A former Burnaby resident has fulfilled her fashion-forward dreams by having her clothing brand showcased at this year’s Vancouver Fashion Week.
Bonnie Chung, president and head designer of the clothing line Je Vis Couture, began designing custom cocktail dresses for her brand in 2010, and has since created a bridal collection, Je Vis Bridal. Now living in Toronto, the NOW caught up with Chung to discuss Je Vis’ fashion week debut.
How does it feel to have your designs included in Vancouver Fashion Week? Is this the first time Je Vis has been featured in VFW?
Yes, it is the first time we are showcasing our collection in VFW, and it feels like a dream, very unreal. I have participated in multiple bridal shows and fashion shows, but being apart of any "fashion week," is completely a dream come true. Vancouver being my hometown makes it extra special to me. I thank John Casablanca Institute for this opportunity to present my collection at VFS.
How did your Professional Sales diploma from BCIT help you to launch your own brand?
So I basically, run all operations for my company. I am a Virgo; I like to take on every responsibility and every task on my own. Being a business owner, you cannot be just a fashion designer; you must have the experience and knowledge in both sales and marketing. This is where my sales and marketing background from BCIT became really helpful. Everything you learn in class at BCIT becomes useful, but what you learn outside the classroom, such as how to deal with stress and how to manage projects and tight deadlines, are also invaluable.
Just this year you expanded your line to include a bridal wear. What made you interested in doing a bridal collection?
I used to design a lot of dresses for local performers or for prom and special occasions, and I loved it, and I still love it. But as one matures and grows, you tend to strive for something more, something that gives a certain degree of gratification and greater sense of achievement. I wanted to offer women their once-in-a-lifetime dress, their wedding gown! And I knew I made the right choice when I fit one of my best and oldest friends in her wedding gown (that I designed)! It was an emotional moment and we definitely cried. As a matter of fact, this is kind of embarrassing, but every time my client "says yes to my dress," I will start tearing up, or crying harder than their mom and sisters! It's a feeling that cannot be described in words, knowing that you helped someone find the dress of their dreams for their most special day.
Your VFW bio says you love to travel. How does travel influence your designs?
Yes, I love to travel! Travelling allows a person to open their eyes and mind to different culture, architecture, design and fashion. You learn how things can be different, but different in a beautiful and acceptable way. Travel inspires my design because I can dare to be different. Renowned designers who showcase their designs in different parts of the world also inspire me.
What is your favourite piece or design of yours that will be shown during VFW?
The collection that I will be showcasing at the Vancouver Fashion Show is my all time favourite. It is a collection of six dresses with interchangeable tops and bottoms. Essentially, you can mix six tops and six bottoms, which allows you to choose from 42 different styles. I love the practicality of this collection and the diversity of the styles. It's fun! I remember back in 2010, when I had my first fashion show, I designed a 2-in-1 dress for myself, and now, I am super content to have designed a collection that showcases the same idea.
Describe your brand, Je Vis, in three words.
Live your life!
Vancouver Fashion Week takes place from March 14 to March 20. For more information visit vanfashionweek.com. For more information on Je Vis, check out jeviscouture.com
