9-5 with Doris Chang, Head Designer

Meet Le Tote’s Head Designer Doris Chang. A Parsons School of Design alumni, she’s been in fashion for more than a decade. With a résumé that boasts of roles at Rachel Roy, Sam Edelman and Dolce Vita, Doris joined Le Tote a year ago as a design director and quickly made her way to the top as Head Designer. Most recently, she spearheaded the launch of Sabié. Over to her for more.  

What do you love most about design?
The creativity, the sketching, the entire process really. Sometimes it gets chaotic but I find sketching to be therapeutic. Also, when I see the actual garment on a customer, it’s very rewarding.

Who is your style icon?
Emmanuelle Alt, the editor of Vogue, France, is my fashion icon. She is the definition of effortless chic — jeans, t-shirt and a blazer.

What’s the fashion mantra you swear by?
Comfort equals confidence. Everyone has their own aesthetic and should wear what works for them. No one should feel like they have to wear a certain trend just because it’s ‘in’ for the season.

What are some staples every woman should invest in?
The number one staple is a really good leather moto jacket because it goes with everything — from sweatpants and tees to an evening gown! You also have to have a white t-shirt to wear with your blue jeans casually, or if you need to dress it up with your heels. And last but not the least, a great pair of jeans. I recommend FRAME and rag & bone.

Finally, five things we should know about you?

  1. Old movies, art and TV shows are my go-to for some fashion inspiration. I love Patricia Fields work in Sex and the City and more recently Younger. I also watch a lot of trashy reality shows but that’s just plain guilty pleasure!
  2. My grandmother was a wedding dress designer in Korea, so fashion pretty much runs in my genes.
  3. I was an extra in an episode of Full House. I was probably 10 or 11 years old and this was before I had a mullet!  

  4. I have 15 pairs of jeans and I never take out my earrings, ever.
  5. I strongly think that Celine should bring Phoebe Philo back!

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