the childlike empress

This is my 1st Q & A blog post and i would like to feature one of my sister's friend Nigel Chia. Well, Nigel is currently 22 years old, he grown up in a small fishing village with a simple family for the past 19 years. Just started to adapt the KL lifestyle when he entered University for last 2 and the half years. Being a fashion designer is his passion, since the day he started learning how to draw. I think he's one talented guy.

Nigel quote: I am not just a fashion victim, indeed a ‘fashion design victim’.

Ming: Why are you so enchanted with Barbies?

Nigel: Hmmm….why m I so enchanted with Barbie? I guess they are my perfect model form the day I fall into the ‘grave’ of fashion design. Ha ha ha……some said girls’ childhood won’t be completed without Barbie, but I would say that my dream won’t be shined without Barbie! By the way, currently I have found a kind of doll that fascinates me! They are called Ball Jointed Doll, planning to make them my next model but they are damn expensive!!!!!!!

Ming: What sparked your love for design?

Nigel: What I could say is I am born to design! Since the day I know this world, I couldn’t stop designing. My mom believes that this is the consequence of her prenatal education, guess wat? When I was still a fetus, she was busying tailoring for clients. That is why I end up loving fashion design.

Ming: When you started and pick up designing night gowns and wedding gowns?

Nigel: I always fascinated with night gowns and bridal couture. I think since I was 7 years old, I started to sketch on the blank paper with some ball gown design for my ‘fake barbie’ (those which sell in a cheap price in pasar malam). Then, my childhood is none other than filled with cutting, patterning, fabrication, and sewing and of course, my Barbie! I tailored the 1^st and ever evening gown that is ready to wear when i was age 17.

Ming: What sparked your interest in designing gowns?

Nigel: For me, gown is something privilege for girls and ladies. They can make every girl and lady looked very different just

like the fairy god mother transform Cinderella into a fairy princess! That is the satisfaction I gain form designing gowns.

Ming: How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Nigel: I put a lot of effort on the cutting of the dress because that is the basic to design a gorgeous dress. Personally I love mermaid cutting as it can enhance the beauty of curving in ladies’ figure. Detailing is also one of the elements that can’t be missed when I design dress and sometime, I do like dramatic design such as haute couture.

Ming: Who are your favourite designers?

Nigel: In the sense of local designer, I love Eric Choong Bridal design. Internationally, I would say I always blown away by John Galliano Haute Couture for Dior.

Ming: How would you describe your personal style?

Nigel: I believe that glamour, chic, elegance as well as dreamy can be seen in most of my design. Chiffon, satin, silk, lace, and Swarovski crystals are always my favorites!

Ming: This really WOW me!!! I heard that you're actually further up your studies as a vet. I wonder how you manage your time so well.

Nigel: Well, there is a will, there is a way! In university, I will mostly do all the design work in paper when I was free especially in weekend as I am that kind of student that study last minute too! Mostly I will only start sewing work my work during the holiday, scarify the free time for playing and resting, but some how that is the most enjoyable moment for me, rushing in and out until midnight. My mom always asks, how come u r much busier during holiday than in university? I would answer; this

is the consequence of Ur prenatal education!

Ming: do you personal prefer to be a vet or a fashion designer?

Nigel: Definitely I will choose to be a fashion designer! Indeed, I will further my study on fashion design after I graduate in 2012.

Ming: I personally love this few creation of yours, I think it's my kinda style =)

Ming: Well one last question ya...are you willing to design a wedding gown for me on my wedding day...

Nigel: Sure! That will be my pleasure. It is always my dream to make every lady looked gorgeous on their wedding which will blow everyone away especially the groom!