Lexi Chang was just a teenager when a sign emerged that she might have a future career as a fashion designer.
“I borrowed a sewing machine from school and locked myself in my bedroom for two weeks straight,” she says.
Today, the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) alum is creating designs that are getting noticed, having just shown her collection at Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) for Spring/Summer 2025.
Her fashion line, HAZI HAUS, has been featured in Richmond News and Olio By Marilyn.
Chang, who was born in Taiwan, grew up surrounded by fabrics and garments from her father’s work in the textile industry.
“I remember him coming home every night with rolls and rolls of fabrics, and I think that’s really where everything started.”
Encouraged to pursue her creative ambitions, Chang began painting at a young age. By the time she finished high school, her eye turned to fashion.
Fashion really spoke to me. It was a way for me to self-express and show how I want to be perceived in the world. It was a very liberating feeling — pure empowerment.
Shortly after, Chang’s mentor at an art academy drew her attention to the fashion program at the Wilson School of Design at KPU.
“It being one of the top fashion schools in Vancouver, I had to look into it. It felt like the right choice, then and now.”
As a student in the Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology program, Chang thrived in the hands-on application of fashion principles.
“The program is very technical, very practical. How does a product get developed? They really dive into the details, and that set me up for success. I can streamline and execute everything from the idea phase all the way to production.”
For Chang, part of the KPU program’s allure was the opportunity to study abroad. In 2020, she attended an exchange program at Leeds Art University in England. It turned out to be a transformative experience.
“My time with Leeds was my space to really explore and experience major directional change in my design practice. It was inspirational for me. Ultimately, it helped me find the sweet spot between being a daydreamer and being practical. Each designer needs to figure out that balance for themselves.”
As a student, Chang continued to seek mentorship. She found the right match in seasoned designer Alex S. Yu.
“Yu has really been there for me since I interned for him as a first-year student. I wanted to shadow a designer and see how they worked. I started helping out with Vancouver Fashion Week, photoshoots and attending trade shows.”
Chang’s journey with VFW has come full-circle. From being a backstage helper to showcasing her own original designs on the runway. Chang describes the experience as emotional.
I couldn’t believe it was happening. I was almost in denial, but also extremely proud of myself.
Lexi Chang
The image above shows some of Lexi’s looks from her previous season’s collection.
KPU instructor Heather Clark was there to celebrate Chang’s success.
“Lexi’s talents were clear,” she says. “Her work ethic, curiosity and creativity were exciting to see develop, and they only continued to grow upon graduation. I was delighted to cheer her on and admire all of the work, time and effort that had gone into producing that collection. I could not be more excited for Lexi and look forward to seeing where the future will take her.”
Chang launched her passion project, HAZI HAUS, in 2024, with the goal of evolving it into a fashion line.
The Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology at the Wilson School of Design is the longest-running four-year fashion degree program in Western Canada. It offers students an industry-focused curriculum that equips tomorrow’s fashion leaders with the design skills, business acumen and marketing savvy needed to compete in the global fashion marketplace.
