Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Viola Wan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Viola thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Currently working on my full 8 looks runway collection ” THE WAN S/S 2024″ will be debuting next year. Everything is patterned, and sewed by me. This collection will be my first runway collection to the world, I am beyond excited. This whole collection is inspired by the different stages of trust we give to different people in life, I am giving all my designs feelings, emotions, and life to connect with my audience throughout my art. It just like how music can so deeply connect to people, I want to use my form of art to connect and inspire others.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Viola Wan, I am a fashion designer and wardrobe stylist with a dancing background based in LA. “Simply but in the most extreme ways” would be a great sentence to describe my own styles when comes to my design and styles. I LOVE fashion so much and if you ever work with me or have any discussion with me that fashion related you would know the passion and love I have for this. To me fashion is so special to me because I see this as a blank canvas I am able to combine all my art (fine art, dance, etc) together. Bold patterns, colors, and textures come from my unique understanding and ability to create beauty from scratch from everything I have been through and seen in my life so far. And when it comes to wardrobe styling, I provide a variety of services including music videos, red carpet, personal shopping, brand campaign shoots, and outfit planning. What special about styling is I know I. am so gifted in fashion, I can literally see people in different wardrobes in my mind without them putting on; the ability to help others to achieve their vision with my gift and talent is something so special to me, and every time when I see the smile my client put on after everything always makes my heart full. Moreover, being a wardrobe stylist who’s also a fashion designer who can pattern, and sew everything I think is very special because I actually get the opportunity to make whatever I have in mind for styling into life if I really can’t get the pieces I am looking for in the market.
My brand is called “THE WAN”. “ ‘WÀN’ is my last name which is also my grandmother’s last name, and “WAN” is also a rare last name in China. “WAN”= ‘ONE’ in my brand name because I want to inspire others to be THE WÀN(ONE) AND ONLY for everything in life!” For a very long time after moving to LA, she felt she never was fit in any community, she didn’t see anyone looks like her or just do everything she wanted to do on the top she can look up to. “ I want to make it to the top so bad, have the type of platform I’m going to have because I want to show and give back to the younger generation of artists, creators, designers… (who might have similar background of me, people in the minority group, people of color, or anyone who does not born with the type of privilege they have to really allow them to pursue their dreams) we do not need to fit into anywhere to be “successful” the way we want to be; anything in life is possible, it really just matter of how bad you want it!” Viola says, “ if you feel you don’t belong to this world, make your OWN world. BE THE WÀN AND ONLY. ”
Currently making my 8 looks runway collection will be debuting in 2024, I am very excited about this!! I have been working very very hard on this whole collection very day past 4 months. The very around of fitting is most done and I have most patterns almost finished as well. Currently starting cutting and sewing my looks in my final fabrics.
At the same time, I am still taking custom orders, and styling clients, so if anyone wants to enhance their own wardrobe, photoshoots, video shoots, definitely for free to reach out:)
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is to use my gift in art, and fashion from God to make a positive impact in the world and be able to heal myself throughout life.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
One particular goal or mission I say I have in my life/ creative journey is to have a non-profit organization help and provide legal services to help first and second-generation immigrant to start, maintain, and fund their business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thewanandonly.com
- Instagram: @iamviolawan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCovcWiD9iuro6X7eJg6gtxw