When I first started going to Shenzhen for work, I was introduced to a place called OCT loft (literally Overseas Chinese Town) where I found the Little Thing Shop – a creative assembly of indie Chinese and Asian labels of crafty bits and pieces from all around the world, as well as their own clothing line, handmade jewelry and patchwork furniture. This is where I met Susan Oei and her perfume fragrance brand MS. Chic. MS. Chic carries a variety of styles, with items ranging from statement jewelry to accessories. Each piece is carefully designed and created by Susan personally, and the result is always fun and unique. Whether you’re looking for a more preppy accessory, or something casual and laid back, MS. Chic really does carry it all.
How did you get started with your brand?
I was always interested in DIY and my mum collects perfume miniatures, those tiny bottles are so cute and stunning. It was just a random idea that popped into my mind: try to combine accessories with perfume miniatures, in order to make them become wearable stuff, instead of them just sitting in a wardrobe. I believe that a perfume fragrance says a lot about one’s mood and personality. I wanted to make a unique design of accessories with perfume miniatures, which truly represent the unique you and can make you chic!
How long did it take you to gain a strong following for your brand?
Even now I wouldn’t say “I have gained a strong following”. But to put it another way, it took approximately a year to start gaining public awareness, mainly because bloggers did some features about me.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I like using different raw materials to create unique pieces and represent different themes. It’s just like in the laboratory, with lots of test tubes containing different chemicals. If you mix them together, you might get amazing results due to the chemical reaction. That’s why I offer custom made services, because everyone has their own creativity and you never know the end result. There’s lots of communication involved.
What is the most challenging thing?
To be honest, every single part is a challenge because it is absolutely a brand-new thing for me but it is an extraordinary experience! However, at this moment, the most challenging thing is how to use limited resources in different ways to get the most effective result.
What is the major aim or goal in what you do?
I want to open a select shop, so I can provide another platform for designers, especially local designers to show their creative work.
What are some of your favourite fashion trends and styles currently?
Fashion trends change from time to time, so I don’t follow trends blindly. I like to mix and match trends into my daily outfits without looking like a fashion victim. And I always choose timeless essentials.
Do you think the power of social media is impacting on the fashion industry?
Hugely! And it is still increasing and I think it is not just impacting on the fashion industry. This decade, the Internet and new social media platforms are taking over traditional social media. A hashtag makes it easier for users to find messages with a specific theme or content. Wherever you are, just searching for that hashtag will then present each message that has been tagged with it. That didn’t happen twenty years ago. It’s a lot easier for people to get information.
What advice do you have for other young people who would like to get into this type of work?
Be patient. Be creative. Be brave