A Conversation With Wenlan Chia |
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In 2002, Wenlan Chia’s Twinkle by Wenlan collection debuted at New York Fashion Week and earned rave reviews. Today, Wenlan’s whimsical designs can be found in boutiques around the world and in the pages of In Style, Marie Claire, and Lucky magazines. In her fourth book, Twinkle Sews: 25 Handmade Fashions from the Runway to Your Wardrobe (Potter Craft; September 2009), Wenlan shares the secrets of her sought-after collection, and shows fashionistas how to sew runway-ready designs like the Annie Hall Skirt, the Origami Blouse, and the White Magic Dress.
We chatted with Wenlan Chia recently about her first sewing book, the fashion industry, and her sources of inspiration.
A Conversation with Wenlan Chia
CrafterNews: You are known for your signature knit wear designs, but when did you begin sewing? Has it always been a passion of yours?
Wenlan Chia: I actually learned how to sew before I learned how to knit. Nevertheless, I was 30 the first time I used a sewing machine. It was more an obsession than passion. It’s the drive that I need to see my design finished that pushes me to keep sewing throughout the night.
CN: Shows like Project Runway and Bravo’s The Fashion Show are enormously popular with viewers. How do you think Twinkle Sews relates to these types of shows? Why do you think people are so excited about sewing and fashion these days?
WC: It’s not easy to show a creative process. I think these shows have very successfully found a format to show audiences that process. Finishing every seam on every garment is a small accomplishment that satisfies ones desire to create. Twinkle Sews is for people who want to go further and make fashions for themselves.
CN: With the recession weighing on all of us, what do you think are the advantages to creating beautiful clothes at home as opposed to buying them?
WC: By spending $24.99 on Twinkle Sews you own 25 unique patterns. You can also buy the most luxurious fabric and know for certain that the craftsmanship is up to your standards. You would have to spend much more on a store-bought garment in same quality. Making clothes is also a therapeutic way of “doing good” and takes you away from disposable consume behavior.
CN: Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
WC: From everyday life and every moment of the day. From a movie I watched, a book I read, an exhibition I saw; from looking at old pictures, talking about fashion and shopping.
CN: How do you hope wearing your clothing makes women feel?
Liberated, individual, adventurous, and happy.
Categories: Sewing |
Tags: author, fashion, fashion week, interview, Knitting & Crochet, Sewing, twinkle, twinkle sews, wenlan chia
Browse all articles from November 2009
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 Twinkle Sews 25 Handmade Fashions from the Runway to Your Wardrobe Format: Trade Paperback On Sale: Sep 29, 2009 Price: $24.99 |
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