Interview with Amy Chien Ku

Amy Chien Ku ("ACK") interviewed on Monday, 19 March.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

ACK : Before I became a fashion designer, I was working in a well-known fashion PR company in Taipei, where my clients were famous luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana...etc. I started my fashion designer career as a freelance costume designer, so I’m able to work individually from designing to manufacturing garments. Currently, I’m the founder and designer of my own clothing label - AIMEEKU.

How did you become a designer?

ACK : I didn't study fashion design until a few year after working as a fashion PR, I decided to pursue my dream of being a fashion designer that I attended fashion design school at night, after 4 years of studying, I started my fashion designer career as a freelancer, and after 2 years of planning and preparation, my own label AIMEEKU was finally established in August 2014.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

ACK : When I have a concept in my head, I try to concretize it with a theme name, then I develop the whole collection in line with the theme. I sketch the design first and then look for suitable fabrics and I do draping on the mannequin to make patterns, then I computerize the patterns. And because I enjoy some quiet time of sewing, I will make a sample myself to see if the fabric goes well with the style and then discuss with my tailor about the cutting.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

ACK : I always play some music when working, I tend to be in an excited and joyful mood when designing and sewing, and that reflects in my designs that they resonates the feelings of youth, fun and joy, and are dedicated to those who love to express themselves and explore new things in life and for those don't cease enjoying life no matter what they do.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

ACK : The area I grew up in Taipei is a nice exotic neighborhood where there are a lot of foreigners from all over the world, I feel very fortunate to live in this area that I’m able to make friends from different background and culture, it is something that inspired me the concept of AIMEEKU label that is as most of us embrace fashion, let it speak for us, so even we are from different parts of the world, we still share a common way of expression.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

ACK : I started my first fashion runway show in London in 2015, so Europe is an important market for my clothing line. I wish one day to have the honor to design clothing for celebrities and to have more retail channels around the world.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

ACK : If you don't have enough patience and passion, don't try it easily! However, once you start, be passionate about what you do, even when things don't go well. There's a bible verse I always think of to encourage myself - Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

ACK : In this era of advanced internet, all information is so obtainable, I think it’s essential for designers and artists to be aware of what is happening globally, to be up-to-date about trends and be innovative.

What is your day to day look like?

ACK : I believe designers and artists, we don’t really have a repeating routine, at least personally, I need to be stimulated in daily life to be more creative and enjoy my surroundings in order to design beautiful collections but being a fashion designer you have to do a lot of things other than designing, you have to know how to control the budget, to socialize, to promote the brand and yourself, sometimes these things can get me fatigued yet I’ve learned and grown so much, I realized to enjoy the process and confront the unexpected challenges are the significant part of being a professional artist.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

ACK : I often read fashion information and watch the latest fashion shows online, trends are important in fashion world but unique styles are also important for a designer, I think to find the balance in between is a key to a good designer brand.

What is your biggest design work?

ACK : To participate in Africa Fashion Week London 2015 was a phenomenal experience for me, it was exactly one year after I established AIMEEKU label, and it was my first experience to have an international runway and trade show, there were a lot of preparations and communication, even I was under a great amount of pressure, I was proud of myself that I eventually put everything together. It was a pleasure to promote the brand in London and be inspired by many talented designers.

Who is your favourite designer?

ACK : I love Elie Saab, Valentino, Giambattista Valli and Stella Jean, their designs are very delicate, classic yet vibrant and fresh, they are my inspirations, it is very pleasant viewing their works of art.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

ACK : I love travelling and I always get inspired by doing so, not just to my profession, but also life experiences, and personal growth. I always feel refreshed and be able to think outside of the box when travelling. It is true like people say, when you step outside your comfort zone, you can have different perspectives, you realize how big this world is, and so is your dream. Travelling has become an important part of my life style, my favorite city is Paris, not just because it’s beautiful and romantic, there are always trendy and captivating events throughout the city.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

ACK : I love working with open-minded people, who are not afraid to try new things and always strive to exceed the limit. There are so many possibility in the art field, creativity and passion are our spiritual breads that motivate us with new projects.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

ACK : I believe one of the definitions of being successful is being able to contribute to make it a better world and to give helping hands to the needy. I hope that one day when I reach to a great level I will still remember these intentions

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

ACK : It’s always a delightful experience to participate international design competitions, the great thing about A’ Design Award is that it has numerous categories, so it’s an eye-opening experience to encounter so many artworks from different designers and artists in various fields, it broadened my artistic sensation and increased my creativity. And I really appreciate there are so many benefits after winning the award, for example, gala night, designer associations, exhibitions and interviews.

Amy Chien Ku Profile