The transition from academia to the professional world often presents a complex landscape of ambition, uncertainty, and burgeoning self-discovery. For Maggie Fan, a 2024 graduate of the prestigious Parsons School of Design, this pivotal moment was met with a familiar blend of excitement and introspection. While the conventional path might have suggested a continued trajectory of internships and freelance work within the fashion industry, Fan harbored a deeper aspiration: independence. In a job market characterized by fierce competition and an overwhelming volume of applications, she envisioned a different future, one where she could cultivate her own creative vision. This decision to invest in herself, rather than seeking immediate stability, has led her to a fulfilling role as a full-time designer for the ascendant New York City-based fashion label, Tang Chi Couture. The brand has quickly carved out a niche for itself with its avant-garde reinterpretation of classic silhouettes, distinguished by striking details that have garnered significant attention within the editorial sphere. In a recent interview with EnVi over Zoom, following a demanding studio day, Fan shared the narrative of her journey, punctuated by both challenges and triumphs.
From Humble Beginnings in Taiwan to the Bustling Streets of New York
Fan’s passion for fashion was not sparked by distant celebrities but by the intimate influences within her own family. Raised in Taiwan, her formative years were steeped in the world of style, largely influenced by her mother and sister’s profound appreciation for fashion. She vividly recalls her mother’s dedicated walk-in closet, a treasure trove of garments that served as an early inspiration. "She really brings those kinds of inspirational moments into how people dress up for events," Fan remarked, drawing a parallel to the now-ubiquitous "Get Ready With Me" online content.
The sartorial thread extended to her sister, who embarked on a career in fashion, styling photoshoots and curating a collection of archival fashion books. Fan confesses to often "sneaking into her room and just looking at those beautiful images," a childhood habit that foreshadowed her own future in the industry.
Having resided in New York City for over six years, Fan has embraced its dynamic spirit. She acknowledges its status as a global fashion capital but also highlights its enduring allure: "you might get sick of New York City, but you would never get bored in New York City." This vibrant energy, however, has not detached her from her roots. Many of Tang Chi Couture’s designs subtly echo the natural forms found in Taiwan’s environment, a reflection that also informs her design 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 mindful approach, blending her upbringing with her creative vision, has been instrumental in building a brand that feels both deeply personal and universally imaginative.
The Creative Crucible: Inside the Mind of Tang Chi Couture
In an era where digital content often dominates, Fan maintains a deep respect for tangible sources of inspiration, such as coffee table books and print magazines, recognizing their enduring importance. Her approach to preliminary research for each collection is rooted in a tactile process of collection rather than passive scrolling. "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."
For her Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Fan emphasized the significance of grounding conceptual ideas in tangible, real-world observations. This initial research phase then seamlessly transitions into a period of free experimentation, where sketching and draping take center stage. "You design while you create something in the process and then I lend it to the things that I like," she articulated.
The genesis of each Tang Chi Couture piece lies in meticulous detail, beginning with the creation of mood boards. Every design choice is carefully considered, guided by internal dialogue 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 rigorous process is essential for visualizing and maintaining the aesthetic integrity of each collection from its inception to its final realization.
Fan also finds profound value in the collaborative spirit that surrounds her couture brand. The sense of community, she explains, is what she treasures most. "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. This variety of perspectives and interpretations offers "a different aspect and perspective that I could give into my own clothing, so it’s definitely interesting to see that."
Like many creatives navigating the fashion industry, Fan’s career path has not been without its deviations. However, she approaches the inherent uncertainties and challenges by trusting her intuition rather than succumbing to fear.
Stepping Stones to Success: Overcoming Hurdles and Embracing Challenges
The aspiration to present at Fashion Week, showcasing one’s creations to industry tastemakers, is a shared dream among many designers. For Fan, this ambition materialized last year at Flair Fashion’s runway showcase in London. However, such significant opportunities are often accompanied by formidable challenges. Fan candidly shared her initial reservations: "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." Ultimately, she realized that Tang Chi Couture was not a dream to be postponed but rather a destiny to be embraced.
Approximately one year after graduating from Parsons, Fan took a bold leap beyond her comfort zone by accepting the invitation to present her collection in London. "It was definitely a big challenge because it’s the first runway that introduced my couture brand and it was overseas in London," Fan reminisced. "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 not only showcased the visual narrative of her SS26 collection, titled "Silent Marks," but also served as a profound full-circle moment. Having studied abroad at the Central Saint Martins (CSM) during her college years, Fan expressed a deep affection for London, recalling cherished memories of vintage markets that had a significant impact on her aesthetic.
With her presence firmly established in the fashion landscape, Tang Chi Couture was poised for its global unveiling.
Finding Muses and Making an Impact: Celebrity Endorsements and Artistic Collaborations
Less than three months after 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 soon led to a significant development when one of Fan’s designs caught the attention of celebrity stylist Enrique Melendez.
The actress Leah Sava Jeffries, a rising star in the entertainment industry, made a memorable appearance at the season two premiere of Disney+’s "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" in December 2025, gracing the red carpet in Fan’s SS26 look, "Tick-Tock." This unexpected endorsement resulted in a viral red carpet moment, bringing considerable attention to the young designer. "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 explained, noting how Melendez adeptly connected the design elements to the show’s themes.
Melendez’s creative styling further elevated the piece. Fan was particularly intrigued by his modification of 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," she observed. This collaborative spirit of reinterpretation and adaptation highlights the dynamic relationship between designer and stylist.
While Jeffries has emerged as a significant figure associated with Tang Chi Couture, the brand’s inspirations extend beyond a single celebrity. Fan’s initial passion, even before her deep immersion in fashion, was ignited by Lady Gaga. As a devoted "Little Monster," Fan grew up listening to Gaga’s music, a shared experience with her father. She deeply admires the artist’s fearless evolution of style throughout her career, recognizing Gaga’s willingness to stand out and embrace individuality. Furthermore, actress Anya Taylor-Joy’s distinctively dark yet elegant aesthetic resonated with Fan, embodying the core essence of Tang Chi Couture.
Turning a New Page: Future Aspirations and the Art of Storytelling
Looking ahead, Tang Chi Couture’s identity will continue to be shaped by its commitment to storytelling, weaving together threads of dark romance and refined elegance. As Fan diligently cultivates the brand behind the scenes, this new chapter promises further growth and creative exploration.
Fan revealed her ambitious plans for the current 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." This strategic expansion into a major fashion capital signifies a growing confidence and readiness to engage with the industry on a larger scale. She acknowledges the importance of reflecting on her past experiences to inform future endeavors. "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," she added.
Fan envisions Tang Chi Couture expanding its creative concepts through diverse 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, indicating a desire to explore interdisciplinary artistic collaborations. She also aims to leverage New York City as a backdrop for more of her own photoshoots, utilizing the city’s iconic landscapes to further enhance her brand’s visual narrative.
Her advice for maintaining longevity in the demanding fashion industry is rooted in personal well-being and authenticity: "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."
When the pressures of her demanding schedule become overwhelming, Fan finds solace and rejuvenation in exploring dog parks. "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 remains attuned to the subtle details of her surroundings, which often find their way into her creative work. While New York City has served as her formative ground, Tang Chi Couture is now embarking on a journey into a boundless world of creative expression.
