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Runtan Du: Weaving mythical narratives through his independent brand

New York-based designer Runtan "Desmond" Du, armed with an MFA from FIT and BFA from Parsons, helms his thriving independent brand Run Tan Du—a dynamic creative enterprise firmly rooted in the US since its bold extensions to NYFW. Debuting with Atelier Collection 1 in 2020, the label has garnered acclaim in top tier fashion publications such as Fashionista, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Resident, Design Scene, Fashion Week Online, and Elle. It masterfully fuses ancient mythologies from Greek, Hindu, Egyptian, Chinese, and Norse traditions, crafting garments that evoke universal themes of creation, transformation, and duality.

Runtan Du: Weaving mythical narratives through his independent brand
marie-claire
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In intimate collaboration with designer-stylist Dian Jin, Du's core creative duo builds immersive worlds, respectfully reinterpreting cultural symbols through natural fibers, symbolic horn buttons resembling constellations, and layered silhouettes that mirror evolving human stories. "Mythology reflects our shared need to understand life's mysteries," Du reflects, prioritizing profound narrative over superficial fusion—advocating anti-hate and world peace via fashion's storytelling power.

Intersection of fashion, art, and society

As co-founder and Senior Advisor to Dialective, the influential NYC nonprofit championing emerging talents, Du has also shaped landmark initiatives: mentoring runway productions, curating NYFW pop-ups, and launching shared studios to nurture bold new voices at the intersection of fashion, art, and society.

To get to know of Runtan's work, visit: https://www.runtandu.com/.

Building upon his extensive experience at Children's Apparel Network—where he navigated large-scale design for united states' major retail giants — Du has reached a new professional milestone by leading the design at prestigious New York based studio Lady & Butler. In a Technical Design and Fashion Production leadership role, Du is mastering complex constructions with artisanal precision, Du has evolved into a powerhouse of specialized garment engineering within the contemporary fashion landscape.