Joe Chia

Updated: 6 Jun 2011
We Are KL: The designers

Joe Chia creates sculptural, edgy ensembles worthy of Gaga herself. His looks are darkly modernist for the urban girl and soon he'll be launching a menswear line too. Emma Chong finds out more.

How long have you been designing?
I started when I went to Raffles Design in 2007. So about four years.

Have you always wanted to be a designer?
When I was 15 I started dressing up differently with different looks, different styles, and my mum inspired me. She’d bring me to flea markets to look for cheap clothes and then we’d come back and she’d alter them for me. From then step by step I realised okay, why don’t I try to design my own style?

Are there any designers you look up to?
Alexander Wang, Rad Hourani and Martin Margiela. I like Alexander Wang’s designs because it’s all about simplicity with a twist. Like what I want to do.

What is the best thing about the KL fashion scene?
Actually we have quite a few fashion weeks, like MIFA, STYLO, which is the best thing for a young designer like me to showcase our creations on stage.

Joe Chia

What about the worst thing?
I don’t think there’s any worst things – we all know we have to keep improving.

If you weren’t a fashion designer, what would you be?
An artist. I like painting.

What have you got planned for the future?
I’m launching my own label this year, and also opening a concept store in Bangsar. My collection will be launched, and sold at the store. Four of us are sharing the space, it’s called Never Follow Suit.
[Look out for a more in depth feature on Never Follow Suit in the July issue of Time Out KL.]

What’s your favourite fashion moment?
When I won the best collection in my graduation show in 2008 – that really pushed me to new levels.

Check out Joe Chia's designs online at www.joechiahy.blogspot.com. For the full 'We Are KL: The designers' feature, get a copy of our June issue.