Q&A with Vancouver expat Su-Hui Chu, the designer behind Ella Peru
By Karolyne Ellacott
Ella Peru's Su-Hui Chu (Image: Karolyne Ellacott)
This week we popped into Su-Hui Chu’s studio on Ossington. Chu is the designer behind Ella Peru, a fashion line that has made waves in the Vancouver scene ever since its award-winning debut in 2009. We chatted with the vivacious Chu about her move to Hogtown and her soon-to-be-released Holiday 2011-12 collection.
So, you very recently relocated to Toronto after making a name for yourself out West. Why the big move?
To be honest, I feel like Ella Peru was doing pretty well, but I couldn’t see it growing much more in Vancouver. Vancouver’s great, but it has a very small community when it comes to fashion.
How do you find the T.O. fashion scene compared to the Van City one?
The fashion scene here is huge in comparison. I feel a bit intimidated by it! I find that a lot of the fashion back in Vancouver has a craftier twist to it; I was looking for a more fashion-forward city. I’m excited to find out more about the scene here and really explore it.
Who are your favourite Hogtown designers?
I love Chloé Comme Parris and actually share studio space with Chloé; she’s a great girl and she and her sister have an incredible line with a very distinct, very fashion-forward aesthetic. Otherwise, I’ve always really liked Dace — the designer [Dace Moore] is from Vancouver and she makes some really great stuff.
What is the inspiration behind your Holiday 2011-12 collection?
I started doing a Holiday collection with the typical ‘holiday’ in mind, thinking about friends and family and good times, just like the way I grew up in Ottawa. I try not to look at fashion magazines too much, and I try not to be overly involved in the whole fashion scene–I don’t want to be too influenced by the designs of others.
What’s your favourite piece from the Holiday collection, and how do you envision wearing it?
My favourite piece is the cardigan — I really like the print! It’s got really big sleeves and an ‘80s theme to it. it’s the sort of thing you can wear with everything. I always aim to create something edgy, but something very wearable at the same time.
Where can we find Ella Peru in the city?
Right now I’m available at Charlie Boutique on Queen West and Model Citizen in Kensington. I’m hoping to get more boutiques carrying me, but I’ve been so busy working, I haven’t had the chance to check everything out!
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Reader Comments:
I've been a huge Ella Peru fan ever since I fell in love with Chu's edgy yet wearable designs back in 2009. I must admit I'm heartbroken to hear she has left Vancouver but am really excited to see how the big lights of TO will influence her future creations. Definitely a Canadian designer to keep an eye on! Thank you Chu, just know - Vancouver LOVES you!!!
Ella Peru is now in Toronto? No way!