Sofrie Jasman
SJ Sofrie Jasman
CQ: So you’re a successful fashion designer—how did it all start?
SJ: I won't say I'm successful as of yet. My baby is still pretty young and there's so much potential for growth. Since young I knew that my heart lies in fashion. I went to Lasalle College of the Art and majored in Fashion Design, had an internship with Donna Karan and a year later I decided that I wanted to start my own label.
CQ: And tell me about your internship in the United States—what was it like to be behind the scenes at Fashion Week NY?
SJ: Coming from the sunny island of Singapore, it was all too surreal for me. I've experienced and learned things that I will never learn from sitting behind a desk. I think I left my heart in NYC. I love that city, as cliche as that may sound.
CQ: I understand the world of fashion is very competitive and cutthroat—if “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Ugly Betty” are to be taken as accurate portrayals. Can you tell us what the craziness is like and how you keep your head above it?
SJ: There's a certain truth to what everyone sees in The Devil Wears Prada and Ugly Betty. I am lucky to have worked with some of the loveliest people. When I'm in the middle of an awkward/sticky situation, I just brush it off or deal with it professionally. Is it weird that I love fashion but I'm not into the scene? (CQ: Not at all!)
Photography by Sofrie Jasman
CQ: From start to end, how is a regular day for Sofrie Jasman?
SJ: Are we going into everything? Little details like how I like my eggs sunny side up and sausages with a slice of toast on the side? LOL Emails, meetings, phone calls, the usual. Some days it can be really busy and other days not so. I am obsessed with fashion magazines; yup—I'm old fashioned like that. I prefer flipping the pages.
CQ: What was the most challenging part about staring a brand?
SJ: Apart from the production of the garments I was pretty much on my own. This one-man show business is not for the faint of heart. I conceptualised, sketched, designed, etc. I did everything myself. The most challenging thing for me would be coming up with beautiful designs but it was not produced or executed like how I envisioned it to be. I would usually get my way in the end and it would be done eventually. I am persistent like that.
CQ: What advice do you have for others who might wish to start their own fashion lines?
SJ: Believe in whatever you do and do not lose sight of your goals. Never doubt yourself.
CQ: Where do you see the SJ Sofrie Jasman brand going in the future?
SJ: Hopefully we can branch out and go global—and a fashion show in NYC would be a dream come true.
CQ: Do you have any general words of wisdom for the readers?
SJ: Be true to yourself and never conform to someone else's idea of beauty.
