Key Facts
Career & Education
About
Dao-Yi Chow is a Taiwanese-American fashion designer best known as the co-founder of the menswear label Public School New York, which he established in 2008 with longtime collaborator Maxwell Osborne. The brand gained rapid prominence for its streetwear-infused designs that blend urban culture with high fashion, earning accolades such as the 2010 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award and the 2013 CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear. Chow's aesthetic often incorporates cultural commentary, reflecting his immigrant background and experiences in New York's diverse fashion scene. In addition to Public School, he served as Artistic Director at The Donna Karan Company, where he focused on revitalizing the brand's image and product lines to maintain relevance in a dynamic market. Before launching his own label, Chow built a career in fashion marketing and design. He graduated from New York University in 1992 with a B.A. in communications and began working in marketing for urban apparel brands like Ecko and Mecca. In 2001, while employed at Sean John, he met Osborne, and the two later joined forces to create Public School. Chow also attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, further honing his skills in the industry. His professional journey has positioned him as a key figure in American menswear, with ongoing involvement in organizations like the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Chow's influence extends beyond design, as he advocates for diversity and innovation in fashion. As a Taiwanese-American raised in the U.S., his work often draws from multicultural influences, contributing to broader conversations about representation in the industry.