Burda Style For people who sew

We are excited to announce Wenlan Chia, an established designer of successful clothing, accessories and home décor lines. Twinkle by Wenlan, founded by Chia in 2000, has been rocking the runways at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week since its 2002 debut. Known for incorporating knitwear into collections, Twinkle by Wenlan has won international critical acclaim. In the coming weeks we will release two sewing patterns of hers, one of which can be found in her new book Twinkle Sews which will be released on September 29th, the other is an exclusive for you BurdaStyle members. But first, we would like to introduce you to the driving force behind it all: Wenlan Chia, Founder and designer for Twinkle by Wenlan.

1) Where do you look for inspiration when creating your designs?

I don’t particularly look for inspiration but rather transform what moves and inspires me from everyday life to design. Traveling, food, movies, books, music and arts are very commonly referred in my collection.

2) Your Ready-to-Wear collection has a lot of subtle details and interesting shapes. Is it difficult satisfying your artistic aesthetic while trying to cater to a broad audience?" How do you find that careful balance?

Some people may find conflict between satisfying creative desire and achieving commercial success. I find the conflict offers challenge and makes this job more interesting. I am not an avante-garde designer. I leave that to Comme des Garcons .. I enjoy making clothes that women want to buy, love to wear and feel confident in. To try to balance the artistic aesthetic and to cater to a broad audience is what I think the most interesting about designing clothes.

3) Your line includes home décor in addition to clothing. How would you describe “a Wenlan home?”

I like simple design for home. However a modern simple home can look boring sometimes. So the twinkle living collection aims to spice up a home of muted color and linear lines with color and pattern. Many of my signature prints used in ready to wear have been re-issued to home. They dress up a home and make it more playful, fashionable and adventurous.

4) Twinkle by Wenlan is famously known for their beautiful knitwear designs. When did you begin knitting and how did you learn to merge knitwear with high-end fashion?

I started knitting when I was 32 years old, a year before I founded my line. I always feel that the knitwear in high end fashion is too simple. I find the most crafty can be most artistic and bold for fashion if the right proportion, shape and color are applied.

5) You are originally from Taipei. How does your heritage influence your designs?

Taipei is a very international city in a small island. My upbringing definitely has strong influence on my design. My mom drape and sew and made beautiful clothes for my sister and I. I have been painting a lot and studied art at New York University. My art background definitely is in the background of my design.

6) We love how you play with different shapes and layers in your pieces, which can certainly appeal to women with different body types. What are some simple style suggestions you can give to women who may not consider themselves “model size?”

A higher waist line with shape close to the body yet more volume around hips and belly is always good for everyone. I don’t mean just empire waist although it is one of the good examples. Slim blouses with sleeves over taper trousers are chic and very forgiving for most body types as well.

7) You are one of the few designers that decided to take the step and share the key element to your successful clothing line, your knitting and sewing patterns. What made you decide to do so and what benefits have you received through this exchange?

I don’t feel sharing my designs threatens my business. After all, I work in creative business and to constantly create new designs and to look forward are more important than to hold on to what I already have done. All the garments featured in my books existed in my previous collections. They have been sold to stores and worn by many. I like the idea of re-visiting these designs in a fresh point of view and therefore offering something newer to twinkle followers. It is like to re-issue some memorable pieces and to give them new lives. During the process, I am actually inspired by old designs as well.

8) What are your personal style essentials for the fall and winter seasons?

Big blouse/sweater, slim pants or short skirt, man’s style jacket or overcoat and all kind of boots.

9) What advice would you give to burgeoning designers?

Know yourself and do your best.

10) What can we expect from Twinkle by Wenlan in the future?

More exciting designs and more inspiring ideas.

Check back for Twinkle by Wenlan patterns in the coming weeks!