her youth. La paeony, a drawstring bag crafted from this fabric, gives new life to the intricate print. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1608449132875-94FG65DZ2W8RLY9PK47U/IMG_6047_edit.jpg upcycle - sunshine Materials | Upcycled cotton bedsheet, naturally dyed with onion skins This dress was created in the depths of 2020, a year that taught us the immense value of what had easily been taken for granted: health, community, the embrace of a loved one, and even clean air. Through it all, the sun — as an unwavering source of warmth and light — has served as a reminder that there is so much to be thankful for. “Sunshine” is an embodiment of positivity, inspired and modeled by Meia Alsup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1594594356615-5Y3D4253KZSASLOIZVQ3/IMG_3857_edit.jpg upcycle - au naturel Materials | wool, naturally dyed with black beans In a time where technology is evolving at a neck-breaking speed, it is even more precious than ever to take a moment to reconnect with the natural world. This piece serves as a reminder of the natural beauty that can be found in our everyday lives: from something as mundane as black beans, comes a gorgeous muted blue dye. Modeled by Emily Wang, who — in addition to being my sister, confidant, and graphic advisor — is usually the one on the other side of the camera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1585893372658-SEEB0QW96S9RL5DF1BVD/IMG_3627-edit.jpg upcycle - drapery Materials | curtains from childhood home In a recent clean-out, I came across the delicate lace curtains that had adorned the front-facing windows of the home in which I spent the first nine years of my life. Although these are as old as old as I am, their beauty is enduring. This outfit — draped in drapery — infuses nostalgia into a classic white t-shirt and shorts silhouette. Photos were captured while visiting my childhood home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1583044101402-JYD6ZQPI9O8T1X6FQILI/IMG_3254_edit.jpg upcycle - x Materials | thrifted evening gown Extravagant, expensive, extra. This outfit was inspired by summer days and all things extra, designed as one of my looks for Coachella 2020. Beautifully embroidered evening gown sourced from Destined for Grace thrift store in Santa Barbara. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1580076321255-P1P2UQQ9MEWBEL16JVUH/IMG_3077_edit.jpg upcycle - organic Materials | organic cotton, avocado pits Avocados have infiltrated every aspect of contemporary life — whether on toast, in popular culture, or as natural dye in this organic cotton tee. Fabric hand-dyed using avocado pits over the course of three days, giving new meaning to millennial pink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1578379551627-QVO1QN35Y44IZRU6PVH7/IMG_2417.jpg upcycle - luxus Materials | post-consumer silk, cashmere This miniature tote was made from my most prized fabric to date: a thrifted 85% silk and 15% cashmere sweater with timeless luxury — gently lustrous and irresistibly soft. Complete with an embroidered handle and tag handmade from recycled paper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1587007699344-TWWGU9N5Y4FTGC0QUPUG/IMG_2087.JPG upcycle - sweater chic Materials | post-consumer merino wool In December 2019, Carbon hosted its inaugural Ugly Sweater Contest. In sharp contrast with the wintery vibe of the event, I presented this outfit as a reminder that we were six whole months away from my favorite time of the year — summer. Loose fitting t-shirt constructed by tailoring and altering a vintage sweater, paired with socks made from the cut off sleeves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1642472288471-DFFICNEDGQXCDWJNHCKP/IMG_6537-2.jpg upcycle - thrift Materials | Locally thrifted outfits After finishing his sister’s wedding dress in June of 2021, David decided to take a well deserved break from sewing to focus on other joys in his life. During this time, David discovered a renewed passion for second-hand fashion, becoming a regular at many of his local thrift stores. His favorite stores include the Goodwill of SV and Wasteland in SF. This collection of outfits captures several of the pieces that he found in the second half of 2021. Outfit 1. Blazer (Goodwill of SV), shirt (Zara Man, secondhand), boots (Doc Marten, Goodwill of SV), jeans (Pacsun, Goodwill of SV), fanny pack (Goodwill of SV). https://www.davidiwang.com/materials daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1563942483781-CPUSEE5AG6V6G0WV7KJ8/IMG_7198.jpg materials - medallion casting Materials | metal oxides, sand, phosphoric acid Each year, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering gives its graduating students a bronze medallion of the MIT seal. These medallions are entirely prepared, cast, and finished by members of the department. For my senior capstone project, I designed an environmentally safe, effective, and easily processable metal-phosphate binder for sand casting applications. Collaboration with Rebecca Eisenach, Madelyn Payne, and Bret Stepanek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1563942318139-JJCNFWFINLAKYMF5U9ZL/IMG_4841.JPG materials - li-ion batteries Materials | lithium metal, electrolytes Developed high-performance lithium metal anode protected by artificial solid-electrolyte interface, in the lab of Professor Yet-Ming Chiang. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1563942184559-T5VLQ3VKYOO4IIFMJ6M9/KMnO4+Edited.jpg materials - garage chemistry Materials | various chemicals and equipment I attribute what I am today — a materials engineer — to my passion for chemistry, born in my high school classroom and grown in my garage. Using scavenged labware and chemicals, I discovered a propensity for hands-on learning and visual appreciation. Copper and manganese were two of my favorite elements because of their diverse colors. These photos capture some of my work, including the synthesis of tetraamminecopper(II) sulfate and a homemade distillation apparatus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1578781577706-Y7R9A4ZUZYOMPATNKR8R/Shoe-1.png materials - carbon Materials | various polymers Founded in 2013 and launched on the TED stage in 2015, Carbon combines innovations in software, hardware, and materials to deliver breakthrough products that improve human well-being, transform industries, and change the world. As a materials engineer, I bridge materials development and manufacturing to bring our products towards commercialization. The majority of my work is on adidas 4D shoes, a pair of which is pictured here. https://www.davidiwang.com/conceptual daily 0.75 2020-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1563822726840-L0IUVBRFXDQOX87MLDWF/IMG_1977.jpg conceptual - aurum Materials | glass, paper, spray paint, glitter Aurum, named after the Latin word for ‘gold’, is a conceptual piece inspired by celestial and angelic motifs. This creation explores a diversity of textures using readily accessible materials. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1563942231573-Q249C178JWB3LBVEULIL/IMG_8608.JPG conceptual - d.a.s. Materials | wood, guitar strings, glass Inspired by the 1977 Charles and Ray Eames’ film, Powers of Ten, the class Design Across Scales empowers students to work across scales, between disciplines, and beyond expectations. For an unconventional instrument project, I designed a minimalist string contraption; the pitch of each string can be modulated by bending or sliding along the fretless wooden body. Glass cups underneath produce resonance. https://www.davidiwang.com/wedding daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1623000219041-QUIBDIMVXT8RMN0MNORU/IMG_6281.JPG wedding - wedding On June 5, 2021, Emily and John Park were wed surrounded by friends and family in the Santa Cruz redwoods. Emily’s dress was designed and crafted by her brother David Wang, a project that was one and a half years in the making. Every detail—from the placement of each lace appliqué on the bodice to the silk tulle selected for the skirt—was carefully considered to create Emily’s dream wedding dress. Photography by Anya McInroy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1623000219041-QUIBDIMVXT8RMN0MNORU/IMG_6281.JPG wedding - wedding On June 5, 2021, Emily and John Park were wed surrounded by friends and family in the Santa Cruz redwoods. Emily’s dress was designed and crafted by her brother David Wang, a project that was one and a half years in the making. Every detail—from the placement of each lace appliqué on the bodice to the silk tulle selected for the skirt—was carefully considered to create Emily’s dream wedding dress. Photography by Anya McInroy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1623000220317-Y3SRJYITZOS2UFU2YA7T/IMG_6280.JPG wedding Out of the dozens of bridal lace samples, Emily and David fell in love with an elaborate floral lace that was corded and beaded with silver filigree thread around the edges (Victoria). Fabric was sourced from Bridal Fabrics, a family run business in Darwen, Lancashire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1623000237501-LLF8953FF5ZKRZ962TZ4/IMG_6379.jpg wedding The soft A line silhouette was constructed with a total of nine layers. In order from inside out, the layers were polyester liner for comfort (Kiss), nylon dress net for structure (Maestro), ivory polyester liner as the base visible layer (Kiss), organza made from recycled plastic bottles in Italy (Momentum), four layers of ivory nylon tulle (Carnival), and lastly 100% silk tulle for a soft and luxurious finish (Sensation). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1623000276829-M2YTC64VXMPPNGWX9O4H/ezgif.com-gif-maker.gif wedding https://www.davidiwang.com/landing-page daily 1.0 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1567407485775-9OTF6K4Q0EDCS0KKFAOZ/IMG_2152.JPG landing page https://www.davidiwang.com/about daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1567407249952-6GYGPOR88KPRSM75T4QM/IMG_1917-2+%283%29.jpg about https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1587156887085-DJEXG7NVV3HGTSI0NR79/IMG_1917_edit.jpg about https://www.davidiwang.com/collection-1 daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1597904821701-XP5XUZ58TENP1VSG4KWJ/Screen+Shot+2020-08-19+at+11.08.51+PM.png collection 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1597961196735-KI6RHBF5VFQ6GJK9K4N2/david_collection42.jpg collection 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d35f4d1a8242f0001012ce9/1597903936251-LGOG2VKMJ4JXE7EHAS4D/Screen+Shot+2020-08-19+at+11.10.41+PM.png collection 1