Interview With Joe Chia

As far as young and upcoming designers go, Joe Chia was already at the forefront years ago when he was 2nd Runner-up for the Stylo Mercedez-Benz Young Designer Award in 2009. After completing his fashion design advanced diploma programme at Raffles College of Higher Education, Kuala Lumpur, he furthered his education at Raffles Design Institute, Singapore and graduated in 2010.

Joe went on to greater acclaim and recognition as one of Asia’s Most Influential Designers during the Mercedes Benz STYLO Asia Fashion Week in 2013. He was also declared Asia’s Most Influential Designer at Mercedes-Benz STYLO Asia Fashion Week awards night this year. Joe designs unisex clothes that look great on both sexes and his style is very avant-garde. Most of his clothes are in monochromatic black or dark solid colours. I had a chat with him before his Chapter 5 (Joe names his collections by Chapters) or SS15 Show last Sunday. MAC Cosmetics did the make-up for the models of Joe’s showcase.

How did you start off in the fashion industry?

After graduating from Raffles Design Institute, Singapore, I worked as a freelance stylist and costume designer between 2010-2012. In 2012, I worked in a boutique and later set up my own workshop. I showcased my 1st collection in 2012 and it was for SS13. As I did collection after collection, I gained recognition from the local and international press and showcased overseas. Currently, my collection is sold in LA, New York, Italy, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Russia and Spain.

Since winning Asia’s most influential designer title twice, how has life changed?

Winning the title was unexpected but helpful to my career today. It’s recognition that has given me confidence for what I have done. At the beginning of my label, those were tough years as there was no financial support and I had no business background. I needed to figure everything out.

Winning the titles was a defining moment for you?

Yes, it was. I have worked with international brands like Uniqlo to produce t-shirts, Reebok to produce hooded jackets and G-Shock to produce limited edition watches. It was a surprise each time I won. When I won the latest award this year, I wasn’t even in the room. I was with a Japanese client.

Who are your greatest inspirations – non-designers and designers?

Non-designer would be my mum. I grew up in Kok Lanas, Kelantan and my mum brought me to flea markets and not malls. We bought jackets and we DIY-ed turning them into something unique. I turned jeans into bags and shirts into a fit I liked.

After high school, I chose an art foundation. I had friends who liked fashion so we’d read magazines. Fashion is an expression.

As far as designers are concerned, I like Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons. Before I saw their creations, I never knew fashion could be so daring and with no limitations.

How and in what way has MAC Cosmetic’s artistry complemented your designs and what has it been like working with them?

Our concept and brand direction merge together (MAC’s credo is All Ages, All Sexes, All Races). MAC has a great team and are very professional. I didn’t have to explain what I wanted too much, just briefed them on the type of clothes the models would be wearing. The MAC team has done a good job.

What would be your advise to aspiring designers?

I wouldn’t say that I am in a position to advise them but I would say work hard, work your ass off and be nice to people.

How do you see the fashion industry in Malaysia developing over the next few years?

It’s slowly growing. To go to another level, everyone should work hard together. There should be unity in fashion to bring it to a higher level.

How many pieces of clothing are in this Chapter 5 Collection?

24. There are 7 designs from XS for women to XL for men.

All images are courtesy of MAC Cosmetics Malaysia.