Fashion Rave: A Look at Designer Richard Chai

• Born in Westchester, New York in the mid 1970’s

• Asian American Designer

• Attended Parson School of Design in NY

• Chai interned at Oscar de la Renta, Geoffrey Beene and Dior. Chai went to Paris, and studied fashion design at the Lissa School, working part-time at the house of Lanvin

• First position was at Armani Exchange, then Donna Karen.

• From 1998 to 2001 Chai worked as Design Director for Marc Jacobs, for the launch of the "Marc" line.

• In 2001 he joined TSE cashmere house as Creative Design Director. He designed TSE collections for several seasons starting SS 03

• In 2004 Richard Chai started his own women's label

• Chai received an Ecco Domani Award in 2005

• In 2008 Chai’s launched a menswear line, & designed a collection for Target.

• Richard Chai made the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Funds top ten finalists.

My Interest

I'm fascinated with Richard Chai’s modern designs with traditional detailing like hand stitching, bias tapes and French seams, and the use of fine knits. I like how Chai creates casual clothes and pairs them up with surprising fabrics, like silks mixed with wools and twill with Georgette. He uses refined French seams and origami folds. His work represents the chic minimalist.

Minimalist Chic Spring 2005

Chai uses crisp fabrics, sateen, organza, twill and Georgette. He has a muted palette of gray, white, light tan, pale yellow and mint green. Chai keeps shapes tailored. The neutral palette that he uses in this spring season is now returning this spring 2011, as well as sheer transparent fabrics.

Sophisticated & Contemporary 2008
Richard Chai for Target collection offers an assortment of tailored separates and chic dresses featuring graffiti

rose print which is trendy for the spring, Georgette skirts and jersey tanks in purples, greens, and blues.