December 1, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa
Designer Interview: CHia New York by June Chang
Are you gal’s fans of hardware, braidings, and various types of European leathers on handbags? I definitely am, and if you are too, listen up as I’ve got a couple of stuff to share. For the past couple of days, I’ve been pretty psyched out at the fact that I was given the privilege of conducting an interview with June Chang, designer and founder of CHîa New York. Pretty cool, huh? Miss. June Chang is a Taiwanese native who gained her inspiration off her families fine jewelry business. Collaborating bold hues with fine materials was taught to her, and in her works these artistic designs are still present. If you prefer deerskin, cowhide, buffalo or the delicate and smooth texture of lambskin, among her collection, you can find a variety of leathers to fit your taste. So you’re either a big bag type of girl, or you prefer the appeal of a feminine clutch, June Chang fulfills the wants of her customers by presenting various designs by CHîa for the consumer needs.

***June Chang Interview***
Deysa @ Bag Bliss: Share with us some exciting details of what to expect from CHîa New York for the upcoming season?
June Chang: For CHîa New York’s Fall09 collection, it’s a balance between sparkle and particle. You can expect more tailored, medium size and light-weight handbags For me, light-weight is the key.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: All of your bags are unique in their own way, but which design from your personal collection is your favorite?
June Chang: There are a couple of details that I’m obsessed with on each style of handbag I design. I tried to reach a balance and not overly design my collection. So, each style is unique yet simple. Blair is my favorite for Spring09.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: I read that your grandmother was a great inspiration to you, tell us about her style.
June Chang: My grandmother always taught me to observe things from different angles and to reach a balance in my life. Her style is modern, simple but extravagant. She loved to keep her outfits simple to showcase her own-designed jewelry.

She always mixed eastern and western elements into her daily life. She would mix a tailored & modified laced Chinese Qi-Pao (very much like a shift dress * down to the ankles) with a shawl and a pair of peep-toe heels. A simple but vivid color stone ring would be worn on her index finger to
contrast her laced shift dress.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: What are three of your favorite trends at the moment?
June Chang:
A) Convertible – Satchel/ messenger bag / Shoulder bag * all in one
B) Contemporary Clutches – less formal but with attitude
C) Turned locks or buckle as closure details

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: Name some designers that you admire.
June Chang: Comme des Garçons by Rei Kawakubo, Valextra, Judith Leiber, and Lyell by
Emma Fletcher.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: Which handbag are you carrying at the moment, and who is it by?
June Chang: CHîa New York * believe it or not; ever since my first bag was born, I’m always carrying my own handbags.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: List some stuff that we can find inside June Chang’s handbag, right now.
June Chang: Agenda, cell phone, lip gloss, sun glasses, hand sanitizer, small sketch pad, pens and my leather swatch book.

Deysa @ Bag Bliss: If you weren’t in the fashion industry, what would you be doing instead?
June Chang: Hmmm. very interesting. I switched from financial banking to fashion. I don’t know if I still would pick that route again at this timing. I would
definitely like to be a teacher in the future.

CHîa New York by June Chang:

The Moca- Who said petite handbags had to have petite straps? The fact that this satchel is essential for times of small needs and that its straps aren’t thin and fragile, is a plus in my book. Made of Italian Buffalo/Italian Cowhide leather.

The Ima- We are kicking the size up a notch with this beauty. It’s striking, elegant, and one of my favorite CHîa pieces. Foiled metallic Italian lambskin gives this shoulder bag a luscious appeal, making this a great evening piece, as well as a day clutch. I love the extra elegance of the metal chains and a detachable shoulder strap can be found on this piece as well. …and of course, how cute is that bow?

The Asianna- Made of Italian Buffalo/Italian Cowhide leather, the Asianna is my favorite big bag by CHîa. Its details are beyond amazing. First of all, that rich and glossy hue is striking. I’m a fan of braided handles and the thick braids found on this piece are just perfect. A front pocket with the turn lock hardware and the shape of the satchel itself is excellent! If you love the Asianna, you can find it in grey and black as well.

The Nora- For the tote lovers, CHîa presents the Nora. Made of Italian embossed deerskin leather and measuring 14” x 16” x 3”, it’s big but not bulky. Double detachable shoulder straps can be found on this bag and it retails for $488.

You can purchase CHîa goods via the internet at: Chiainc.net

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