Vivienne Tam
Vivienne Tam | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 28, 1957 Guangzhou, Guangdong, China |
| Occupation | Fashion designer |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Known for | Fashion design integrating Chinese heritage and East–West aesthetics; founder of Vivienne Tam label; author of China Chic |
Vivienne Tam (, born November 28, 1957) is a fashion designer operating out of New York City. Originally from Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, she relocated to Hong Kong at the age of three and pursued her studies at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
The Vivienne Tam label is known for integrating elements of Chinese heritage, contemporary fashion, and an East–West aesthetic, first introduced through the EAST WIND CODE collection. She is the author of China Chic, which examines the fusion of Chinese and Western design influences, drawing inspiration from cultural icons like her mother’s cheongsam. Tam has partnered with Hewlett-Packard to create designer netbook models, including the HP Mini 1000 and HP Mini 210. Her brand also expanded into digital realms such as the dressup platform Stardoll and she contributed costume designs for the Animax animated feature LaMB.
In Spring 2013, she unveiled a collaboration with the Chinese jewelry company TSL during her runway show.
Early life
Born in Guangzhou, China, Vivienne Tam moved with her family to Hong Kong when she was three years old. Her parents' background as affluent landowners during Mao Zedong’s era influenced her notable "MAO" collection. Inspired by her mother’s skill in tailoring, Tam began creating clothing for herself and her siblings by age eight. She attended a Catholic school where she learned English while maintaining Cantonese at home. Tam earned a Higher Diploma in Fashion Design from Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Career
Following graduation, Tam relocated to New York City to establish her fashion enterprise. She launched East Wind Code in March 1982—a name meaning "good luck and prosperity" in Chinese. Production took place in Hong Kong while her design studio was located on West 38th Street in New York City. After ten years, she rebranded under her own name, "Vivienne Tam," prior to showcasing at New York Fashion Week.
East-West synthesis
Vivienne Tam is celebrated for merging Eastern traditions with Western fashion sensibilities. Rooted in her Hong Kong upbringing and Chinese cultural background, she acts as a conduit between these worlds. Her collections frequently embody yin-yang principles, blending heritage with contemporary innovation.
Her objective is to enhance Western understanding of Chinese culture through apparel that highlights national costume as a form of artistic expression, creativity, and historical richness.
Collections and contributions
Her initial lines incorporated classic Chinese motifs, fabrics, and design elements that resonated with style-conscious women attracted to Asian-inspired aesthetics.
MAO Collection
In 1995, Tam partnered with artist Zhang Hongtu on the provocative "MAO" series. Both having endured familial suffering under Mao’s regime, this collaboration served as a form of psychological catharsis. The collection featured playful depictions of Mao—such as "Mao so Young," portraying him with pigtails—and garments influenced by the "Zhongshan suit" or "Mao suit," adorned with monochromatic Mao imagery.
Tam characterized this work as reflecting Mao’s intricate influence on Chinese society. The collection generated debate within the Asian American community due to its sensitive content and encountered production obstacles along with protests. Nonetheless, select pieces have been acquired by permanent exhibits at institutions including the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Museum in Los Angeles, Texas Fashion Collection, and New York's Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Year of the Dragon
Launched in the spring of 2001, this series was influenced by Asian traditions and incorporated Buddha motifs. Tam's objective was to bring the Buddha symbol into everyday life, extending its presence beyond conventional temple environments.
Business Growth
Tam ventured into the footwear market in 1996 by creating a shoe collection for Candie's. The next year marked the opening of her inaugural retail outlet in New York City, which was soon followed by additional stores in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Kobe, Japan.
Spring/Summer 2017 Collections
During New York Fashion Week in the fall of 2016, Tam unveiled her Spring/Summer line that prominently featured well-known Houston emblems. This project, in partnership with Visit Houston and Asian Wives Club, aimed to offer a new interpretation of Houston’s cultural essence.
Fall/Winter 2018 Collection
In February 2018, Tam introduced her Fall/Winter line inspired by a spiritual expedition across the Himalayas to Tibet. The collection made its debut at Gallery I within Spring Studios.