How did you become interested in fashion design?
When I was 5 or 6 years old, my mom worked in a fashion company, back then the fashion scene in China was very little, and as a young girl, I went to see a fashion show. I’ve been fascinated by fashion ever since. I spent hours making clothes for my dolls from curtains. I enjoy the creative process with design, and I also love the craft side of it.
What's your favorite thing about being a fashion designer?
I enjoy observing, feeling, and being inspired by little things in life and the people around me. And the creative process gives me endless possibilities which makes me feel empowered.
What's your design philosophy?
I prioritize a light-hearted and playful attitude to fashion while also emphasizing creativity and innovation. I like to combine retro elements with contemporary design. As for my textile design background, my designs are especially focused on fabrics. Custom design fabric and patterns define every collection of CHICTOPIA, giving the label an idiosyncratic look and character.
What's your process for designing a new collection?
The first step is finding a theme or an inspiration. I habitually gather interesting ideas from daily life and will pick the ones I’m most inspired to work on. I will then do sketches of the garments, and textile prints and sort out a color scheme. This leads to sorting out fabrics according to my design, (i.e. Do I want the garment to be more structural? Do I want to have more surface texture?) Lastly, I will pass my design sketches to the pattern maker to produce patterns, and the seamstress will make the samples.
How do you handle criticism of your designs?
I never look at criticism. I see my design as a medium to express my feelings and aesthetic, and it is very personal, I won’t let criticism affect me. However, I do value customer feedback, it helps me balance my design philosophy with market reception.
