New York City based designer Ann Yee loves layering and here she tells of her own layers in 25 questions.

JW: Tell me about your background? How did you come design?

AY: I’ve always been interested in fashion for as long as I can remember. After high school I decided to try turning this passion into a career by enrolling in the fashion design program at Philadelphia University. Upon graduation, I moved to NYC and landed my first job in knitwear.

The rest is history!

 

JW: Name 3 adjectives you would use to describe your self as a designer:

AY: Open-minded-When I start to design a new season I try not to seek out inspiration to avoid limiting myself. The best concepts, ideas always come to me unexpectedly, which I feel is reflected in my clothing.

Patient-It’s important to stay calm even under the most trying situations (the majority of the time) or you’ll stress yourself out and it’s just not worth it!

Balanced-As I design I try to find the happy medium between innovation and marketability. I want the collection to stand out from the pack, but it needs to be wearable. This is definitely one of my biggest challenges, but the most important to achieve.

JW: Name 3 adjectives your closest friends would use to describe you:

AY: Thoughtful-I always try to look out for the people in my life.

Positive-the cup is always half full in my book. Life is too short to dwell on things that may hold you back; it takes less energy to look on the bright side.

Loyal-I will definitely be devoted to something if I feel strongly for it whether it is a person, cause, etc.

 

JW: When you’re working what do you like to listen to and why?

AY: It depends on my mood, but the majority of the time it’s going to have to be something upbeat for sure.

If I’m just sketching or organizing, I like to sometimes have an old movie (one that I’ve seen numerous times) playing in the background.

 

JW: What motivates you to design?

AY: Honestly, this may sound corny, but it’s simply my passion for it that keeps me going everyday. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.

 

JW: What fashion publications if any do you read and why?

AY: I read WWD so I can stay informed on current events, breaking news, and trends within the fashion industry. For inspiration, I always look to Dazed & Confused, Dansk, and I.D..

 

JW: What is your impression of the fashion industry today? What would you say are good and bad about it?

AY: It’s very difficult to break into it especially now since there is so much competition and over saturation-a prime example being the trend of celebrities creating their own lines. These collections can launch overnight and garner all this praise and success. This can be a bit disheartening, but it motivates me to work harder. On the positive side of things, I’ve met a lot of helpful industry people who have offered some great advice. It has been a nice surprise experiencing all this generosity.

JW: What do you love to wear?

AY: I absolutely love wearing layers. I always have to be comfortable before leaving the house and layers help.

 

JW: What is the story behind your spring 2011 collection?

AY: I was at a loft party last year and saw this striking projection on the wall, which instantly caught my eye. A friend told me it was the film Blade Runner and I knew right then and there what my spring ‘11 inspiration would be.

 

JW: What has been your favorite collection that you have designed so far and why?

AY: My latest collection-autumn/winter ‘11. I feel it definitely showed a growth in me as a designer and I was able to make it more of a hands-on development incorporating a few couture pieces for the first time ever.

 

JW: What season do you think you design best and enjoy designing most?

AY: I would have to say autumn/winter because, as I’ve mentioned before, I love layering and I feel there’s more opportunity to play with chunky textures and knits.

JW: Who is your ideal client?

AY: A confident woman who isn’t afraid to take chances when it comes to fashion and doesn’t take it too seriously.

 

JW: What designers past and present do you admire/are inspired by, why?

AY: Vintage YSL–the perfect execution of tailoring and androgyny.

Madame Gres–her draping techniques were innovative and breathtaking.

Hussein Chalayan–the way he has merged technology with fashion is incredible. His garments always have unexpected details that make them special.

 

JW: In your own words what is the aesthetic you strive for with your label?

AY: Effortless architectural fluidity

 

JW: What are your favorite materials to work with?

AY: Silk: draping is always easy to achieve and the end result beautiful

Chunky knits: always fun to turn a basic body into an interesting texture and it’s so easy with a novelty yarn.

 

JW: Do you have any favorite arts, works of art, films or books that inspire you?

AY: Cy Twombly–many of his paintings contain exquisite movement and textures that lend well to my aesthetic (one of his paintings was the concept behind my autumn/winter 2010 collection).

Paul Klee–I’ve always loved his use of color and ethereal quality in many of his works. When I design he’s always in the back of my mind.

Frank Gehry–his deconstructive style of architecture has always inspired me. [He is] always thinking outside the box and taking risks.

Auntie Mame-the 1958 film-has become one of my favorite points of reference. Rosalind Russell is outstanding as the lead and her exquisite wardrobe is ever inspiring.

 

JW: How do you feel public icons (actors, actresses, socialites, musicians, etc) present themselves style wise? Are they on trend and relevant or missing the mark?

AY: It depends on the person, really (or their stylist, I suppose!). I can’t keep track of everyone, but the ones I choose to follow seem to always be on point. For example: Alexa Chung-I’m a fan of her dressed down, but dressed up vibe, the Olsens-no need for explanation here, and Mia Wasikowska-she always looks stunning on the red carpet-and it’s always unexpected.

 

JW: What is your biggest fashion regret. What is your biggest fashion success?

AY: I don’t have any regrets; I see everything as a learning experience and stepping-stone.

I’m still growing for sure, but one of my biggest achievements so far was being named by Time Out NY as one of the top 10 breakout designers of 2010.

 

JW: What current trends do you see lasting and fading?

AY: I think the whole sheer trend is here to stay, [it’s] very pretty and ideal for layering. Also, the elongated and easy fitting bodies that are currently all over the runway, I feel are here to stay.

70s styling is totally in right now, but I don’t think it has staying power.

JW: What are your long-term goals for yourself and your line?

AY: I want to eventually ease into accessories, bags, and shoes. I would love to reach more retailers internationally and eventually one day show at a fashion week outside of NY such as London or Paris.

 

JW: What up-and-coming designers do you see becoming successful? Why?

AY: Bodkin–I think she has a unique aesthetic that sets her apart. Her story is also interesting, coming from a journalism background.

Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair–I absolutely love this collection. It’s a great mix of avant-garde and wear-ability. The fabrics are always interesting.

 

JW: I read that your parents are originally from Hong Kong. Did you feel any cultural differences between you and your peers growing up?

AY: I definitely saw more discipline in the way I was brought up. My parents were very protective, not allowing me to stay over at friends’ houses, strict curfew. Of course I hated it at the time, but I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t gone through it.

 

JW: How has your cultural background influenced your design?

AY: I feel that my Chinese background has definitely played an important role in my designing. I think you can see it in subtleties throughout the collection season to season: in the drapery, construction details, some of the color choices. Subconsciously, it’s always there.

 

JW: Who are the most influential people in your life?

AY: My parents.

 

JW:  What do you do when you’re not designing? What do you do to relax?

AY: I try to spend time with my friends. It’s important to not lose touch with people I care about even if I do have a crazy schedule! We usually catch gigs, eat out, or go to the cinema (one of my favorite things to do). I absolutely love the Sunshine and Angelika theaters (in New York City) they have great independent flicks.

 

Ann Yee’s collections are available online and at NYC stockists Sucre, krisTEES, EVA and End of Century.