Huong Vu
Designer

What inspired you to start your business in the fashion industry?

My family has been in the center of the fashion industry of South East Asia for three generations, originally learning in the French Indochina culture. I decided to follow my ancestors because it gives me the chance to interpret the world's beauty in the universal language of fashion. I love to harmonize the human body with a perfect garment. This is fashion and this is my true love. Growing up in Vietnam has brought me to understand the culture of silk and in turn developed a great appreciation of the fabric. My Season Collections reflect this love of silk.

What part of the design process do you enjoy most and why?

The most enjoyable aspect of the design is the spontaneous translation of inspiration of the natural world to a dress design. Whenever I see a beautiful scene I am always thinking how that idea can be put in dress form. In my Petals Collection I have brought inspiration from my Caribbean surroundings and fused them with the culture of Vietnamese silk. The Petals Collection- Spring 2011 was the most fun for me to design because it reflects my life more than any
other.

How would you describe your upcoming 2011 Spring Collection?

My Spring Collection reflects the energy of spring; refreshing and rejuvenating. When my customer wears one of my dresses, she will feel special , uniquely elegant, and confident. The silk is of the best in the world and the workmanship is second to none. The customers will bring this refreshing and rejuvenating confidence to their workplace, dinner appointment, or just a stroll at the shopping plaza.

Where do you draw your inspirations from?

I typically draw inspiration from my everyday interactions with the world combined with my background. I look at harmonious scenes for inspirations with a different life filter than most other designers. I grew up visiting Buddhist Temples, going to the floating flower markets at the river, and visiting the ancient royal citadel to see the Imperial Embroidered Silk Gowns. My life history is very much different than the average designer in America and my designs are too.

How would you describe your target customer?

The VU customer is one who pays attention to what they wear. A modern, cultured lady with a lot of places to go, someone who wants to be unique and remembered in all they do. Extraordinary people are needed everywhere, whether it be at a jewelry trade show in Paris or at the country club down the street. The Vu customer is an extraordinary person, whom should wear something equally extraordinary.