Gina: While I do really love the design aspects of Avantūr, I also really enjoy running the business. I like seeing all the various parts–product, marketing, finance, etc–come together under one strategy and vision. So, CEO at a design-related company seems like a really great job to aspire to one day!
Wei: If I weren’t a designer, I’d be doing exactly what I’m currently doing in my media/advertising career. I love being at the intersection of media and tech.
What made you decide you wanted to be a designer?
For both of us, we really wanted a creative outlet and to be in the business of making “things” after after working for several years in service industries or industries without a tangible, physical product. We also had a desire to build a business and create a brand. This is the first entrepreneurial endeavor for both of us, and it has been an incredible learning experience. You just don’t learn as much working for someone else.
What do you love most about fashion?
We love fashion as a vehicle to express individuality and to be unique. In fact, this is a big part of our brand and what Avantūr is all about. Be bold. Dress for yourself and no one else. And we aim for this vision to translate into our designs.
Who is your style icon?
No style icons! Back to our thoughts around fashion as a vehicle for self-expression, it’s all about what makes you feel good, comfortable and confident.
Whats the most inspiring place for you?
Gina: For me, it’s not necessarily a place but a state of mind. When I can slow down my day and slow down my mind and take in everything that’s going on around me, that’s when I feel inspired. Just from the variety that exists in my small part of the world.
Wei: The most inspiring place is the place I’ve never been to. I enjoy traveling, and exploring new places keeps me engaged, learning and inspired.
Do you have a specific research process when you start designing new pieces?
Our process is really collaborative and usually starts with a conversation–what do we both want to create next? Since we are building out our line one piece at a time (a bit unusual but allows for maximum attention to each item), we invest a lot of time in each design.
From a design perspective, the foundation of our brand is architectural, bold shapes, so usually we start with a shape as a basis for our designs. From there, we look around us and pull in references from what we see people around us wearing, and we incorporate these elements. We often look beyond fashion to art, home design and architecture as well.
We then collaborate on boards to make sure we are aligned around a concept, then move to a sketch. We make adjustments and tweaks based on feedback from our pattern maker and production partners, too, to ensure that we not only have a well designed piece but a well constructed one as well.
What’s on the radio when you’re working?
Gina: Rubble Bucket is a favorite lately…love the variety of instruments in each song.
Wei: If there’s a deadline, then I’m probably listening to someone like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Cazzette or David Guetta – something upbeat! Otherwise, I’ll take my time with John Legend, Miguel, Jessie Ware, etc.
What has been the highlight moment of your career so far?
Two very specific, memorable moments. First, when we saw our first sample. It was an amazing thing to see our first design come to life. Second, when we had our first “stranger” sale. Not a friend, not family, but a completely unbiased customer who saw our cocoon coat and loved it enough to buy it. Sales always feel good, but that first one felt incredible!
Avantūr is available on http://modalyst.co/