Asian Fashion Designer

Anna Sui

Anna Sui was born in 1955, in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from a high school in Detroit, Michigan, Anna Sui moved to New York City to attend Parsons School of Design. While at Parsons, Sui found a collaborator and a close friend in Steven Meisel, today one of the world's top fashion photographers. In 1980, Sui presented six original pieces at the Boutique Show and immediately received an order from Macy's, who featured one of her designs in a “New York Times” advertisement. In 1991, Anna Sui premiered her first runway show, featuring her signature "head-to-toe" look and prompting the New York Times to proclaim it a "pastiche of hip and haute styles." In 1993, Sui won the prestigious CFDA Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. In May 1997, the first of three Anna Sui freestanding boutiques in Asia opened in Tokyo. The second opened in Osaka in the fall of that same year. Another Osaka venue opened in 2000. In 1997, Anna Sui Shoes premiered on her runway for fall 1997. Manufactured by Ballin in Venice, Italy, the shoe collection is comprised of both day and evening styles, and include velvet, silk, patent leather, snake and lizard skin, shearing and suede. In 1999, Anna Sui opened her Los Angeles boutique in Sunset Plaza, in West Hollywood. Sui launched her signature fragrance and cosmetic line. In October 1997, Anna Sui signed a fragrance licensing deal with Wella AG of Germany to develop a signature fragrance. For Fall 2000, Sui Dreams, the second Anna Sui fragrance launched worldwide. Called a designer that "never panders" by The New York Times, Anna Sui continues to design and manufacture her signature Anna Sui Collection in her New York City headquarters. Her runway shows continue to set trends and inspire designers everywhere. Sui's signature wit and original designs draw legions of devotees to her pieces, including clients Patricia Arquette, Christina Ricci, Cher, Naomi Campbell, Sofia Coppola, Courtney Love of Hole and James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins.