Keeping up with Sunny Gu, fashion illustrator.

Runway fashion illustration-Alexander McQueen by Sunny Gu

Bright and colourful, precisely placed in perfect lines, each line creating an effect, all important and complimenting the other to create an overwhelming master piece.In each specimen of work, the image is not just a regular drawing from an artist, Sunny Gu really instructs movement from the garments that I have the

Watercolour fashion illustration- Jason Wu girl by Sunny Gu

impression that I am watching an animation of a fashion runway rather than exploring a still picture.

Sunny Gu was born and raised in China but later relocated to the United States when she was 13. Painting and drawing had claimed part of her life from a young age starting as a hobby. As she grew she encountered people from various of backgrounds, this triggered her curiosity for other cultures. Sunny explained "I learned to observe and discover beauties in everything around me. I wanted to find a way to capture and preserve the beauty that I see, the kindness that I feel and recreate them in some way" Living in the United States in Alhambra, which is positioned near Los Angeles or the pacific coast she always has an insight of fashionistas and their good sense of style. "It is always very sunny and warm in California, it is like Spring/ Summer all season! Yes I have definitely gained fashion influence here, and I tend to illustrate people wearing sunglasses and bright/tropical themed outfits."

Watercolour fashion illustration- Miss Moschino by Sunny Gu

"I have always been intrigued by bright colours, beautiful things and intricate details" This led her old hobby, into a new job, becoming an illustrator and an artist. However, these compositions did not happen straight away, she had to grow into it and for a long time. " I have drawn for as long as I can remember. Drawing and painting have always been my favourite things to do. Even though I may be drawing stick figures and crayon doodles when I was little, every practice has contributed and has paved away to my artistic growth" She later mentions that she is also her greatest Critic, I look at her work and I see perfection, beauty and amazing works. In her mind it is completely opposite, she will detach herself from the work, sit, stare and evaluate, pointing out things that she could improve on. For her she needs to see both the flaws and the perfections out of her pieces so that she can learn from it, and carry it on for her next piece so that she can advance her skills and knowledge to advance into a better illustrator. She announces that she does this with every piece and yet I still am sat here, trying to find faults or things that

Watercolour fashion illustration- Jason Wu girl by Sunny Gu

I would change, and I just can't. She isn't always criticising herself as she does feel proud when she watches her pieces become bigger than itself.

One of my favourite pieces is the Illustration from one of Alexander McQueens Spring/summer 2012 collection. It would look amazing in a magazine representing McQueen, you do not always need photographs to view the master piece of a constructed art work, when you can portray it in such an elegant, intricate detail, apprehending every part, you can see exactly what it will or does look like. Not only can you see it but I am able to feel it too, with all the careful strokes I can sense the materials texture tingling on my fingertips. "What mediums do you use to accomplish this?"
" I paint them in watercolour, I love the vibrancy and the unpredictable nature of watercolour. Occasionally I use graphite or acrylic paint to render some of the special textures" Special it really truly is.

Watercolour fashion illustration-Alexander McQueen by Sunny Gu

Becoming a Fashion illustrator is her dream career as not only do you design but it can become a part of things in so many different ways from editorial, printed garments, decorations, packaging design or serves a product campaign. A fashion Illustrator is definitely not limited and the great thing about it is, there is so many different personal styles and preferences there can not be a right or a wrong to a fashion illustration. As we are ending our interview she says to me that she wants to keep growing to become a better illustrator, conceptually and technically. I ask for advice just before the end. " Keep chasing your dreams and create your own
opportunities."

If you would like to be updated more about Sunny Gu, view more or even purchase her work then these are the websites you need to check out!

Sunny Gu's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sunnysgy?fref=ts
Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/sunnygu?ref=l2-shop-info-name
Online portfolio: http://sunnygu.com/

watercolour fashion illustration- Chloe by Sunny Gu

All photos that you see on this blog post are Sunny Gu's work and are all copyrighted to Sunny Gu. 

Interview with: Jessica Rowell from J-Chan's designs

Model: Erin Khasala
Makeup and Hair: Tanya J. Hair & Make-up
Neckpiece: Mia Von Mink
Headpiece: J-Chan's Designs
Photography: Jiamin Zhu-www.jajasgarden.com

"Wow" Is what I uttered aloud as soon as my eyes laid upon the most ravishing headdresses that I had ever seen. Art work that I can dream being in fantasy films, exploding in elements and enchantment. Filled with beauty and every item delicately placed to make perfection. It is pieces like this that I can see the likes of Helena Bonham Carter wearing in Tim Burton's surreal worlds of visionaries. I delved further into this enchanted mind, excited and curious with what else I may find. I came across more work, these miraculous hands did not just create headdresses, but also glorious clothing that makes me want to wear these garments and feel rich, extravagant, important and from another universe. Fascinating costumes, it makes me feel the urge to become an actress or model so that I could parade in a wonderful planet, living on an Earth that would take me away from reality for a while and into a curiousness paradise.  

Photographer: Kencredible: Photography by Ken Penn
Model: Valeri Kimbro
Wardrobe/Styling: J-Chan's Designs

I can honestly say, I have no regrets with investigating. The research that  I had found has been a truly magnificent experience. Jessica Rowell the woman behind all this magic, has this inquisitive mind of the world that we reside in. She doesn't only see but she feels too, she can feel the world emotionally and expresses this. Capturing things that others may not notice. I have this passion of wanting to be in Jessica's wonderland for five minutes and indulge in how she sees this life and I am so glad to have managed to explore this in some form. 

AJ: Your creations are absolutely track stopping; I cannot stop looking at them! How do you manage to come up with these artistic pieces, where do the ideas appear from?

JR: A close friend of mine once described me as “someone that is very much on the outside just looking in” and I think that my art is an exact reflection of this statement. I've always been quiet and reserved but with an analytical and curious eye, I tend to absorb a lot from my surroundings both emotionally and visually. For me, my art is a voice rather than an idea. It’s quite personal and often compulsive. People express themselves differently; I’ve always chosen art and visuals over words. 

AJ: I noticed when reading about you on your website, that you have a keen interest in the

New York, Paris, London Milan
Photography by: Jiamin Zhu- www.jajasgarden.com
Wardrobe/Styling by: J-Chan's Designs
Purchase: http://www.etsy.com/listing/107715326/construction-zone
Model: Elizabeth — at Seattle, WA.

Japanese language and Cosplay. Studying the tongue of Japan is what made you realize a calling and talent that you had for costume design. But what made you want to study Japanese in the first place and why costume? 

JR: When I was in the process of graduating middle school it was required to select a second language as an upcoming freshman about to begin their high school education. At the time our options were limited, and among the few choices I innately selected Japanese. I was extremely fortunate that my sensei was mature and a native of Japan, she provided her students with a diverse perspective and insight into the culture that other students presently might not have the chance to experience as I did. She really opened up my eyes, and I became incredibly immersed and inspired by the Japanese culture. Having the opportunity to travel to Japan as a teenager was a true gift. Although it put me at odds with my generation in terms of outlook, it benefited me in more ways than I realized at the time and it’s possibly the very reason why I’m a designer today.

AJ: You have been published numerous of times, with your work covering the Urban Mainstream magazine cover and inside, Dark Beauty magazine, DeVelo Magazine, UK's Bizarre magazine, that I and my friends have bought and are a fan of, and so many more. These must be amazing for you to be getting recognition for your multi talents and being rather successful. Has there been a time when things were really difficult for you? and did you ever get to a point where you thought to yourself "I am getting nowhere"? 

JR: I remember the first time I was published, I was just 17 years old and I was recognized as a young female entrepreneur in a local business women’s magazine called Divapreneurs. Shortly after, I turned 18 and subsequently landed a feature in Gothic Beauty Magazine, it was a very exciting process for me at the time. To be recognized locally and then in a matter of a mere months to be published nationally on newsstands was surprising to say the least. It was surreal purchasing Gothic Beauty Magazine at the bookstore. Today, having been published so many times it’s more of a process for me. I really do enjoy interviews and there are particular features that are still really exciting for me. Unfortunately I think I’m always in an “I am getting nowhere” phase! As an artist, it’s difficult to not feel that way all the time. I have high expectations for myself and I’m consistently striving to expand my brand and involve myself in as many artistic endeavors as possible. I love working on my craft, and part of the feeling that tells me I’m not doing enough is what helps motivate my success and has allowed me to achieve what I have in such a short span of time.

AJ: What do you enjoy the most out of designing your pieces? 

"The Secret" As seen in Vigore Magazine
Photography by: Nina Pak Art
Wardrobe/Styling by: J-Chan's Designs
Model: Sarah Scoular
Purchase: http://www.etsy.com/listing/105610689/victorian-palazzo

JR: The best part of my design process is releasing the vision from my mind onto the dress form. I never sketch, so my work is quite raw in the sense that everything I want to express is created directly onto the form just as a painter would with a canvas.

AJ: I think the first time you do something it is rather important and an impressionable memory as it sets the path of new discoveries, ideas and even at times opens up the career that you were born to do. Do you remember the first time you had made something relating to what you are doing now and what you have done? If you do are you able to talk about it and did it turn out how you planned?

JR: I was always an artist. When I was a child I think my imagination was too much for me to handle, but as soon as I figured out how to express myself, I was creating. I started receiving honors as a child first for my drawing and painting skills, and then I was often placed in art courses above my class. It wasn't until I reached Elementary school that I participated in sewing club as an extracurricular activity. I was one of a few students that struck an interest in this activity. My first creation was during this course, and it was an apple shaped pillow that I machine sewed. I stuffed it with batting and used a variety of the hand-stitches I had learned to add a worm onto it. Technically speaking, this was the first item I created with a sewing machine and a needle, but before then I was like any child…creating characters and worlds during playtime or dress-up. I guess I never grew out of it!

AJ: Can you explain the process that you go through for your designs and pieces? 

Featured on Coilhouse Magazine's blog
 (http://coilhouse.net/2012/01/athenas-curse-medusas-fate/).
A preview image from "Athena's Curse, Medusa's Fate"
featuring my personal portrayal of Medusa.
Photographed in Vancouver BC by artist, Nina Pak Art.

JR: This question is always difficult for me because each project is unique in its own way. I do my best to first utilize the fabrics and supplies that I have on hand, especially with an artist’s budget. I think that I’ve become cleverer in my creative process because of monetary circumstances. You may see what appears to be a larger than life piece, but for the past year all of my creations have been crafted with scarcely minimal product consumption. I will find a use for nearly anything; I think my toy gun headpiece is a prime example. However, when I’m working on a project that requires specific fabrics or supplies my process starts in the fabric store. I almost never go fabric shopping with a list; all I require is a rough idea and a remote color concept. I’m usually drawn to exactly what I think I was looking for, and other times it takes me several hours to decide what route I want to take. Lately, I’ve really enjoyed shopping for my supplies online, especially with small independent supply shops or distributors. I rather prefer this method over shopping with a large chain business. When creating the actual piece it’s as I mentioned previously, what I’m visualizing is produced directly onto the dress form. 

AJ: How long does it take for you to construct a final piece? 

JR: This varies; it’s also dependent on how inspired I feel. The easiest part for me is to create the piece on my dress form; it’s the most artistic element of my work a part from styling the final piece on a model. The most extraneous aspect of my work is actually sewing it together, I think I view that aspect more as a technical element and it’s sometimes difficult to see the artistry in it. When it comes to my personal projects the construction can range anywhere from a few days time to a couple weeks. There are many last minute projects I partake in that have a 24-48 hour deadline, so if it’s required of me I can be extremely efficient in producing quality work with a harsh time-frame. Other projects can take several months, especially if the project is on and off for me. I have to let some work sit and later revisit and revise it. 

AJ: Are there any new projects, plans or any exciting things with you and your work that we should be looking out for?

JR: I will be in Los Angeles on the 28th for the U.S. premiere of independent film “LIMBUS” which is debuting at the Loz Feliz Theater in Hollywood during the United Film Festival. I designed the costume for the character Trauco. I’m absolutely thrilled to have been involved in this film, and it’s the most exciting upcoming event for me. I also have a lot of new exciting work coming up while I’m in Los Angeles. It’s best to keep up with me on facebook to see all of my latest as well as behind the scenes content and more! www.facebook.com/jchansdesigns

Model: Yana Jones of Wilhelmina Denver
Photographer: Clint Earhart | Photography
Headpiece, Earrings, Makeup: J-Chan's Designs

AJ: Before you go and I make this a wrap. Can you share with us some advice to others who may be trying to get into the career of costume designing? 

JR: My advice to all serious aspiring designers is to dedicate your free time to independent research. Indulge in art history as you would with any current runway or trend. Developing a knowledge in the timeline of art is incredibly beneficial...to understand what was created before your existence. I studied visuals for over a year in advance and it helped me find my element and successfully create my signature. The one goal every designer should achieve is an unmistakably unique style that can never be unidentifiable. Never confine or limit your art, if you can imagine it you can find a way to create it.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am making sure that I make a note and catch the sites of the premier for the new independent film "LIMBUS" I am looking forward to seeing the Trauco character with the costume created by the wonderful Jessica Rowell.

If you would like to see more of Jessica Rowell's work, or would like to have the opportunity to purchase and wear her designs then go to these sites:

J-Chans Designs: http://jchansdesigns.com/
J-Chans Designs shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JChansDesigns

Interview with: Hayley Wright, fashion Illustrator.

Fashion Illustration by Hayley Wright

Hayley Wright currently resides in Canada and she creates breath taking fashion portrait illustrations. Gracious pieces of work, elegant and compassionate women. Ornamental designs and couture that has you gazing at its essence. Using mixed media and though tidy will have escaped Ink dripping through, adding movement and character to these pieces of art. Exploring her Instagram page I love watching the blank piece of paper grow into something that engulfs your sight, by the hand of Hayley.

 I personally admire her work, these are compositions that I would show case on my walls and I would like to present to the rest of you. Having the chance to converse with her was a true delight,  an energetic and compassionate person, that deserves recognition and achievements.

AJ: I love your fashion illustration pieces and your page paper&Ink, When did you start illustrating? and how did you come up with your name paper&ink?

Close up of some work with gems and pearls

HW: I have always been very artistic, especially as a little girl. I have countless paintings of Barney the Dinosaur from when I got my very first watercolour set! After going to a specialized arts high school, I attended the University of British Columbia for Fine Arts. Shortly afterwards in 2011, I took a break from artwork to attend Fashion School in Vancouver to gain my diploma in Fashion Marketing.

While in Fashion School, we had to take a course in Fashion Illustration to learn garment drawing. Of course, this was my favourite class! Before this time, I had no idea that Fashion Illustration even existed. It was such a dream come true to learn that I could combine both of my passions into one beautiful art form.
In that same year, we took classes on branding and marketing and had to do projects based on fake companies.

 I invented my Illustration company and decided to name it Paper&Ink. The name is simply based on the materials that I use but I liked how simple it sounded. It has stuck ever since then!

AJ: So having the chance to go to fashion school, made you explore other areas. I think that is great to find something that you are good at and love, especially when it is something you didn't know existed. How long does it take you to illustrate a piece?

HW: It usually takes me about 4-5 hours, per piece, which is spread over a week or so.

AJ:  And where do you get your ideas from?

HW: Pinterest! I love following and finding boards about fashion editorials, interesting make-up, hairpieces,

Beautiful piece by Hayley Wright

photography, etc. As soon as I find a photograph that I know would make a GREAT drawing, I have to draw it right away!

AJ: I joined Pinterest a while ago, but only have started using it for the past few weeks, I must admit it does have a lot of inspiration, I am still trying to get used to it at the moment, I was using tumblr before but I like the fact that you have boards on Pinterest, it is easier for you to find things.  

As a fashion illustrator I have noticed that you use the same or similar style through out your work, can you tell us what materials you like to use? and has that always been your style or have you had to experiment to get to the preffered design you desire?

Experimentation with paint. 

HW: My style has slowly and subtly changed over time. Finding a style of painting that was truly my own was actually really stressful for me. Artwork from only one year ago is dramatically different from my work now, and will continue to change. I tried imitating styles from fellow Fashion Illustrators that I admire, and ended up combining the qualities that I liked and trying to leave out the ones that I didn't. I am still working on perfecting my style, which I think will be a lifelong journey.

AJ: I must admit I think that many fellow, young artists not just fashion artists find it difficult to find a style that is truly them. I am definitely one of those that feels like I am still exploring, but this is where you inspire us because it just shows that you need to keep working to find your style. 

So far, what has been the most memorable time/achievement for you and your work? 

HW: My artwork will actually be appearing in the April issue of ModCity Magazine, a local Edmonton- based publication. They are a huge supporter of local artists and businesses and I am so grateful to be  a part of their magazine!

AJ: Congratulations! it sounds exciting to be having your work published.

Would you like to carry on with illustrating in the future? if so what are your goals, and how do you plan on getting there? 

HW: Being able to illustrate full-time would be a dream! By working extremely hard every day; networking locally and internationally; continuing to expand my style and better my work; and using social media
to gain followers and exposure, I should be able to accomplish my goals :)

AJ: I wish you the best of luck, I have no doubt that you will achieve your goals and dreams. 
I am going to have to unfortunately finish this interview but before I do I would just like to ask for other fellow aspiring fashion illustrators, whom may be reading this, what advice could you offer them from your path of learning?

HW: I would advise them to find a style that is uniquely your own, which is something I am still working on. You want people to be able to look at a painting and know that it is yours! Oh, and make some really nice business cards!

AJ: It was really nice talking to you and I had also learnt something myself! 

HW: Thank you so much!

If you are curious and would like to view more of Hayley's work, or would even like the chance of buying some of her creations then visit these sights

Website: www.paperinkart.net
Society6: www.society6.com/paper_ink
Instagram: @paperinkart

All photos were taken  and copyrighted by Hayley Wright from her facebook page: Paper & Ink 

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.