Talking to: Louis Cheron, 16 year old fashion designer

Everyone I would like you to meet Louis Cheron who has the mother tongue of the French language.

Louis Cheron, self portrait

I staggered across Louis on one of the top used social networking sites, Facebook. I must admit the "young fashion designer" titled against his name is what had caught my attention to speculate the page. I was bewildered when I had seen the visions, artistic and creative magic that this adolescent had. At the age of 16 his designs are beyond words, keeping them black and white so the imagination can run yonder. His composition are those that I could see parading the cat walks for the likes of Alexander McQueen, with people like myself only wishing that they had the chance to touch the magnificent art work, only pennies in the pocket and can only dream of purchasing the luxury.

Black Jesus Collection

Black Jesus Collection

We got into contact and my curiosity was running wild, I couldn't help but ask the "what inspires you most?" question. He explained that he had inspiration from many of designers such as Gareth Pugh, Vivienne Westwood and Martin Margiela. "My inspirations are mainly based on the career of Alexander McQueen. From my point of view, he is the designer who had the world's richest and brilliance there has ever been. Each of its collections is a infinitive magic, from "It's a jungle out there" to "The horn of plenty" through
 "Voss" each as dazzling in terms of innovations, in terms of direction and meaning"  I felt the left side of my lips go up, transforming into a cornered smile. I knew I could see his works being produced for Alexander McQueen and Louis's Amazing insight and fondness of McQueen proved that to me. He interpreted that it is not only fashion that arouses his mind of creativity, but also in the art as a rule, from painting, sculpture and literature to cinema, music and everything else. He commented with a quote that I will always remember "Assuming a creative spirit you must be curious about everything that surrounds you." I couldn't relate to this more. Some of the most best works out there,have been the ones that have been inspired by the most unusual substances.

Cut the world Collection 

Here is where I envy Louis, he admits that he has an advantage living in one of the four Fashion capitals, Paris. He explains that being a school boy, fashion culture is extremely accessible and materializes easily. Living in Paris and having fashion appear on his door step I had asked if there had been any objections towards him, "As I am a high school student, I do not really sew and my experience with fabrics and materials or using a sewing machine is rare. For example, I would help a friend make a shirt or embroider a flower dress. Drawing and designing is the only way for me to realize my imagination, in default of being able to sew." Being that age in school, you are focused on your exams and are very limited on what you can work on or with. When I was 16 I had never sewn or touched the likes of a sewing machine, so I can imagine it being burdensome.

God Save the Queen Collection

He had already achieved a goal to a certain amount when  I had came along. " I created my facebook page in order for me to be noticed as a designer by other designers, who hopefully would share their experiences or my own. Finding other fashion lovers like yourself whom I could get in touch with and exchange about common passions." Not long after, Louis came out with something that knocked my mentality about for a few seconds, "My biggest dream is to become a stylist." After all this time of us exchanging conversations, I thoroughly believed that Louis wanted to become a Fashion  Designer. Seeing his designs I would ADORE for him to become a designer. There are so many garments in his collections that I actually crave for. However, I can not force him to become one, styling is what he wants to do. I see though how designing can help those that want to be a stylist as once again it is the vision of ones mind that creates the outfit.

I shall keep in touch with Louis as I am looking forward to seeing how he achieves in his future and of course because I am a fan.

Dancing in the Dark collection

Terrible Angels collection. 

Tribal collection. 

Cut the world collection, sketchbook. 

 If you want to see more of Louis Cheron, design work go to this address ( I urge you to go, you will be missing such an artist!) : Louis Cheron- Young fashion designer.

All work, drawings and images were from Louis Cheron's collections and Facebook page: Louis Cheron-Young fashion designer.

Interview with: Julia Chew - Xiaolin

Being a designer myself, but never really going any farther then putting pen to paper, and letting my imagination go wild but only ever in 2D. I have this love and strong appeal for others who are young designers and compose their designs. It is admirable to see them also trying, or succeeding their objectives. It gives me a sense that as long as you try, you can achieve.

Doing what I do, researching couture or "one-of" designs. I came across this Luxurious feather dress. I adore how it captures the shape of the woman and being indulged by natural and natures form. The shades perceived as black but once light has been captured other colours present themselves. I needed to know the designer. This is how I came across young, 18 year old woman named Julia Chew. She had explored and created a whole catalog for her Fall/Winter 2013 collection. Her work had already been showcased on catwalks, had been published twice for both her fashion and photography work. She was born in Nanning, China but currently is residing in Tampa, Florida.

Xiaolin Fall/Winter 2013

I have managed to interview the kind and inspiring Julia Chew.

AJ: Hello Julia Chew, You design and create fashion garments, you now are the owner and the creative Director of Xiaolin -fashion designer AND Xiaolin photography. When did this all start for you? What made you realize you wanted to have a career in the industry of fashion? 

JC: Yes, I own Xiaolin, the clothing line as well as Xiaolin photography. Fashion design is my main focus and I learn photography to cut down on costs. (I photographed my catalog, etc.)

When did this all start for you?
I had always wanted to be a fashion designer, but nobody in my family is in the industry or has an interest in fashion. However when I was very young I naturally started learning the necessary skills to become a fashion designer. When I was about 2 years old my artistic side began to show. I would enjoy cutting paper with scissors and doing crafts. At age 3 I began to teach myself how to draw and paint. Before first grade I began to sew by hand. I was taught how to quilt by a lady down the street from me and learned most of the basics from her. My maternal grandmother lives in Wisconsin and when I would visit her for the summer she taught me how to use a sewing machine and would help me sew myself dresses.

What made you realize you wanted to have a career in the industry of fashion?
It is rare that I find clothing at the mall that I would want to wear or that would even fit me. The styles I often see are too provocative for my taste as I prefer to wear clothing that is airy and feminine. I want to design clothing for the woman that wants to stand out from the crowd. She will stand out for being unique and beautiful, not dressing for shock value, but because she is confident wearing an outfit nobody else has.

Xiaolin- Fall/Winter 2013

AJ: So the creativity and love for fashion has always been there for you. What has been the biggest challenge you have had to face so far?

JC: So far the biggest challenge for me is the business element. I took a class to help me start my fashion business, but I will need time to develop skills and experience as a business owner. I love to design and create, but without the proper knowledge in marketing and other areas, I will not be able to run a successful business and sell my clothing. 

AJ: I think that is responsible. A lot of people have an idea and just go with it, and that isn't anything bad, but I agree you need to have knowledge in the business if you really want to succeed.

Your work has been published in magazines and online that is such an achievement. What did you do to make that happen? How did you feel when you were first published?

JC: I recently did an interview with the Associated Press as I was the youngest designer for CFW. My couture feather dress received worldwide press after the AP released an image of my dress alongside the article. The first Magazine I was published in was Lost Freedom, Jan. 2013. I was ecstatic, and this week, my older sister surprised me by sending me a glossy print version of the magazine in the mail as a gift. My sister lives in Korea so it was quite unexpected.

Xiaolin- Fall/Winter 2013

AJ: That is really lovely. I bet it is nice and exciting to be getting your work noticed. A lot of designers have favourite styles and materials they like to work with what would you say are your favourites? And what couldn't you live without? 

Xiaolin- Fall/Winter 2013

JC: favorite fabric: I have this love/hate relationship with chiffon. Chiffon flows beautifully down the runway, creates movement, and has such a light airy feel. However, I hate sewing chiffon. It always shreds under my machine and causes me so much frustration. Actually just last night I stayed up past 3 am sewing myself a little chiffon dress and it was terrible. Can't live without it, but it certainly drives me crazy.

favorite material: Regardless of the type of fabric, I insist silk is always the best. I like to use natural materials instead of synthetic. Natural fabrics are gentler on the skin and are often easier to work with.

unusual materials: I'm rather notorious for using unusual materials in my designs. Especially feathers. My family spends quite a lot of time camping and outdoors. When my Dad would go on a hike without me he would bring me back something special such as a pretty seashell or a feather. I started collecting these feathers and I am quite fond of them. Currently I order feathers in bulk to use in my garments that have been sanitized and dyed. 

AJ: I actually adore chiffon dresses! Its exactly what you said elegant. I'm going to ask the last few questions now as we are nearing the end. What or who inspires your work? What do you think is the best advice you could give to fellow aspiring fashion designers? 

JC: My work is inspired by the diversity and natural beauty of nature. I liken chiffon to delicate butterfly wings, and you'll notice petal like detailing in many of my dresses. Dissecting plants and flowers I've gathered has taught me much about structure and design.

My advise to aspiring fashion designers would be: Do not let others define you. Never limit yourself by what other people say and do. Also, nobody got anywhere in this industry without huge amounts of dedicated work. Always give your best regardless of how menial the current task may seem. I believe this is truly the key to success in any field.

Xiaolin- Fall/Winter 2013

AJ: Well they do say you learn more doing first hand research. I think dissecting flowers and plants have definitely has helped you and looking at your pieces I can see the delicate petal details.

Thank you very much for taking the time out to have a talk with me. You have beautiful work and I will be supporting you. I hope you achieve all that you want, both you and your work deserve it.

JC: Thanks AJ!

If you would like to purchase or see more of Julia Chews work go to these sites:
Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/xiaolindesign?ref=pr_shop_more
Xiaolin fashion designer, facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/xiaolindesign?fref=ts
Xiaolin photography facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/xiaolinphotography

Credits to all photos included in this post:

Xiaolin Fall/Winter 2013

www.etsy.com/shop/xiaolindesign

Fashion Designer/Photographer/Hair & Makeup Artist: Julia Chew 

Model: Brooke Huseby 

Lighting/Set up: Michael McCoy

Wardrobe Assistant: Cheryl M Chew 

Studio: MP Studios Tampa

Where are those Fashionistas at?

I started my personal blog about going through the travels on becoming something that you want to be and it inspired me to write another blog.

I thought to myself on how many bloggers there are that have beautiful, tasteful writing making us more fascinated by a designer then we already were, making us really explore those pair of killer heels that Alexander McQueen has produced for that runway, detailed and desirable, or that new collection from Givenchy. How about that amazing new dress from River Island, that really fits the curves of a woman, complimenting every part? All this is great news, especially for those that yearn fashion like I do, but what about those that are trying to break the industry? The Unknown "fashionistas" that maybe designing and making their own garments and clothing? What about those that design their own jewellery and accessories? Those that are trying to get themselves noticed in this crazy fashion world?

It is hard to be noticed when there are numerous of already-made-it fashion houses that are capturing our attentions, that sometimes it feels like it can be near to impossible to be noticed for the pure, bewildering talent and passion that one may have. The stress that it can cause, feeling those times of throwing in the towel  because you are working hard and not becoming detected. I know, I get that myself. 

And this is how I got to this blog. This blog is going to be dedicated to those that are under the radar, the ones that are not quite there and even the ones that aren't even near there at all! This is going to be for you. It may be small, it may not get you to a place where you want to be, but this here will show that someone HAS found you, has noticed you and should hopefully make you realize that someone out there wants to show off your talent to the rest of the world, that they want to help you. 

So get ready people to explore a new fashion world, the ones that are undiscovered, the ones that are completely new, the ones that have achieved certain or major goals, the ones that are under the radar, the writers, the designers, the stylists and the artists but they all have that same passion for fashion. Get ready to learn something new. If you are also one of those people trying to be recognized you may pick up a few pointers? Who knows?  Welcome to AJs Unknown Fashion.