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Fashion Adventures in a Girl's Life with Anna Sui

By: Glen Porter

It takes a lot of hard work and determination to reach the Top of the fashion business, and Anna Sui has certainly succeeded. Time Magazine included her in the list of five most important fashion gurus of this decade. She was born in Detroit in 1955 and moved to New York City after High School. She enrolled at the prestigious Parsons School of Design and went on to work as a stylist for the fashion photographer, Steven Meisel.

After designing clothes as a young woman, inspired by the models in magazines, Anna Sui found her own style. She developed her designing business throughout the 1980s and was ready to put on her first runway show in 1991. The models included Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista. Anna launched her own clothing line the following year and opened the first of her boutiques in New York City. Eventually she would have boutiques in Tokyo, Osaka, Hollywood and Los Angeles. She has continued to be particularly popular in Japan, and has designed the costumes for an anime (Japanese style animation), Television series.

The collection is sold in over thirty countries, and commands premium price tags as befits a top designer Label. The range of dresses, tops and skirts etc. has a modern feel about it, and Anna Sui says she was inspired by the rock chic look. There are also accessories for sale such as bags and belts. Her status Is sealed by the endorsement of an impressive list of Celebrities including Madonna, Christina Ricci, Cher, Courtney Love and Patricia Arquette. James Iha of the Smashing Pumpkins is also a fan.

In 1997, the footwear collection was launched. Shoes, boots and sandals are available as casual day wear and for formal, evening occasions. There are several different materials used, including silk, shearling, suede, patent leather, velvet, and snake and lizard skin. The Anna Sui Fragrance, aftershave and cosmetics line came out two Years later. The fragrance bottles are particularly Creative, and include a butterfly shape and a model Head design. Toiletries include Eau De Toilette Spray, Body Cream, and Bath and Shower Gel.

All of the collection is available to order online, and there are sales items posted on the web site. Anna Sui continues to bring out her collections, drawing from different inspirational ideas each time, and the shows are always well received. She is always open about the source of her ideas, and still keeps an eye on what's in the magazines, mixing that with some typical looks from the past.

About the Author:

Glen B. Porter provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles on fashion, entertainment and other related information