Sparkle Session: Vivienne Tam

On Tuesday night I had the chance to visit  Vivienne Tam’s soho store and interview the designer herself!   But first, let me explain.  The event was to promote the WeChat/ Vivienne Tam Partnership and Model Contest in which one girl will win the chance to walk the catwalk in Vivienne Tam’s Spring/Summer 2015 fashion show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in September.  

At the event there were half a dozen models who had already applied and a few who were there to do just that. According to one of the designer’s staff, over 200 girls have already applied and the contest actually ends tonight at midnight so if you have what it takes, make sure you enter.  And if you are not sure you have that je ne sais quoi keep reading, see what Vivienne has to say! 

As soon as I got to her Mercer Street Boutique store I was really happy I had gone swimming in the morning so I did not have rush home to go to the gym.   Upon arriving I was excited to hand out my new business cards and see the collection in all of its glory, I did not think that a famous fashion designer would ever say yes to being interviewed for a Sparkle Session, my interview series with women entrepreneurs.

Listening to the recording I sound like a five year old on Christmas, squeaky and excited, as I interviewed Vivienne, but I was really just that thrilled!  Knowing that her brand and designs are a conscious blend of East meets West I planned my six questions accordingly.  Here is what this amazingly busy fashion designer had to say: 

 I understand you spend time between here (New York) and Hong Kong, where do you spend more time? 

I am actually still in New York but I am like four months in Hong Kong / China but still eight months or seven months here. In and out, in and out all the time but I love the idea of going in and out all of the time but this is great because I can see both worlds.

 What do you miss about Hong Kong when you are here?

The food and the movies and the people. Especially the movies and the food. I mean it is interesting because some of the movies I am not able to see here but I can see them there. And of course, my family, my parents are still there and some interesting shops and restaurants. And different types of cuisines you are not able to experience here but, in New York, you have amazing, great restaurants and good food here too. 

What can we expect from your upcoming collection?

This is not something I want to say too much, it has to be a surprise. It will be exciting and a surprise, it is still developing. (You can see her Fall 2014 presentation above)

We are here for your International Model search for your next runway show – how are you going to pick a model?

Somebody has to have their own style, personality, and really able to carry the designer clothes and have confidence in herself. This is very important. The person must love fashion, love dressing up, and all of that. So exciting!

So I write a blog, do you read any blogs?

Yes , I do read some blogs but it is hard to say who has the best blog. 

Do you have any advice for any other female entrepreneurs, women who want to run their own business and be successful?

They should not be afraid, go forward when you have some ideas, make it happen. You can make anything happen and believe in yourself, you can make your dream come true. I think that is very important. Do not think of the obstacles just go ahead and do it – if you think too much of the obstacles and listen to your friends, ‘oh, don’t do it’ then it will never happen.

Vivienne was an absolutely pleasure to interview and after the hour I spent in her store I wanted to take home everything – the designs were beautiful!  I am excited to see who she chooses as the winner of the model search and to see her show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in a few months!