Samantha Tsui
Samantha Tsui is a fashion designer based in New York, known for her unique fusion of traditional artistry and contemporary luxury in both couture and ready-to-wear. Originally from Hong Kong and a graduate of Parsons School of Design, she brings a global perspective to her work, blending cultural heritage with forward-thinking design. Her creations range from dramatic statement pieces to elevated everyday looks, all grounded in narrative, craftsmanship, and reverence for age-old techniques. With experience in apparel, footwear, millinery, and accessories, Samantha’s work expresses a clear vision: to reimagine couture through the lens of cultural storytelling and modern innovation.
The Cold Magazine (CM): Where do you draw inspiration for your collections?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my everyday surroundings whether that’s my cultural heritage, people I see on the street, or unexpected details I encounter daily. One experience that shaped my perspective was interning with the Tory Burch RTW Footwear team while studying at Parsons. I had limited footwear experience then, but I became fascinated with the technical side of shoe construction. That curiosity inspired me to experiment with applying traditional footwear construction techniques to garments, which pushed me to reimagine silhouettes and explore more architectural approaches to design.
CM: What’s your approach to design? Do you start from an image, a fabric, a feeling…?
My process usually begins with visual research—collecting imagery from books to establish the mood and emotional tone of the collection. I also source vintage garments and accessories to study their construction, craftsmanship, and detailing. From there, I create abstract collages using the gathered imagery to explore unexpected silhouettes and play with proportion. Fabric selection comes at the very end, and it’s often the most challenging part. The materials chosen need to enhance the design both aesthetically and structurally whether it’s the right weight, texture, stretch, or drape. It’s a puzzle that brings the entire vision together.
CM: How do you relate to the idea of ethical or sustainable fashion?
Craftsmanship is a core value of my brand, and sustainability has become increasingly important to me. The fashion industry can be incredibly wasteful, and after seeing firsthand the fabric waste that accumulates during the design process, I felt a responsibility to take action. I try to reuse materials wherever I can—repurposing fabric from old projects for mock-ups, patchworking scraps together, or using leftover pieces for binding. I also work with deadstock materials and natural fibers like linen and organic cotton, and I experiment with natural dyes to avoid harsh chemicals. Sustainability is a complex topic, but my goal is to keep improving and finding innovative ways to reduce waste while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship.
CM: Who do you imagine wearing your pieces? Who is your ideal community?
I’d love to see artists and icons like Zendaya, Bella Hadid, Rihanna, Mikey Madison, Lady Gaga, or Chloë Sevigny in my pieces but honestly, my ideal community is open and ever-evolving. I don’t believe in designing for one specific type of person. I find it exciting to see how individuals interpret and personalize my designs. Fashion should be collaborative it becomes something new when it’s worn.
CM: Any upcoming projects or collaborations in the works?
I’m working on a new RTW collection that leans towards comfort and practicality while maintaining a sculptural edge. It’s a shift from my more avant-garde pieces—I want to bridge the gap between couture and everyday wear to cater to different types of people. I’m also expanding my footwear line, continuing to explore unconventional constructions. On the custom side, I’m excited to take on more one-of-a-kind eveningwear and wedding dresses, tailored specifically to each client’s vision.
