We don't want to look like we spent time dressing up. What we call the effortless chic is actually very studied. We need less, and with the twist.

Belange Mutunda overcame language barriers to study fashion at DMACC. The Iowa State Ph.D. student already designs for Shein.

I was back in Paris a few weeks ago and—as always—had one eye firmly on local trends at all times. There were fashion items ...