Clay Dye is a 17-year-old fashion designer born and raised in San Francisco and a senior at Stuart Hall high school. On October 17, he debuted his first collection, The Family, at the Gateway Pavilion in Fort Mason. This presentation was the culmination of years spent learning to pattern, cut, and sew. He showcased 17 head-to-toe looks, designed and constructed by Clay himself.

Clay's work is shaped by the contradictions of his generation. Drugs, violence, and constant uncertainty are ugly realities that exist in his world alongside creativity, self-expression, and connection. He embraces bold colors, exaggerated silhouettes, and avant-garde techniques to make clothes that feel exciting, expressive, and alive — a rejection of the monotony of conventional clothing.

He was first taught to sew at Ciclo Lab in San Francisco by his mentor, Ms. K., who saw a spark in him and encouraged it, helping him understand how much he had to contribute. He went on to intern with the progressive performance collective House of Perception throughout 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, and completed pre-college fashion design programs at Parsons School of Design in Paris (summer 2025) and Parsons School of Design in New York (summer 2026). He earned A's in each program and designed a five-piece mini collection at both. At Stuart Hall, he won the junior-year art award for his creativity and passion and serves as an admissions ambassador for art.

Beyond design, Clay volunteered at Glide during all four years of high school, serving food and bussing tables at the non-profit's soup kitchen. He was also an assistant teacher at the San Francisco Friends School Horizons summer program and a counselor-in-training at Mountain Camp, a summer sleepaway program in Lake Tahoe.

Clay is applying to fashion design programs. This debut collection is an exciting start to his creative journey.

Follow his work at @claydyefashion.