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Biography
Anna Sui is an American fashion designer. She was born on August 4, 1952 in Detroit, Michigan. Her father Paul Sui was a structural engineering and her mother, Grace Sui studies painting. Both of her parents were born in China, but they lived and studies in Paris, France. Sui’s parents enjoyed traveling and loved exploring the world. In fact they were quite global in their view of things. They wanted to ensure that their own children had a global view of the world as well, and were exposed to other cultures and not just to Chinese culture and tradition. She has one older and younger brother. Sui credits her parent’s background and love of travel with influencing her and shaping her personality. “I get the business side from my father and the artistic side from my mother.” (Credo Reference)
Anna grew up in a household where art was appreciated and a sense of adventure was valued. Anna learned to sew and began making her own clothes when she was in the seventh grade. She would go shopping with her mom and would find remnants and fabrics, and would make new little skirts or shift dresses. Sui attended Parsons School of Design in New York City but did not graduate. He stopped taking classes and began to work. After dropping out of college, Sui applied for the Charlie’s Girls Company, owned by Erica Elias. She spent eighteen months with the company, learning the major and most minor details of the fashion industry.
In 1990, Sui attended a Jean-Paul Gaultier fashion show in Paris with photographer, Meisel. To her encounter, Madonna attended that same fashion show with one of her designs on. Madonna wore one of Sui’s signature baby doll dresses, constructed of black chiffon with a low cut back and a bow. This was an excellent advertising for Sui. In 1991, Sui had the confidence to start her first fashion show. After her big success of Anna Sui’s debut runway, she opened her own boutique in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. In 1992, Macy’s gave Sui a 600 square-foot for her clothing line.
“Signature” Designs
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Earlier Influences
During the time Anna was growing up, her biggest influences were rock n’ roll music, fashion trends and dancing. These influence helped her become a successful designer. Her favorite band was the Rolling Stones and is obsessed with the color lavender. The new style of music influenced the way teenagers and young people dressed, danced, and even talked. Everything Sui designs and creates is infused with her personal interests and favorite pursuits. Sui is inspired by movies, travel, exhibitions music, and the flea market. She spends a lot of time looking into the history of trends and trying to understand what generated a look or inspired it in the first place.
Critical Analysis
Sui developed a reputation in the fashion industry as one of the most fun, hip and original designers. New York Magazine states that “If we were lucky enough to have five more of her in the fashion industry, the clothing business would be a lot more fun. Sui retains something other far more celebrated designers have relinquished of late --- freedom.” (New York Magazine)
Sui’s current obsession is with Chinoiserie. Her role models include Coco Chanel, Ossie Clark, Emilio Pucci, Paul Poiret, and Zandra Rhodes. These designers helped her to become the designer she is today. Coco Chanel helped Sui learn how to make well-constructed clothing from rich quality fabrics. Ossie Clark found inspiration for his clothes in music as well as art. Emilio Pucci’s bold and colorful prints serve as an inspiration to Sui, who relies on bold colors and designs herself.
Sui’s Fall 2004 collection reflected her heavy attention to detail, as inspired by Schiaparelli’s designs. Sui is certainly one of America’s top-rated fashion designers. Her eclectic taste and looks and affordable clothing is what makes her stand out.
In 1993, Sui won the Perry Ellis Award for her new fashion talents, sponsored by the council of Fashion Designers of America. Anna Sui’s company has expanded throughout the years and is still a big success. “You have to focus on your dreams even if they go beyond common sense.” – Anna Sui (New York Magazine)
Analysis of Future Trends
(WWD)
Sui has definitely designed a signature trend that will continue into the future. She has brought back the Goth clothing and also the bohemian chic with her bold colors and patterns. Sui’s company has expanded to television, fragrance, shoes, toys and even skin care products. Sui states that “Fashion is such an important part of my fashion.” (New York Magazine)
(WWD)
I am going to be completely honest, I have never heard of Anna Sui before this research project. And I have never been happier to research any designer until this moment. I feel like Sui’s designs completely represent my whole wardrobe and style. I am completely in love with her collections and I cannot stop stumbling upon clothes I want to purchase!
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Her bohemian style and use of bold and extravagant colors and prints captures my attention and that is exactly what I look for in clothes to wear. Her designs are the most wearable out of all the designers that I have researched and I believe that is an extremely important business tactic.
Works Cited
New York Magazine. 4 December 2011 <http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/annasui/>.
Style Sight. 4 December 2011 <http://www.stylesight.com/myfolders/zoom_image.php?item_id=image.8775129&set={%22node_id%22%3A%20%22folder-4926-735423%22}&position=0>.
Style Sight. 4 December 2011 <http://www.stylesight.com/myfolders/zoom_image.php?item_id=image.8814977&set={%22node_id%22%3A%20%22folder-4926-735423%22}&position=1>.
Style Sight. 4 December 2011 <http://www.stylesight.com/myfolders/zoom_image.php?item_id=image.8814970&set={%22node_id%22%3A%20%22folder-4926-735423%22}&position=2>.
"Sui, Anna." Marquis Who's Who in the World. New Providence: Marquis Who's Who LLC, 2011. Credo Reference. Web. 07 December 2011.
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