“Miami has given me so much. I am appreciated and well received by Miami than any other city. The Miami lifestyle inspired my 2011 ready-to-wear collection which reflects the Miami woman,” stated Julian Chang, a Miami-based designer.
Ready-to-wear. No other words more aptly describe Julian Chang’s 2011 collection for this season’s fashion mix.
Julian Chang is one of Miami’s most favorable and hottest emerging designer whose style represents glamor and simple sophistication for the everyday woman.
Just before the 13th Annual Miami Beach International Fashion Week, I caught up with Julian to discuss his 2011 collection.
How would you describe the women you dress?
Julian Chang: We are geared to the modern day woman, someone who appreciates fashion and wants to have the look at the same time. Comfort in looking good and feeling comfortable.
The New York Fashion Week attracts the elite and fashion empires, do you think that Miami Fashion Weeks can attract that kind of crowd and prestige?
Julian Chang: Each city has its own unique style. I think Miami is very unique because we have the talent. To be the next fashion city, we have to come together as designers to create that excitement that New York has. We hope to have that kind of state of mind; we can make it stronger together.
Miami Fashion Sense:
Julian Chang: Miami is very different because of the climate. The weather is hot and some people don’t like to wear clothes. People tend to like things that are more colorful and slightly more revealing, less classy, more trendy.
How are you managing your success since you first presented your collection at the Miami Beach International Fashion Week?
Julian Chang: I started the Miami Beach International Fashion Week five years ago. The amount of exposure that we have received is incredible, tremendous help to my career. We have been consistent in showing the collection. I have a wholesale collection which is the ready-to-wear collection that is all over the world. We sell to all the retails and high end boutiques. I am more focused on what needs to be done and our goals. In fashion you look forward and that is what I am doing now. My goals are expanding, that is what keeps me grounded and motivated.
How has your background influenced your designs?
Julian Chang: I was raised in Peru-father Chinese-mom Peruvian, so I have a multiracial cultural upbringing. That has influenced my designs as far as a mixture of how I see things. The way I like to contrast materials-styles. I like sexy but classy-feminine with masculine materials-a contrast which is a part of my upbringing.
This Seasons Must Have:
Julian Chang: Poncho top that we have in our collection is very well received. It is very flowy with a low cut in the back. It stands as a lifesaver because it can be worn from day to night, for date, work or travel.
What would you suggest from your collection for the woman who is on the go?
Julian Chang: For my ready to wear collection, I focus on stretch material which is very forgiving. I try to promote that every woman’s body-shape is beautiful. With that in mind, every time I design, I keep that in mind. Even if you don’t have a perfect size 2 body, you can still look great and sexy. In my collection there are things that are very forgiving for different body types and sizes.
Miami is a hot city but not everyone has the confidence to show off a lot of skin. What would you recommend?
Julian Chang: You can be sexy without revealing skin; it is more about attitude and self confidence. Every woman wants to feel special and beautiful. Know your body and accentuate the areas that you are confident about. If you have great shoulders, show them. You don’t have to show a lot of skin for that.
What direction would you like to take with your brand?
Julian Chang: We are reaching new stores everyday. I would love to expand in other markets both nationally and internationally. I would also like to expand my ready-to-wear collection and launch a more high end collection.
With so many designers out there doing the same thing, why are people coming back to you?
Julian Chang: We don’t sacrifice quality over price point. Women today want to shop smart. They want to make smart purchases that will last for several seasons. We do not offer the latest trends, we offer collections that are basic and easy to accessorize. The unique thing about our pieces, they are interchangeable.
To learn more about Julian Chang, please visit www.julianchang.com.
JULIAN CHANG Atelier is located at 7416 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL. 33138