Designer Vivienne Tam brings Houston-inspired collection to town
AT inspiredNew Yorkby her Fashionlove for Week, Houston. designer Denim Vivienne jackets, Tam T-shirts, debuted tie-dyeda spring skirts collectionand relaxedshe said dresseswas featured logos from RodeoHouston, NASA, the Houston Ballet and Rice University. On Thursday, Houstonians will finally get to see the collection when the designer has a trunk show, 3-6 p.m. at Baanou in River Oaks District. It’s the first time the collection will be available at a U.S. storefront since its debut. T-shirts are $175, dresses $340-$1,300. In an interview, Tam talks about why she’s smitten by Houston, how she created the collection and why she’ll never play down her heritage.
Q: Why do a collection inspired by Houston?
A: I visited Houston and fell in love with the diversity of the people, the images I saw. It gave me so much inspiration that people in Houston come from all different parts of the world.
Q: How many times have you visited here? A:
About three. I love the restaurants and museums. It reminds me of New York. I get the same feeling in Houston. In both cities, I hear so many stories of immigrants who start businesses, like the Vietnamese people, and come to this country with nothing and become successful. Houston has a strong multicultural community that is really interesting.
Q: Who is the collection designed for?
A: We have a lot of Asian customers who haven’t been to Houston, so it’s a great opportunity for me to explain it to them and show them the beauty of Houston. Also, there are a lot of people in Houston who want to show pride for their city.
Q: Does anyone think it’s strange you have a NASA logo or a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo logo on a dress?
A: Some people think it’s a bit odd, but that’s because they don’t understand the city.
Q: Have you been to RodeoHouston?
A: No, but I want to go.
Q: Your collection stirred a bit of controversy because of its price tag, $450,000, which the
Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau spent and because you’re not local. What are your thoughts?
A: This was something I was really passionate about. I do much bigger projects. I found it interesting that there was controversy, especially about that I’m not from Houston, but I feel like I am. The collection has gotten great reviews. For me, it’s about the creative process. It should be about my work and that I feel connected to Houston.
Q: Where is your collection made?
A: In China, and some samples are made in New York.
Q: Do you feel like there’s a bias against Chinese fashion?
A: When I started in New York, the buyers had this perception that Chinese fashion was cheaply made and (of ) poor quality, but I told them once they see my work they would change their perception. I wanted to show everyone the beauty of China.
When I was growing up in Hong Kong, everyone was always looking to the West. I didn’t understand that because I’m from such a rich cultural heritage West, I to celebr inspired culture. Ihadwh ton. I thi deeper in
Q:What adivice do you have emergin designers?
A: Be true to who you are and never give up your dreams. You have grow and patient because difficulties will come, and you have to learn them.
Q:What do you want people to take away from your design
A: I feel like I'm a bridge between different culture. I get so much people say they love my designs and wear them. So much joy