Beyase Warton, also known as Iwan Dtemu Wukkan—a name carried from her village in Nantou, Taiwan—is a third-culture individual whose upbringing has been shaped by a rich blend of cultural curiosity and global experience. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the fashion industry, Beyase was immersed in creative environments from an early age, which naturally guided her path into fashion design and fine arts.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at Kent State University’s School of Fashion, with a minor in Drawing through the College of the Arts. She is expected to graduate in May 2027. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to honoring and elevating Austronesian cultures through both fashion and art. She is passionate about bringing visibility to tribal communities and advocating for the preservation and celebration of their traditions, stories, and contributions, many of which are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Recognized by mentors and professors for her passion and determination, Beyase strives to create a meaningful impact through design and storytelling. Her mission is not only to bring pride to her tribe, Sideeq, but also to serve as a cultural ambassador for Indigenous communities worldwide, using fashion and art as powerful platforms to amplify their voices and safeguard their legacies.
To further her creative practice and deepen her engagement with material storytelling, Beyase plans to pursue an MFA with a concentration in Fiber and Textiles, focusing on hands-on studio work, traditional processes, and textile experimentation. As part of her research, she aims to develop and create fiber and various types of fabrics, merging Indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary material innovation. In the long term, she intends to earn a Ph.D. in Textiles at the Wilson College of Textiles, where she hopes to bridge academic research, sustainable fiber development, and cultural preservation.
