Wayne Hwang: Crafting Culture Through Fashion
Meet Wayne Hwang, a creative force balancing life as a dad of two, a tech professional in the Bay Area, and an extraordinary designer with a passion for crafting. From sewing to baking to hair-styling, Wayne's talents span a variety of artistic mediums. Through his vibrant Instagram and Tiktok presence, Wayne shares his family’s unique storytelling journey, which has captivated over 400,000 followers. But beyond the numbers, Wayne's work is deeply rooted in his Taiwanese heritage, a connection that continues to inspire and shape his creative projects.
When asked about the inspiration behind his family-oriented designs, Wayne shared how creativity is a cornerstone of his household. "My wife and I are both creative professionals, and we wanted to raise our children in a joyful artistic household," he explains. For Wayne, the process of making costumes is not just about the end product but about capturing the memories of his children growing up while involving the entire family in the creative process. "It’s fun being inspired by different series or characters and reinterpreting them through our family," he adds, highlighting the storytelling aspect that makes their creations so unique.
Wayne’s designs are heavily influenced by his Taiwanese roots, a connection that runs deep in his family history. "My parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan in the 1980s, are both designers," Wayne shares. His father, an industrial designer, and his mother, a trained fashion designer, played pivotal roles in shaping his creative talents. But it was his summers in Taiwan that truly ignited his passion for crafting. "Through my cousins in Jhongli (Zhongli), I learned how to fold origami, create silk flowers, build 3-D miniatures, and weave beaded jewelry," he recalls. These experiences not only nurtured his skills but also ingrained a deep appreciation for Taiwan's rich crafting culture.
For Wayne, staying connected to his Taiwanese heritage is an integral part of his family's everyday life. "We’re so fortunate that our kids get to grow up in the Bay Area with all four grandparents nearby," he says. The close-knit bond across three generations allows Wayne to naturally incorporate his cultural heritage into their daily lives. "For me, ‘heritage’ is just something that we are," he reflects, emphasizing how his background seamlessly blends into his family's identity.
Wayne’s Instagram journey is a testament to the power of storytelling. "Sewing can be a solitary hobby, so I appreciate the opportunity to explain the meaning and process of my creative projects to a wider audience," he notes. His narrative approach to sharing his work has resonated with a broad audience, leading to a thriving online community. "I’m humbled by how positive my online community has been; they’re so supportive of everything I try," Wayne shares, highlighting how this connection has further fueled his creativity.
When it comes to Taiwanese cuisine, Wayne has no shortage of favorites. "Too many Taiwanese foods to count: anything with red bean, silky-sweet doujiang with crunchy youtiao, sumptuous oyster vermicelli, and of course, boba tea," he lists with enthusiasm. These foods do more than satisfy cravings—they serve as a comforting connection to his heritage. "My creative work draws from the same energy as Taiwanese night market culture—vibrant bite-sized treats meant for sharing," Wayne explains, drawing a parallel between his culinary and creative passions.
Wayne is thrilled by the global embrace of Taiwanese culture, especially the popularization of boba tea. "I love that more people are finding the joy of boba and other beloved Taiwanese snacks," he says. Wayne sees a parallel between his design process and the way traditional Taiwanese elements are being adapted for broader audiences. "When I’m designing costumes, I’m taking original creations or concepts and adapting them for my own family, through my own perspective," he adds, underscoring the importance of personal interpretation in both food and fashion.
Wayne Hwang and his family recently discovered Twrl Milk Tea in a delightful way. "My wife was teaching our 4-year-old daughter how to pick juicy mangos at our local Whole Foods when they spotted Twrl’s bright, fun packaging. The feel-good ingredients and compelling mission instantly caught our eye. As Taiwanese Americans, we knew we had to try them!"
For Wayne and his family, Ube Milk Tea is a standout favorite. "We love the delightful shade of purple, and since it’s caffeine-free, it’s perfect for sharing with the kids," he says. As for his personal favorite? "I’m a fan of the original Black Milk Tea Latte with the super-cute Taiwanese black bear on the can," Wayne shares. He adds a charming personal note: "Fun fact: our son’s nickname is ‘Moon Bear.’"
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