The trajectory of a young designer’s career often involves a critical juncture, a moment where the academic world yields to the practical demands of the industry. For Maggie Fan, a 2024 graduate of the esteemed Parsons School of Design, this pivotal point arrived with a potent blend of professional anticipation and personal introspection. While the conventional path after completing a four-year degree typically involves securing internships and freelance work within the fashion sphere, Fan found herself drawn to a different horizon—one of entrepreneurial independence. In a contemporary job market characterized by relentless applications and fierce competition for full-time positions, Fan harbored a secret aspiration: to forge her own path. Faced with the choice between the perceived stability of traditional employment and the bold investment in her own vision, she ultimately chose the latter, a decision that would fundamentally reshape her professional landscape. Today, Maggie Fan is living her dream as the full-time designer for Tang Chi Couture, an emerging avant-garde fashion label based in New York City. The brand is distinguished by its innovative reinterpretation of classic silhouettes, infused with striking details that have garnered significant attention within the editorial fashion industry. In a recent interview with EnVi, conducted via Zoom after a demanding studio day, Fan shared the intricate tapestry of her journey, weaving together the threads of her trials and triumphs.
From Taipei’s Charm to the Unrelenting Pulse of New York City
Fan’s formative years were steeped in the world of fashion, an influence that originated not from global icons but from the intimate setting of her childhood home in Taiwan. Her mother and older sister were her earliest muses, their shared passion for style creating an environment rich with sartorial inspiration. Fan vividly recalls her mother’s meticulously organized walk-in closet, a sanctuary of garments that served as a precursor to the "Get Ready With Me" phenomenon that would later captivate online audiences. "She really brings those kinds of inspirational moments into how people dress up for events," Fan observed, highlighting the inherent artistry in her mother’s approach to personal style.
The allure of fashion extended to her elder sister, who embarked on a career in the industry, engaging in photoshoot styling and amassing a collection of archival fashion books. Fan admitted to a childhood habit of "sneaking into her room and just looking at those beautiful images," a testament to the early fascination that would eventually guide her own professional endeavors.
Having relocated from Taiwan to the United States, Fan has now called New York City home for over six years. She articulates a profound appreciation for the city’s dynamic energy, stating, "You might get sick of New York City, but you would never get bored in New York City." This sentiment underscores the city’s unparalleled capacity to constantly inspire and challenge its inhabitants.
While New York City serves as the vibrant crucible for Tang Chi Couture’s creative output, Fan remains deeply connected to her Taiwanese heritage. The natural forms and textures found in Taiwan’s landscapes frequently inform the aesthetic of her designs. Furthermore, her upbringing has instilled a distinct approach to her creative process. "We live at a much slower pace than New York so it really affected me to have me slow down in my design process," she explained. This conscious integration of her roots with her artistic vision has allowed Fan to cultivate a design philosophy that is both deeply personal and universally imaginative.
The Creative Genesis of Tang Chi Couture
In an era where digital platforms often dominate inspiration gathering, Fan maintains a profound reverence for tangible resources. The enduring importance of coffee table books and print magazines remains central to her design methodology. For each collection, Fan initiates her preliminary research by actively collecting and curating rather than passively scrolling through online feeds. "When you design a fashion collection, you shouldn’t only look at the inspiration involved in fashion," she advised. "You need to look more outside of the world, like all of the art pieces in exhibitions." This holistic approach emphasizes drawing inspiration from a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, fostering a more profound and original creative output.
Fan elaborated on her creative process, emphasizing the significance of grounding conceptual frameworks in tangible, real-world observations. Her SS26 collection, for instance, was developed through a process of free experimentation, involving sketching and draping techniques. "You design while you create something in the process and then I lend it to the things that I like," she stated, illustrating a fluid and intuitive design methodology.
The narrative of each Tang Chi Couture piece is meticulously crafted, commencing with the creation of mood boards. Every design decision is a deliberate act, guided by introspective queries such as: "Is this the color that I want for this collection? Should there be a pop of color in there? Is it too dark or too light?" This detailed consideration is instrumental in visualizing and maintaining a cohesive aesthetic from the inception to the completion of each collection.
Despite the demanding nature of running a couture brand, Fan finds immense reward in the sense of community it fosters. "I enjoy seeing all those creatives out there, like the stylists or artists, how they sort of restyle my garments and give new life into the clothing that I created," she shared. She values the diverse perspectives and interpretations that stylists and artists bring to her work, noting, "It’s like a different aspect and perspective that I could give into my own clothing, so it’s definitely interesting to see that." This collaborative spirit enriches the brand’s narrative and expands the potential of each design.
Like many creatives, Fan’s professional journey has not been without its challenges. However, she navigates these complexities by trusting her intuition and embracing her convictions over succumbing to fear.
Charting the Course: Key Milestones and Emerging Triumphs
The aspiration to present at Fashion Week, showcasing one’s creations to industry leaders, is a shared dream among many designers. For Maggie Fan, this aspiration materialized when Tang Chi Couture was invited to participate in Flair Fashion’s runway showcase in London. This significant opportunity, however, was accompanied by considerable apprehension. "I was a little doubtful whether I should launch this couture brand. They reached out to me a few times when I was in college, but I never felt like I was ready for that kind of commitment," Fan confessed. Nevertheless, she ultimately recognized that Tang Chi Couture was not merely a deferred dream but a destined unfolding.
Approximately one year after her graduation from Parsons, Fan made a decisive move beyond her comfort zone by accepting the London showcase invitation. "It was definitely a big challenge because it’s the first runway that introduced my couture brand and it was overseas in London," Fan recounted. "So it had so many challenges, but I guess I’m the person who really likes to walk out of my comfort zone and take these kinds of challenges to push myself." The event provided a platform for her SS26 collection, titled "Silent Marks," and served as a poignant full-circle moment. Fan had previously studied abroad at the Central Saint Martins (CSM) during her college years and harbored a deep affection for London. "I really miss London, I love London. The vintage markets that I used to go to, like all those memories sort of came back," she excitedly recalled. This successful debut in London solidified Tang Chi Couture’s presence in the fashion landscape, signaling its readiness to be introduced to a global audience.
Cultivating Muses and Defining an Aesthetic
In the months following her London debut, Tang Chi Couture expanded its reach to Los Angeles through a showroom partnership with L.E.R. Public Relations. This strategic move quickly yielded significant exposure when celebrity stylist Enrique Melendez took notice of one of Fan’s designs.
The actress Leah Sava Jeffries, renowned for her role in Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, made a striking appearance at the show’s season two premiere in December 2025, gracing the red carpet in Fan’s SS26 look, "Tick-Tock." This unexpected moment, which garnered significant viral attention, was a profound surprise for Fan. "The accessories were initially inspired by the hour hands on the clock, so I think he sort of related that to the siren and anchor vibes in the show," Fan shared, reflecting on the stylistic synergy.
Melendez’s styling also involved a subtle yet impactful modification to the original design. "He switched the back of the necklace to the front so the long part kind of resonates with the anchor of the show, and that’s really interesting," Fan noted, highlighting the collaborative enhancement of her work.
While Jeffries has become a notable figure associated with Tang Chi Couture, the brand’s inspiration extends beyond a single individual. Fan’s deep-seated admiration for musical artist Lady Gaga, a "Little Monster" since childhood, has been a significant influence. "I grew up listening to her music in elementary school, like me and my dad would play her music in our cars so I really love her," Fan shared. She applauds Gaga’s fearless evolution of style over the years, a quality that resonates with Tang Chi Couture’s ethos of bold self-expression. Additionally, actress Anya Taylor-Joy’s dark yet elegant aesthetic was identified as a key embodiment of the brand’s identity.
Penning the Next Chapter: Future Aspirations and Enduring Principles
Looking ahead, Tang Chi Couture’s narrative will continue to be defined by a sophisticated blend of dark romance and refined elegance. As Fan diligently works behind the scenes to expand the brand, this new chapter represents just the beginning of its evolution.
Fan has ambitious plans for the upcoming year. "I am planning to do a collection this year. My goal for this year is to really create a new collection and then to participate in New York Fashion Week to have my own show," she announced. This ambitious objective signifies a deliberate progression, building upon the brand’s established foundation. She elaborated on her strategic approach: "For the first collection, I kind of held back because I wanted to observe what feedback the industry would give me. But for now, I think I’m ready to push further and challenge myself to do more experimental work." This willingness to embrace experimentation and push creative boundaries is indicative of a maturing design sensibility.
Fan envisions Tang Chi Couture exploring a wider array of creative avenues. "I definitely want to reach out to more stylists to have different creative collaborations. I want to participate more in the art and creative side, like maybe to do more films," she stated. She also aims to leverage New York City as a backdrop for her own photoshoots, further integrating the brand with the urban landscape.
When asked about the secret to sustaining a successful career in the demanding fashion industry, Fan offered a profound piece of advice: "Have a kind mindset and don’t be too easily influenced by other people’s opinions. It’s really, really important or else you’ll get too many unhealthy breakdowns throughout this journey. But yeah, just try to stay true to yourself." This emphasis on mental well-being and authentic self-expression underscores her mature approach to navigating the challenges of creative entrepreneurship.
In moments of stress, Fan finds solace and rejuvenation in exploring dog parks, a testament to her appreciation for nature and simple joys. "I think, and especially New York, is such a great place for a lot of amazing parks so that’s my favorite place to be in," she noted. Even in these moments of respite, Fan’s observant nature allows her to absorb the subtle details of her surroundings, which may inevitably find their way into future collections. While New York City may have served as Maggie Fan’s academic crucible, Tang Chi Couture is now embarking on a journey to define its own distinct narrative on the global fashion stage.
