Malaysian avant-garde label
JOE CHIA recently presented newest collection for SS 2016. Joe Chia and his team are well known name in their home country, as well as in Singapore, Japan, Indonesia... but, with their originality and quality they are becoming more known and present on the western market.
All of this is clearly evident in the latest collection named
"Power Above Us All." With the new colour palette that ranges from the usual monochromatic via red, rusty brown and army green; and mixture of various natural materials, Joe Chia are telling us story influenced by different cultures, allowing a generic acceptance of all things different.
I had the chance to talk with them about the latest collection, impressions and much more.
Joe Chia - your name is pretty well known in avant-garde fashion scene in Malaysia (China, Singapore etc.). How would you represent your brand concept to the Western market/scene? What interesting facts can you tell me about yourself, your work?
We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to introduce our collections in Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines and not forgetting our home, Malaysia. It is definitely more than what we could ask for the past 2 years. It's also our third time introducing our concept and stories behind the season in an international trade show and we truly appreciate the advices and response that the western market have given us. We are currently selling in 17 stores in 10 different countries.
Paris Fashion Week has ended. You were part of it. How do you feel about that? What was most interesting thing that left an impression on you?
Paris Fashion Week is always a busy period for us unconsciously, even before or after. Somehow I think everytime we touch down after a long flight, we tend to be filled with so much of inspiring energy and spirit again and we can’t wait to start with the following new season. We always appreciate meeting new people and making new friends, exchanging our experiences and cultures. It means a lot to us.
You've revealed your SS16 collection (for which I have to say that is fascinating!); tell me something about the story behind "POWER ABOVE US ALL" collection?
POWER ABOVE US ALL its a mixture of cultures, regardless of religion or people. We all have a voice inside of us that gives us the power to pursue our desires, and the unlimited determination to accomplish them.
So far, Joe Chia is focused on menswear. Is there any chance for women's clothing line, perhaps?
We are actually very excited to share that our womenswear collection is coming up very soon! It will be our very first time exhibiting it in Paris for the SS16 season.
When you start working on new designs, what motivates you? What inspires you?
It's funny sometimes to tell people that we are constantly inspired by anything and everything. We constantly are conscious of the issues that are happening around us. Because in the end, it always depends your perspective on how you view things and your translation of it.
For the end... Since your are very passionate about music, what is the most listened song on your playlist lately?
The Acid and Pye Corner Audio is recently on my playlist. Currently it's playing Explosions in the Sky.