Los Angeles Fashion Council

Brand / Designer

Bijou Van Ness / Rehn Dudukgian

Category

Women’s / Hat & Head wear

Brand information / About the designer

―What inspired you to become a fashion designer? Describe developments leading up to the brand launch.

After perusing my mother’s vintage hat collection, which I often admired as a young girl, I was inspired to study the art of millinery.

―What is the brand’s concept? What do you want to communicate through fashion designing? What are the images of men and women you want to project?

Bijou Van Ness is a unique combination of old Hollywood glamour and Parisian chic. The brand communicates the romanticism and elegance of the past but it’s the symbiosis of old and new that makes Bijou Van Ness a sought after brand.

―What is your source of inspiration in creating fashion? What is your process of developing a design concept?

I find inspiration all around me- sitting at a café, listening to music, observing the shape of a flower or the juxtaposition of colors in nature. A lot of my inspiration also comes from my travels. Every city, every country I have visited has inspired me in multiple ways- from the streets of Paris where I would marvel at the architecture and romantic designs to a mountain top village in Tibet where the women would adorn their hair with large and unique beautiful hair accessories.

―Who are your current stockists (areas, retail formats, etc.)? Describe the typical followers of your brand.

Fred Segal in Los Angeles, Acqua Grazie in Tokyo, Marubeni in Tokyo as well as seasonal trunk shows at Bloomingdales and Henri Bendel in New York City.

―Which brands, designers, styles and cultures have had the most impact on your fashion designing, and why?

I am very much captivated by the style and elegance of the first half of the twentieth century and therefore am drawn to designers and brands that pay homage to that era.

About 2014-15 A/W collection

―Why have you chosen Tokyo (or MBFWT) as the venue for presenting your collection?

I think Tokyo is at the forefront of fashion and presents a great opportunity for me to introduce my collection to the Japanese market, known for its appreciation of style, elegance and innovation.

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2014-15 A/W season?

The concept for 2014-15 A/W season is midnight in Paris.

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

The vision for the Bijou Van Ness installation is to properly communicate the concept of the 2014-15 A/W collection.

Future

―What are your brand’s future outlook and goal for 2014?

In 2014, I would like to create more of an international presence for Bijou Van Ness.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

Tokyo is an energizing place for the creative spirit and the innovative mind.

―Which parts / sites of Tokyo do you like most? Why?

I look forward to exploring all parts of Tokyo during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, from the Harajuku boutiques to the Meiji Shrine.