Who says you can’t travel and look fashionable? Canadian fashion designer Jenna Pearce is so inspired by her life abroad that she has developed her own clothing line, Rice Society, here in Taiwan. As our third and final interview on nomadic artists who are living out their dreams on the other side of the ocean, Jenna demonstrates that all you need is a little gumption to follow the path to your heart’s greatest desires.
Taiwan peeps, don’t forget to head on down to Huashan Culture Park this Saturday and Sunday to show your support for Jenna!
MSW: Thanks very much for agreeing to the interview Jenna. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
JP: Clothes have been something I’ve thought about everyday since I was a little kid. In Grade 4, I remember watching FTV (Fashion Television) and seeing a model open her fur coat at the end of the runway to reveal her bare chest. Whoa! I was hooked after that, and watched it almost everyday after school. I was amazed with the fashion world, totally obsessed. I started making my own clothes when I was about 16. I discovered the rave scene, and made new outfits for each party. It was a good place to nurture my creativity. (I think I rocked a huge Erykah Badu style head wrap with rainbow stripes and a matching dress to one party. Over the top ridiculous, but fun!)
I came to Taiwan in 2002 to teach English, and became even more inspired with fashion, as there was just so much going on. It blew my mind. I took a Singer sewing course here teaching dressmaking techniques and basic pattern making, but the class only left me with the desire to learn more, much more. I got into the Fashion Design program at Blanche MacDonald, moved to Vancouver for a year and a half to complete the intensive training, and graduated with Honors in 2006. Shortly after school, I made a dress for Miss B.C. to compete for Canada in the Miss World Pageant. I returned to Taiwan CNY of 2007 and have been doing custom work under my label, Rice Society, ever since. I love collaborating on outfits for private clients, with my vision adapted to their preferences. I think fit is extremely important, as it is what makes you look and feel the best in a garment. As a small independent designer, I have the flexibility to do one-of-a-kind garments that aren’t restricted by factory sizing, production or pattern requirements.
MSW: In addition to teaching, you are also making a living as a fashion designer. How did you first become involved in the industry here in Taiwan?
JP: I really wanted to keep up the momentum I gained in university after coming back to Taiwan, so I began by buying fabric and getting seamstresses to sew up garments for myself. I had a lot of conflicts over how I wanted it made, how the pattern should be cut, what correct fabric to use, etc. I just wanted more control. After one particularly embarrassing episode, I got fed up and bought my own Juki industrial sewing machine so I didn’t have to rely on someone else (or pay them tons of money). A Singer serger soon followed. That gave me the freedom to make clothes whenever I wanted! I made custom garments for myself and clients, mostly friends. My outfits caught the attention of Rock In Hose, Taiwan’s foremost Burlesque Troupe, and I outfitted all 5 members with leggings to use for their performances. As a result of this, the leggings were picked up by a local store, NEU, which I am still stocking. I started my blog, Rice Society, at the beginning of September as a way to promote my clothing line,Rice Society, and be a part of the online fashion community.
MSW: Would you say that your ideas and creativity have changed with your move to Asia?
JP: Definitely, after all, I named my company Rice Society. Asian culture has so much to offer. I would say I’m more inspired because my surroundings are different, there’s always something new to discover. I feel more open here, more comfortable to be myself. I can wear anything I want, and rock it to 711 without fearing what someone might say. I felt more pressure to dress appropriately in Canada, so I wasn’t as brave.
MSW: How has Asian fashion influenced your designs?
JP: During university, my senior collection was based on the 8 Lucky Signs of the Buddha. I incorporated each of the symbols into a garment in different ways. The one I’m most proud of, and most controversial, was a cashmere jacket that had interlocking swastika symbols cut-out of a quilted pattern twisting around from hem to hood. When I came to Asia, I was so shocked to find the swastika on temples. I was so confused. I learned that the Nazis stole this Buddhist symbol of power, and brainwashed the most of the western world with it. I wanted people in the west to know what I learned, so I made the jacket to serve as a dialogue. I can’t help but be inspired with the culture around me, the symbols, the meanings, the patterns, the history. I am always on the lookout for local specialties.
I noticed when shopping, a lot of clothes had interesting ideas, but there were just too many details to make it worth buying. Simplistic designs are often seen as boring, rather than classic. A huge problem for foreigners is that most of us are not a size 4, so there is a demand for clothes that actually fit, which is why I love doing custom so much. It’s really alarming when you’re shopping for jeans and all they carry is a 25″ waist. I want to make clothing more accessible to women who aren’t finding what they’re looking for. Fashion is for everyone, not just the teeny tiny body types.
MSW: Can you tell us a little about Rice Society? Have you set any goals with it?
JP: We are part of a global society. We all eat rice, and we eat it how we want to. We wear clothes from around the world, and we wear them how we want to. As every culture adapts rice to their own tastes, every person adapts pieces of clothing to their own style.
Rice Society’s logo: 米 is pronounced “me” in Mandarin. It means one grain of rice. Me - means one kind of person. There’s nobody like me, and there’s nobody like you.
I design clothes depending on what I’m inspired with at the time. Everything is done in a limited run, and it’s usually made by myself, unless I get too busy and have to outsource help. I’ll be doing some custom New Year’s dresses, and love to do one-of-a-kind original designs!
I’m planning a collection that is inspired by 50s Mexican Calendar girls with some traditional Hakka influences. I want nothing more than to quit my day job and follow my passion to design clothes full-time.
MSW: What is 100 outfits in 100 days? How did you come up with the idea?
JP: 100 Outfits in 100 days is just that. I can’t repeat any outfits (but I can repeat individual pieces), and I can’t buy anything new, at least not clothes, but shoes and accessories are allowed. All the money I would normally spend on clothes, I now spend on fabric because I wanna make new stuff to wear. Reduce, reuse, upcycle! The first time I heard about something like this was on the Missbehave website, which is no longer operational. They did “100 Days of Outfits”, but didn’t really keep it updated. The second place I saw it that really solidified it for me was in the book, ‘200 Projects to get you into Fashion Design’, where they suggested to do it for 3 months. Basically, I’m doing it test my creativity and force myself to make more clothes instead of just buying them.
MSW: How are you selling your work in Taiwan?
JP: Currently, I have signed up for 5 weeks at HuaShan Creative Market (#1 Sec.1 BaDe Rd.), which hosts a flea market every Sat. and Sun from 3-9, the last day being Nov.8th. I will be selling handmade earrings and necklaces, feather headbands, a few bags, and handmade garments. I make everything myself in my Taipei studio.
After HuaShan is over, I’ll be wholesaling some items to Neu for a few of their locations around Taiwan, and working on custom orders for private clients and a few stylists. I post everything I make on my blog, and I can produce any of them in a custom size. Just ask! If any of your readers are interested in custom garments, they can send their inquiries to ricesociety@gmail.com, post on the blog, or come visit me at my HuaShan booth and have a chat!
MSW: Do you find that you are limited by the materials that are available here or do you think the industry has more to offer than North America?
JP: I think getting high quality fabric is a challenge here, as they always demand you buy 100 yards if you want the top of the line stuff. That being said, there is a TON of fabric selection, it’s almost overwhelming. The trims and notions are cheaper, more accessible, and there’s enough selection to keep your creative juices flowing for years. Anytime I’m not sure what to make, I just go to the fabric market (& surrounding area) and I’m instantly inspired by everything I see – it gives me so many ideas! I think Taipei’s biggest benefit for the fashion industry is that the population’s so big, so there’s a market for everyone.
MSW: Where do you like to shop?
JP: Haha, well since I can’t shop at the moment, my favorite place has been the fabric market. But when I can shop, I find I spend the most money at Neu, PS Underground, WuFanPu, and random shops around ZhongXiao DunHua. I love all the DIY stores around Taipei Main! I’m also a big fan of suitcase salesmen, where ever they may be set up (like by Eslite, or Red Square in Ximen).
MSW: Do you have any tips for our readers who are interested in getting involved with fashion design in Taiwan?
JP: Learn how to sew! Make some connections. Get yourself out there! Get to know fabric vendors in the fabric market, because they are a great resource to have. If you have ideas and drawings but can’t do pattern making or sewing, the 3rd floor in the fabric market on DiHua St. has some seamstresses willing to hook you up ~ but for a price. (Word of advice- don’t go to the old lady by the back entrance!)
MSW: Do you have any favorite web sites or blogs about Taiwan or fashion in Taiwan?
JP: Of course there’s the wealth of information on Waakao! for everything related to Taiwan, and your site always has interesting pictures and unique stories.
There are some cool Taiwanese fashion blogs you might wanna check, even if you can’t read Chinese and it’s just for the pictures.
Some other favorite blogs I check a lot:
MSW: What advice would you offer to others who are thinking of moving to Asia for a change of pace?
JP: Try out another continent first! jk…. Bring lotsa money! Moving anywhere is challenging at first. Whatever country you move to, it’s essential to learn the language, the culture, and build up a strong friendship base. It’s super important to research where you want to work, if there are jobs in your profession, and the legal way to do it. Find out the restrictions for foreigners in your industry. Visit the place first and see if you like it before committing! Have a Plan B, aka a return ticket. Or just leap!
Jenna’s Blog – Rice Society
Jenna on Twitter @jezelda
Email – ricesociety@gmail.com
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I’ve known Jenna since she was freestylin’ in Chayi and before. And let me tell you, the transformation has been amazing. Not only are her clothes incredibly hot/hipster/rad/fun/funky, but I have so much respect for her hustle it’s unbelievable. She made me a one of kind hoodie that took her forever because it was her first time, and if I was a woman, I’d be rockin (hose) those leggings around. Look out word because Rice Society is taking over
Hey Marcus,
Yeah, I can tell you two are tight. Rad people generally hang together. I know she’s going to be a huge success, wherever she goes!
This is a cool interview.
I love hearing about people working hard on their art or passions. Too many people fantasize about living their dreams, it is great to learn about people doing something.
John Bardos – JetSetCitizen´s last blog ..How to Make Any Work More Enjoyable
[...] Carrie of My Several Worlds 22 10 2009 I guess I should’ve posed this days ago, but here is the link to my interview at My Several Worlds. I thought it might be weird to be all self-promotional and shit, but then I realized, um DUDE, [...]
Jenna,
I’m a big proponent of self-promotion. No one will sell YOU better than you. Marketing these days starts first and foremost on the Internet, and the concept of creating a brand for yourself is more important now than ever before!
Jen is the BEST! Not because she is my cousin, but because she does not let anyone dictate her style or behaviour. She really is one of a kind and has a true passion for fashion. She has the most incredible spirit and sense of creativity. I remember her telling me about a dress she had to make in school made out of lettuce! Now that is talent. You go Girl, never be afraid to be your self or to live out your dream!
Hi Tammy,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Jenna is a new friend and I admit, I don’t know her that well, but when I saw what you wrote here, I had to smile. Even after just a short time, I can already tell that Jenna is one of a kind.