"I'm inspired by vintage, by old Hollywood, and so I infuse that with my designs," Fong said.
Fong's fashions are all about femininity and celebrating one's body and curves. Her clothes can be found at the Silver Room Boutique in Humboldt Park. She has just completed her fall collection.
"We keep in mind curvy women who want classic pieces in their wardrobe," Fong said.
Fong's designs are sophisticated, chic, clean and simple. She says her unique background of Chinese and Guatemalan heritage helps define who she is and what she creates.
"When I was young I remember I had a little blanket that had a satin edge and I used to fall asleep touching the edge, so I love how the fabric feels and how it feels in your body and how you feel in it," Fong said.
Fong spent years in New York working for Ralph Lauren, but wanted to come back to Chicago to open her own company. She is determined to stay here and have all of her clothes made in the U.S.
"I wanted to keep it consistent with quality and also know what's being put out there and to give business to Chicago. I want to stay here in Chicago and give people business," Fong said.
Fong was recently nominated as the 2008 rising star of new designers by the Fashion International Group and in beat out New York and Los Angeles designers to win the first AOL Latino Fashionista award in design.
"I think I set my mind to challenges and I'm really confident in what I do and who I am," Fong said.
Fong says she is a stickler for detail, and she also designs accessories to go with her clothes, saying she wants the look of her clothes to be complete.
Fong will be in a fashion show on Friday evening at the Hotel Arista in Naperville for Fashion Week. The show will raise money for the autism foundation.
