Sexy, sumptuous and spikey; a rather glamorous rule of three which can be applied to the entirety of Asian American designer Chet Lo’s collections thus far.
Governed by a philosophy that clothes can be “meaningful, have something to say and also look hot,” as the designer himself tells ES Best, it certainly makes sense that his figure-hugging creations have captured the hearts and imaginations of the modern fashion elite.
It also makes sense, then, that Lo would produce one of the sexiest brand collaborations of all time – with none other than Tinder. ‘The Lovestruck Collection’ has been designed with rather prickly lovers in mind, featuring wonderfully wearable t-shirts with slogans such as “Don’t Be Sad. Ur So Hot”, “Chaotic” and “No-one’s Type.” Described as an ‘ode to the realness of modern dating’, the collection celebrates the unique dating journeys of modern individuals, all the while shouting from the rooftops that if you want me, you better put in the work.
A graduate of the Central Saint Martins BA Knitwear course, Lo is capable of making knitwear do unimaginable things. Inspired by the endless possibilities associated with textile creation while studying, Lo would go on to create his very own signature knit blend which seems to bend, stretch and manoeuvre to suit the contours of the wearer’s body.
Figure-hugging, tactile and full of 90s charm while boasting contemporary technical brilliance, Lo’s signature spikes aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
We caught up with the inimitable designer ahead of fashion week to get the Chet Lo-down on all his favourite things.
What have you been up to lately?
I’ve been working on this next collection. Then we had our Tinder launch, and now it’s very much go-time again.
What is the inspiration behind your latest collection?
This collection was really inspired by preservation and the Terracotta Army. It's inspired by this idea of the army awakening and the pure strength of that. So, we visualised this idea of metallics and clay bursting out. For me, it was a response to growing up and being bullied – this was kind of my way of circumventing myself.
What would your dream capsule wardrobe look like?
A lot of Comme de Garçons, a lot of Miyake, and there are some really amazing archive pieces that I've been gagging over since I started – there’s that one fall/winter 2010 Dior haute couture collection. It would be quite chic.
What's your favourite item in your wardrobe right now?
Right now, I mean it sounds a bit narcissistic, but I only wear my own pieces. I’ve been working really hard in the past couple of collections to actually make wearable pieces which are relatable to our modern demographic, and we’ve been creating pieces that really are easily integrated into wardrobes.
What does the perfect night-out outfit consist of?
I think something really sexy. Something super fun to show off my assets. For my recent collaboration with Tinder, we made these really cute “Chaotic” vests which I love wearing because they show everything off, and they also tell you a little bit about my personality. Very chaotic. I also like a really short miniskirt or some sexy trousers. Always a heel as well. Always. Like, six inches – the taller the better. Closer to God.
Likewise, what's the perfect first date outfit?
I always wear a vest when I go on first dates because, again, I have to show off my assets. A really cute, conversation-starting piece would be essential. Maybe not something spikey, but also something sexy – we have this really cute leather jacket that we’ve made for previous seasons. Something that’s a bit quirky, that prompts whoever I’m on a date with to say, “Oh, that’s cute.”
What are your wellness essentials?
For mental and spiritual wellness, I always burn some Palo Santo at night. I’m from New York, and I’ve got a very LA love for crystals and stuff like that. I love this La Roche Posay cleanser that I have, I literally cannot go a single day without it. That’s everything to me.
How do you spark creativity?
I look at what people are wearing nowadays. I love telling stories, and I reflect on my own life. My therapy sessions are constantly my sources of inspiration. And then I always tend to draw visual inspiration from those stories. When I can't think of anything, I just look back at my journals and kind of think, what is really freaking hard for me to think about? What is difficult to contextualize? And then I draw from there.
When it comes to dressing down, what are your favourite loungewear pieces?
It sounds very boujee of me, but I do love cashmere. If you’re dressing head to toe in cashmere, that’s when you know you've made it.
What are your pre-show rituals?
I always take a beautiful bath right before with lots of candles, bath salts and essential oils. I mean, I end up always having to go to something the night before, but I get home early and take it really chilled. In the morning, I wake up super early because I can never sleep and have a really nice coffee and breakfast. Then, you just wish for the best really.
What is the most romantic thing you own?
I have this book of sheet music that my ex-boyfriend gave me, which is probably one of the most romantic things that I have.
