Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine

Talking to Jenny Yen of JY Star Apparel I am impressed with not only her sense of style but also her incredible business acumen. In 6 years she has gone from designing part-time to owner of Jy Star Apparel and co-owner in Slick Chick Agency which currently markets the work of 4 local designers. She manages to do it all and do it very well.

Yen was always interested in the arts and a fashion design course offered in high school gave a head start to her career. While in Toronto for 4 years studying Fashion Design at Ryerson University, she apprenticed for Amera Couture drawing illustrations for their 100-piece line and eventually becoming an assistant designer. This intensive work experience gave her firsthand knowledge from the inside as to what it takes to run a successful company. A short stint followed as a costume designer and then it was back to Vancouver where the local scene, unlike today, was only just beginning to blossom. Reworking clothing at True Value Vintage paid the bills while she laboured at home developing her first 10-piece collection. In the beginning she had to fill all roles - financier, designer, drafter, sample maker, production manager, sales agent, etc. 6 years later the company has grown and some of these jobs have fallen to others while she continues to build her company and produce garments with her unique sense of style.

When Yen designs garments all pieces must first be wearable. They need to be modern with contemporary cuts, and have excellent proportions while reflecting current trends such as a looser fit and higher waistlines. Her CiCi and Hylas & Nymph clothing lines for Fall 2007 are partly inspired by the jungle with lots of greens and browns, a few animal prints, and even some silk-screening. Hints of Asian culture are infused throughout. Unique pieces include the Panterine Top with a cheetah silk-screened on the wide collar and a skirt sporting pleats down the center front seam giving the waist of the skirt a tulip shape. The pants, skirts and capris are fashioned out of appealing blended fabrics with a small amount of lycra for ease of fit. Spring 2008 sees the combining of the 2 lines under the CiCi label. Inspiration is the 60's with shiny floral prints, soft slinky knits, and cotton wovens (including some blends). There are floral tops and dresses with a retro feel; in fact one dress is called "Twiggy". Also included are flowing knit dresses and tops that are the ultimate in comfort, each with an unusual twist to make them stand out such as a racer back with gathering, a pleated neck, or a bubble hem. The woven skirts, shorts, and pants are sewn with exquisite tailoring and detail work. Both seasons are strong lines that will appeal to an urban clientele.

CiCi and Hylas & Nymph can be found in the lower mainland at Pleasant Girl, Dream, Liquid Clothing, Life of Riley, Spank, Tutta Mia, Riot, Room 6. For other locations in Canada and the U.S. please visit the website at www.jystarapparel.com.