Lauren Lin

Lauren and her sister Michelle created Niche back in March 2010. They offer pieces for those who don’t want to follow the stream. Embracing individuality and at the same time striving for quality without having to pay a heavy price for it.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What’s your educational background? What are your general professional and non-professional interests?
Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, I attended ICA (Immaculate Conception Academy) for High School and then graduated BS Management of Financial Institutions last June from De La Salle University. After which I left for Beijing, China to study Mandarin at Tsinghua University. I am currently in Manila for vacation but will be pursuing the same course at Peking University starting the middle of February. Apart from NICHE, which I design for and manage together with my sister, I also own an online store that sells reworked vintage pieces. Evidently, I am very much into and passionate about fashion but my other interests include business, music, reading, exploring, and constant learning.

Where do you get your design inspiration?
Everywhere. But inspiration hits when you least expect it, thus I tend to carry around a small notebook and a pen to be able to jot things down. They however usually come from wanting a particular clothing but I can’t seem to buy it anywhere, well-dressed individuals around me, bloggers with unique taste, and architecture.

When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
Sometime when I was very young. Grade school perhaps. I used to play dress-up and fashion different kinds of clothing out of towels and blankets, secured by safety pins. I’d even make my younger sister try them on and we would do “photo shoots”. LOL

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion for me, is an outlet. The way I dress, the way I design.. it’s all due to what’s currently going on in my head at that particular moment.

What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
Gown for Prom

What do you like best about designing clothes and whats the most challenging part?
I like brainstorming the best and playing with fabrics to make something entirely new. Although the most challenging part is feasibility and the cost of creating it. I want our clothes to be affordable so cost plays an important role.

What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Fabric, durability, craftsmanship, and fit.

How would you define your personal style?
A little bit of everything. I like experimenting and my style really depends on what mood I am in so it changes all the time.

What are some of your fashion goals?
To sketch better and to be known internationally.

Who’s your most influential fashion designer/s?
Alexander Wang, Jonny Johansson, Christopher Decarnin, Christopher Kane, Stefano Pilati, Victoria Beckham, Matthew Williamson

What do you wish people would understand about working in the fashion industry?
It’s hard work! And it takes a lot of discipline and time management. Despite it being a competitive, fast-paced, and demanding industry though, confidence and belief in yourself will get you a long way.

What trends do you see being big for 2011?
Sheer, maxi, drapes and billows. The trends are not exactly new but think extremes. They will either be really conservative, think 50s, or racy. I also think clothes will lean towards soft femininity rather than last year’s tough biker chick.

What are your favorite colors to work with and why?
Complete opposites in fact. I like working with bright colors, especially prints, because they turn the simplest cuts into amazing pieces. However, blacks and whites put your creativity on steroids because you can go crazy without going over the top.

Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
NICHE’s official website: www.niche.ph
NICHE’s Twitter: @NichePh
NICHE’s Facebook: Niche Ph
STOREofLORE: storeoflore.multiply.com

What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?
Follow your gut feel and immediately act upon it, because more often than not, you’re spot on. Grab the opportunity to be first or else someone else will.

Any closing thoughts?
Do what you love and love what you do. At the end of the day, it’s all about happiness and contentment.

1. Michelle Lin | ManilaStreetstyle said on February 14, 2011 at 4:14 am

   

   [...] had a chat with Lauren Lin‘s sister Michelle. They run Niche, an online shop for women and soon for men as [...]