A while back, I had the great pleasure of interviewing, designer extraordinaire Vivian Chan. Her warmth, sincerity and love for clothing made our encounter an absolute delight. Our interview took place in her lovely studio in Alhambra, CA.
Vivian is a self-declared shopaholic, who at a young age was fortunate enough to work with top designers in Paris, London and New York. She is addicted to macaroons, Gossip Girl and will be the first one to tell you, how incredibly blessed her life has been.
Society Style Page (SSP): When did your love affair with clothes begin?
Vivian Chan (VC): For as long as I can remember. My family owned a clothing store in Taiwan; so clothes have always been a part of my life. I was 6 years old when we came to the States. I always knew I wanted to be a designer, and my mother loves to recount the many hours I would spend putting outfits together. You can safely say that I have always had a weakness for beautiful things.
SSP: Describe the moment you knew you wanted to be a designer?
VC: During my sophomore year of college. I took a sewing class and the rest was history. Once I learned to sew, I was able to see clothes in a different way. Sewing really unlocked my creativity as a designer.
SSP: Any advice for aspiring designers?
VC: My number one piece of advice is that "No dream is too big." As my dad would say: one should never turn away from the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Whether you fail or succeed, you have nothing to lose.
"Do what you love and love what you do..."
SSP: What are your top 3 style rules?
VC:
1. Wear whatever makes you feel beautiful.
2. Less is always more!
3. When in doubt, wear black.
SSP: Favorite Cities?
VC: I am biased towards London and Paris. I really credit my aesthetic design to these two cities. During my time in London and Paris I really felt like I was forced to expand as a designer. Though, I would have to add New York to the list. New York is by far the craziest city I have ever lived in. I loved every minute of it.
VC: God and my wonderful family are by far my biggest inspiration. I also have a heart for women. I want women to feel great in their own skin. Clothes play a huge part in self-esteem and how we see ourselves. For me, every collection that I put out into the universe is a prayer for women to feel encouraged and confident.
SSP: What would you like people to take away from your designs?
VC: Ultimately I hope that my designs make people feel as beautiful as they are in God's eyes.
SSP: Who is your style icon?
VC: I can never really answer this question. For me anyone has the ability to be a style icon. It's something that comes from within. It has nothing to do with trends but rather passion. If you have love and passion then in my eyes you have the making of a style icon.
Connect with Vivian Chan:
.JPG)
See more of Vivian's designs by heading over to:
LOVE LOVE LOVE
ReplyDeletethanks so much griselle! xo
ReplyDelete