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The Journey of Leann Huang: A Fashion Visionary
Fashion has been an integral part of Leann Huang’s life since her childhood. Growing up in Los Angeles, she was influenced by her grandmother, a skilled seamstress, and her mother, a former dancer who crafted her own costumes. ”I was always surrounded by creativity and making things,” Huang recalls. ”My artistic inclination led me to pursue fashion when I entered art school.”
Education at Central Saint Martins
Huang honed her design skills at the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London. She describes the experience as both challenging and rewarding, noting that it provided a solid foundation for her career despite its rigorous approach. “It’s more akin to an art school than a traditional design institution,” she explains. “The focus is on discovering what brings you joy and translating that into exceptional clothing while also gaining insights into industry practices.”
Navigating Career Challenges During the Pandemic
The connections she made at Central Saint Martins opened doors for internships with renowned brands like JW Anderson, Chanel, and Maison Margiela. However, just as she was ready to embark on her professional journey post-graduation, the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
“All my career goals were derailed due to lockdowns,” she reflects. “I had job interviews lined up but couldn’t make any progress because of the pandemic.” This prompted her to return home and reassess her ambitions; she realized that gaining corporate experience would be beneficial before launching out on her own.
h3>A New Direction in Her Career Path
This led Huang to accept a position as an art director locally before joining the embroidery and textiles team at Libertine. Simultaneously, she began selling designs online as a side project which quickly evolved into something much larger than anticipated.
“What started as a satisfying hobby turned into another full-time job almost overnight,” says Huang. “It grew so fast that I found myself fulfilling orders immediately after returning from my day job.”
The Birth of Her Eponymous Brand
By 2022, it became clear that sales from her designs warranted leaving behind traditional employment for entrepreneurship full-time; thus marking the official launch of her brand under her name.
“The essence of my brand is all about being fantastical, fluffy, and fun,” shares Huang.
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A Playful Approach to Fashion
“I aim to create garments that evoke childhood joy or optimism about our future,” says Leann.
This vision manifests through whimsical themes featuring vibrant prints,
bold colors,
and innovative textures inspired by nostalgic cartoons.
Imagine handbags adorned with color-shifting graphics,
skirts embellished with lip motifs,
and holographic Mary Janes alongside tees showcasing large fruit patches.
Prices range from $86 up to $775.
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