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Sophistication, designer Jason’s ‘mantra’ to dress-up right.
Vancouver: Jason Siu, Show Cased his collection at the David Lam Hall at Vancouver Fashion Week. Against a soundtrack of heavy rainfall, Studio Jason Siu’s unisex collection highlighted a style of sophisticated everyday wear, each garment striking a balance between luxury and versatility. An imaginative attention to detail, with subtly unique elements including zippers open at seams creating new shapes. A standout look; a beautiful A-line white gown featuring rainbow-colored triangle embellishments concentrated around the bodice and dispersing downwards.
In an interview, Jason reveals more about his designs.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I got started in fashion after I got out of high school but opted to study psychology at Simon Fraser University. Realizing that studying design was what I wanted to do, after all, I attended Blanche Macdonald Institute in Vancouver, where I learned the foundations of pattern drafting, construction, marketing, and more. From the beginning I was mostly interested in Haute Couture, watching the amazing runway performances on Youtube. It was not until recently that I looked at ready-to-wear and found that there is much to be explored in what people are willing to wear.
What is the idea behind your fashion line?
I am most interested in luxury streetwear and the space between wearable and conceptual. My goal is to help people curate a wardrobe with luxury essential items and eye-catching limited-edition pieces that they invest in. There are many conceptual designers I look to including Yohji Yamamoto, Rad Hourani, and Song for the Mute that create unisex garments that are at once strange and amazing.
What part of the globe can be ventured for new fashion besides Paris and New York?
I think it is best to start by supporting local designers wherever you may live. There are creatives everywhere and while there may be hotspots around the world, many people do not think to buy local. By buying local, you can get something exclusive and support a real person rather than a multibillion-dollar corporation.
Do you think the past cultural traits or forms can be incorporated into new designs?
Past cultural references are constantly being incorporated into new designs. That is how designers are inspired.
Are there any particular cultural or ethnical traits you follow for your designs?
I am influenced by Parisian and Japanese designers but not in terms of a cultural trait that I follow.
With huge names in the fashion industry bandwagon, do you find or think that new names find tough to create their niche?
There are many independent designers out there now, so it is more important than ever to create a brand story that people can get behind. Find your people and tell your story.
How was your experience in Vancouver Fashion Week?
Vancouver Fashion Week is an amazing springboard for aspiring designers by putting them in front of media both big and small. I have volunteered at VFW for 5 seasons now, having started at head office with research, designer relations, marketing, and social media. As a designer, the backstage team takes good care of you and works closely to make sure everything goes smoothly.
#metoo moment has been a huge part of every red carpet event recently. Do you think it was missed during this particular event?
Vancouver Fashion Week has taken steps to protect models backstage such as providing a private changing area as well as tightly controlling the photographers and volunteers backstage.
Do you think fashion industry is diverse or do they need to explore more cultures?
The fashion industry is much more diverse than it was in the past because of the democratization of putting your brand and store online. Anyone can shop from across the globe and put on what you have made. There is also much less stigma now of what someone can be or wear. There have been strides in diversity in positions of power, such as the appointments of Edward Enninful at British Vogue and Virgil Abloh to Louis Vuitton menswear.
What is your next venture after Vancouver Fashion week?
I have pop-up shops planned ahead, as well as participation in the Little Black Dress Gala which benefits single mothers and other women in need. I’m looking forward to developing my brand as a unisex streetwear brand and seeing my clothes on people.
