What if a streetwear brand could become a gathering place for Asian communities in Los Angeles? PARALLEL is an ArtCenter student concept connecting clothing, cultural expression and a shared community space.

How can streetwear make cultural identity visible while creating opportunities for people to meet, collaborate and support one another?

02 — A Symbol of Mutual Respect

The identity combines the letters P and L with a fist-and-palm greeting, drawing on an East Asian gesture of respect. This connects the name to a human exchange: two people acknowledging one another.

03 — Culture as a Graphic System

Experiments at Archetype Press informed the patterns and printed graphics. Chinese characters relating to food, artists and clothing became starting points for a visual language. Multilingual typography, expressive marks and bright color create distinct voices within the same brand.

04 — From Posters to Wearable Expression

The graphics extend into posters and T-shirts, connecting food, art, fashion and entertainment. The applications below are concept mockups showing how the identity could enter everyday life and the public space.

05 — Imagining a Community Space

The proposal expands the brand into a place with five connected uses: a retail store featuring Asian culture and fashion; a collaboration studio; an exhibition space supporting artists; a room for music, talks and community events; and a take-out street-food area. The 3D studies explore how these activities could coexist in one setting.