Inspired by vintage looks, Catherine Bui launched Megumi Moon in 2006. The name was later changed to Lovelina, a made-up derivative of the word "lovely," as lovely is how a woman should feel when she wear's Catherine's clothes. Not only does Lovelina have a vintage look, but Catherine tends to use vintage fabrics or elements. Therefore, each piece is an exclusive, limited edition look, not found anywhere else. In addition, Catherine has started to go green, using eco-friendly products.On the line itself:
I generally don't make pants. Since my entire theme leans towards vintage, feminine looks, I find that romantic blouses, skirts, and dresses suit my aesthetic better. I do love pants, however, and I may give them a try in the future. Creating a beautiful pant requires precise engineering and if ever I have the time to dedicate towards that, I'd make the move.
On how long it took to start Lovelina:
Well, after high school, I studied fashion and completed an Apparel Design and Merchandising program. I later interned for a high-end bridal gown designer for awhile; then traveled to Southeast Asia to research design there for a time. All in all, I'd say from the time I graduated from the design program it took about 4 years before I took the step to begin my own collection.
On the height of her models:
I hate to categorize my collection. Yes, I do design to flatter myself, but I want people of all shapes and sizes to be able to look good in my clothes as well. So while I design to compliment women of smaller stature, my designs are also created to look good on taller women as well. I've had models anywhere from 5'0" to 5'7" look spectacular in my designs!
On media reaction to Lovelina:
I was recently touted as being one of the few eco-friendly designers with beautiful, fashionable designs where many others just make t-shirts. Who says eco-friendly has to be mundane?
On a designer she admires:
I have immense admiration for independent designers with original ideas. My favorite indie designer of the moment is Leanimal. Her designs are edgy and high-fashion while being affordable and wearable.
Advice to would-be designers:
First, get a proper fashion education to learn the foundation of fashion and design. Second, work under at least a few designers/design companies to gain experience. This step is especially important because this is how you build contact and sourcing information which is critical when you get around to starting your own collection. Third, I would recommend taking courses on accounting, business, starting a business, etc. Having your own collection is only 10% design and the other 90% is business and administration. You can take the leap when you've got all that under your belt. I only wish I'd had someone to give me the same advice when I started out.On where she sees Lovelina in five years:
I don't think I'd ever be happy seeing my collection as a common, mass-produced entity, therefore I'm not sure if I'd like to see it widely circulated in major department stores. I think that takes away from it's originality. I would love the idea of Lovelina being stocked in many specialty boutiques worldwide. When a woman purchases a Lovelina piece, I want it to be a timeless, treasured thing, not a disposable piece of clothing purchased on the whim of a fleeting trend. My goal has always been to share my art with the world and to have others love it as much as I do.
Lovelina is currently available for sale online and at specialty boutiques around California.
