Fashion Blogger Interview: La Mode by GV Miao

Today we meet Vicki, blogger of La Mode by GV Miao.

Hi Vicki, tell us a little bit about yourself. 

Born in the US, I have lived a kind of nomadic lifestyle between Hong Kong and Taiwan, Taiwan and Perth, Perth and Europe and so on since I was a child. My multicultural background has exposed me to various lifestyles and different attitudes towards fashion yet even strengthened my motherland ties and my pride in being Chinese. Having worked in visual merchandising and marketing for the brands such as Ralph Lauren and TSE New York, I was trained to have a good eye on fashion and luxury goods. I don't believe fashion as an individual entity, it has got to be linked up with history and culture. I'm especially keen on the design inspired by oriental aesthetics. I see it kind of my mission to bring any talented Chinese/Asian designers to the world’s attention.

Why did you initially decide to start a blog? 

I first set up my blog and facebook fan page in Jan/Feb 2010. I guess it's my enthusiasm for and faith on fashion. 

What is the story behind your blog's title? 

GV Miao is the short form for my pseudonym, Gwen Vikkey Miao. I've got a feeling that bloggers from all over the world are doing more or less the same thing. Being conscious of my Chinese heritage, I tend to make my blog unique and genuine by specializing myself in oriental-inspired fashion with eastern motifs cross-fertilizing western styles which brings an exotic feel to it. You may find my blog exceptionally different from American/European bloggers' in terms of style, theme and choice of topics. 

How would you describe your style? 

Victorian romance; classy and elegant yet not without details; stylishly feminine and bohemian chic; oriental glamorous. 

Who are your favorite designers? 

Anna Sui, Vivienne Tam, Shiatzy Chen, Tsumori Chisato, Matthew Williamson, Elie Saab, Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri for Valentino.

Who inspires your wardrobe and why?

I guess it's my mom who's been a seamstress all her life. 

Where are your favorite places to shop? 

Either shop my favorite brands in their shops or unique fashion boutiques by independent designers, vintage clothing stores, chain stores selling fast fashion is not my option.

What clothing item would you say is timeless? 

One-piece dresses or jumpsuits with a perfect silhouette, trench coats, cape style cardigans, lightweight blouses, perfectly fitted jeans, hot pants, patent leather pumps, fedora hats.