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DESIGNER, BLOGGER AND MODEL ANINE BING ON HER NEW COLLECTION AND SUCCESS

While most of us are trying to make one career work, designer Anine Bing from Los Angeles has made all five of her careers work at the age of 31.
Anine Bing

 

While most of us are trying to make one career work, designer Anine Bing from Los Angeles has made all five of her careers work at the age of 31. She’s been a model, singer, mom, blogger and has currently launched her own clothing line available at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver and Toronto. Her blog Anine’s world is one of the most influential for fashion inspiration and she has over 182,000 followers on Instagram. I had the opportunity to sit down with Anine during the launch of her line to ask her some questions on doing it all and her new collection.

Anine Bing

Amy: You’ve done a lot of things in the past. Tell us some highlights.

Anine: I model at 15 and continued to do so for 10-15 years. I’ve traveled the world and it was fun but I wanted something more. I then started a band and it fulfilled me in a certain way. At the same time, I started my blog and got into fashion even more. I started collaborating with some Swedish designers on a jewelry line and some kids collections. I got very interested in the design process and love jeans. I have hundreds of them but none of them was perfect in terms of fit so I decided to make my own. That’s really how it all started was building a pair of jeans and some t-shirts.

Amy: How do you think modeling has helped you in designing your own line?

Anine: I think it’s helped me a lot from learning about materials to fit of clothes. Meeting incredible stylists, photographers and designers in the industry have all certainly helped me in knowing what to expect designing a collection.

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Amy: What is an investment piece for you?

Anine: A good leather jacket. I think it’s something everyone should have in their wardrobe. It spices up any outfit and makes it ultra cool.

Anine Bing

Photo (above): Classic Leather Jacket by Anine Bing

Amy: What surprised you the most about the design process?

Anine: Things surprise me all the time. Sometimes the sample of the product just doesn’t fit the way I imagined. There’s good and bad surprises all the time.

Amy: Who are some of your favorite designers (other than yourself) and why?

Anine: I love Chanel bags. They have just created the perfect bag that every girl wants and the quality is just amazing.

Amy: How many Chanel bags do you currently have?

Anine: I have 6 so far and I’m still collecting. Other than that, I usually splurge on jewelry but in terms of clothes, I usually wear my own line. If I need something, I simply create it so I don’t really need to buy other labels for clothes.

Amy: So is everything you’re wearing today from your line?

Anine: Everything. I design selfishly and will sketch what I want and create that look.

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Amy: You’ve been in the industry for a while now. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned and continue to live by?

Anine: Be true to who you are. From being a model to a designer you have to believe in what you feel. I only design what I believe in rather than for others.

Amy: What can consumers consistently expect from the Anine Bing line from season to season?

Anine: Great denim, great jeans, great leather jackets, boots and great basic t-shirts.

Amy: So it sounds like these can easily be integrated into anyone’s existing closet?

Anine: Yes. You can totally add it into your existing closet or mix and match any piece from the collection.

Amy: You’ve been a model, mom, blogger and now designer. What’s next for you?

Anine: I want to expand the brand. I’m opening my own store in Los Angeles next week so that’s super exciting. Right now, I want to add on more things to the brand but I can’t tell you what it is at the moment but good things are happening.

Amy: I can see a book deal possibly happening for you in the future. Is there that possibility of releasing a lifestyle book?

Anine: Maybe that’s coming. I can’t say too much but you might be right.

Amy: Which fashion week are you a fan of?

Anine: I love New York and Paris is great too so I would say New York and Paris.

Amy: Do you have any styling secrets you want to share with our readers?

Anine: Less is more. I recommended getting rid of all your stuff in your wardrobe you don’t use. Most people only use 5 % of their closet and clearing that out will not only make your closet look much nicer but it makes choosing what to wear easier because all of your items will only be your favorites.

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Amy: Since we’re an Instagram maven and use to be a model, what is your secret to taking a great photo?

Anine: The right lighting and right environment is so important. I’m also getting better at knowing what photos are interesting so try to keep a good flow and variety in your post from flowers, to what you eat or a cute outfit pose.

Amy: Since you take such great photos on Instagram, I’ve saved some of them to ask you what you were thinking at that moment when you took that photo.

Anine Bing

Anine: Finally I get a break and get to eat my coconut ice-cream!

 

Anine Bing

Anine: I felt a little serious and really tried to be in the moment while standing there.

 

Anine Bing

Anine: Ah. I’m just excited my friend Jules came by to the store that’s opening and we’re just jiggling and felt so happy outside the store. It was a fun little moment.

 

Anine Bing

Anine: Hmm. I was really focused and really make that photo work.

 

Amy: Do you get a professional photographer to take all your photos?

Anine: Just for my blog but my instagram is usually taken by myself or someone around me.

Amy: How do you feel about your launch at Holt Renfrew?

Anine: I feel so honored to be beside Isabelle Murant and even Chanel. It’s every girl’s dream and such a beautiful store. I’m just so happy to be here.

 

Our favorites from Anine Bing's collection (Now available at Holt Renfrew)

Anine Bing

Photo (above): Gold Studded Boots by Anine Bing.

 

Anine Bing

Photo (above): Gold bar necklace with diamonds by Anine Bing.

 

Anine Bing

Photo (above): Black Tote by Anine Bing.

 

Anine Bing

Photo (above): The cozy knitted sweater by Anine Bing.

Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier and a fashion and style writer. She is also a Lucky Magazine community contributor. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com. You can also tweet your thoughts @AmyYew.

 

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