absolute [interview] - Alex Woo
Hello Alex, can you describe yourself in a few words? Creative, Inquisitive, and ultimately a New Yorker. And can you describe your jewelry in a few words? Clean, modern, fresh, classic. Where do you come from, what's your mother tongue? Chinese or American? Can you speak a bit of Cantonese? =) Although I was born and raised in New York City, my first language was Cantonese. I do speak it occasionally, however my primary language has really now become English. How and where did you first started and launched your jewelry? I first started designing jewelry as a child, but it wasn’t until I was encouraged by my jewelry design professor, did I truly take it seriously. She suggested that I enter some of my designs to a national jewelry design competition. I listened, and later that year was flying to Las Vegas to claim the grand prize. It was not only an honor, but it really catapulted my career. Alex Woo is extraordinary hip globally now, the stars like Drew Barrymore, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel Perry, Jessica Simpson are all gearing up your jewelry, and you are honored as one of New York's rising stars. What do you think of the success and what's the road like for a Chinese face to get into the world fashion stage? I have been fortunate enough to be supported by fashion editors, stylists, celebrities, and loyal fans. It has been an exciting and fulfilling journey so far…and I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love. I think that because I live in NY, being Chinese really isn’t that much of a factor. Fashion in the last few years has been very welcoming of new faces and ethnicities. That is one of the many reasons why I love New York. What inspired your design? Life and travel inspires me. I have been traveling the world since I was 6 months old. Every year, my family has always made a point of taking a vacation, and visiting a new country. Thankfully, I have had the chance to travel all over the world – places such as such as Rio De Janeiro, Paris, London, Copenhagen, Kyoto, Hong Kong, Tahiti, and most recently Morocco. I try to take the feelings and images I have collected from my journeys and create something new that recaptures that spirit. In fact, I have just introduced a collection inspired by my visit to Morocco. I know you've been to Hong Kong? What do you think of this city? And what interest you? Hong Kong really is a beautiful city. I appreciate it most at night. when you can see the lights of the city reflect in Hong Kong harbour. I’ve always been a city person – so I love seeing a bustling city filled with lights, people, and constant excitement. I love the food, the shopping, and of course, riding the legendary Star Ferry. Everywhere you turn, there’s people, lights, shopping, restaurants. It’s truly a city that never sleeps and I plan to return often. What type of music do you listen to? I listen to all types of music. It depends on what type of collection I’m working on at the time.Music keeps me going, and gives me energy. I can’t work without music. Most recently, I like listening to Gwen Stefani and the Black Eye Peas. Your style icon. Audrey Hepburn – ever since I was a little girl, I still remember the first time I watched her in “Sabrina” making her entrance at a party in a beautiful strapless Givenchy dress. Your fashion motto. If clothes makes the man, jewelry defines the woman. What's your poison? I love food. In fact, I live to eat at times and will travel miles and hours for that one great meal or craving. How is this a poison? Sometimes I overeat and feel so stuffed that I cannot move… ah, but what memories! I think that is common among many Hong Kong people. We all love food! What do you take with you on a Saturday night out? My Keys, my mobile, my wallet, and of course, always a great pair of earrings! If there was a fire, what would you grab? My passport – no matter what happens, I still want to be able to travel and see the world.
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