mattchupicchu /

pictured: Richard Quinn duchess satin floral coat, Balenciaga floral knife boot

When I started this blog three years ago, the idea of having a sizable social audience felt impossible given the saturated blogging market. Well here I am, 374 Insta posts, 183 outfits later, standing at 100K!! It hasn’t always been easy to keep up, since I still work full-time in corporate America, but the creative fulfillment I’ve derived from ensembling outfits, ideating shoots and producing them has been a highlight of a life time. After two years in the corporate life, I’ve realized how rare it is have a hobby that fuels your passion and has a larger purpose, so I’m incredibly grateful for that.

photo set collaged from 55 past photo shoots

Larger than myself, this milestone is an important testament to the movement that is true to my heart: genderless fashion. Had there not been a market for it, my blog probably would have never taken off. But in our increasingly accepting society, it’s shown again and again that people aspire to see people dress for themselves. No gender norms and no insecurity that many times cause fashion to be dull. For me, that means wearing a dress if I think it’s pretty, regardless of whether it flatters me or whether most people think dresses are for women only. Those are incredibly empowering moments that I want to continue to embody; to visually mold our perceptions of gender and identity for our society to become even more accepting and inclusive.

friends pictured left to right: Karen Reyes, Stephanie Pan, Jordan Ji, Emily Kao and Kat Hsu. not pictured: my incredible mom, dad and brother, Anami Nguyen, Olivier Canovas, Robin Zhao, Nina Skoko and special mention: Stephanie Zheng, Tiffianie Qian, Areta Chen

Of course, all of my accomplishments are only possible because of supporters like you and my family and friends who spend time engaging with my posts and help my vision come true. Nothing’s ever a one-man show, and in my case, my close friends (pictured above) and my family have shown so much patience in helping me take photos and providing constructive feedback. Without you and them believing in me, I would not have as much perseverance in maintaining this high maintenance hobby. So on this special milestone, I wanted to thank you for allowing me to do what I do and hope that you stick around for years more worth of beautiful content.

A visual representation of what support looks like

xx Matt

You may also enjoy:

mattchupicchu /

Maison Margiela Sequined tulle dress via yoox, Stella McCartney white toe cap boots

If you’ve read my Fall/Winter trend report, you’ll know that I’m very into silver and sequins for this season. While escapism is always top of mind, this time it’s beyond the sun and beaches- we’re aiming for the stars. Inspired by retro sci-fi films that get the future all wrong, but manage to make fashionable statements for the 90’s and 2000’s, I take visual cues to portray a Martian landing on Earth (above) and the Martian attempting to exercise (below). While these may not be the everyday workwear, you’ll be sure to catch me wearing these space age ensembles during the next Space X launch.

left: Jil Sander PVC flats, right: Pihakapi shearling azure biker, Isabel Marant coated silver pants both via yoox, MR x Net-a-Porter gold boots

-Matt Chu

You may also enjoy:

mattchupicchu /

Another season and another trend round-up. Although Riccardo Tisci’s Burberry and Hedi Slimane’s Celine were the most anticipated shows, both designers played it too safe and therefore felt irrelevant to today’s imaginative times. So instead, here are 9 top trends that are fresh and here to stick around next spring summer.

I. The Artist Print

From left to right: Dries Van Noten, Marni and Dolce & Gabbana. Images via Vogue Runway

This seasons it’s all about bringing your kindergarten creativity back into your prints. Forget micro or uniform prints – it’s time to channel our inner artists, be bold and collage contrasting visuals fearlessly. Let your body be a walking canvas and you’ll feel like a piece of art too. Francesco Risso’s Marni is a knockout for this trend.

II. Fishermen Netted Fringe

From left to right: J.W.Anderson, Ports 1961 and Dion Lee

Designers have quiet beach towns on their minds for SS’19. While fringe is never really out of fashion-fashion, the netted fringe this season takes on a more artesanal approach. Resembling fishermen knits, these nets feel down-to-earth, yet very much still statement making. Jonathan and Natasa of Ports 1961 repeatedly iterate these fringes throughout their shows gracefully.

III. The Cristobal Baby Doll

From left to right: Marc Jacobs, Annaliese Griffith-Jones (Parsons MFA) and Valentino

The Cristobal effect isn’t having an impact just on Balenciaga: it’s practically everyone this season. From hyper volumed at Marc Jacobs to minimal grace at Valentino, the baby doll dress is reviving in various forms. Almost like counteracts to practical fashion, these dresses speak innocence and playfulness in a time of extreme PC-ness. View Post

You may also enjoy:

mattchupicchu /

It’s been a while since I got back from Havana, Cuba, but since the trip is so memorable, I wanted to capture the moments that stole my heart. From the warmth of the Cuban people to the time-trapped landscapes, here are the highlights of my Habana trip.

Pictured: Joseph Sweater Vest, Sies Marjan Mint Blouse, Dolce & Gabbana printed Trousers

1. The People: The warmth of the people mirror the highs of the local temperature. Everywhere we went, there was a sense of camaraderie often lacking in large cities. People minded their own business, but were not hesitant to stop and help confused visitors like us.

Pictured: Lanvin Lace Turtleneck, J.W.Anderson Gold ear cuff, H&M Straw Hat

2. The Culture: Any trip is not complete until I’ve witnessed the arts. In Havana, creativity reigns with Cuban art classics at Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, contemporary takes at Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Wifredo Lam and an emerging artist scene at Fabrica de Arte Cubano (which is only open at night). We also experienced the culture first hand through a stained glass making class with two specialists, who embodied the modern creative class. View Post

You may also enjoy:

mattchupicchu /

Pictured: Patrick Church in his studio wearing hand-painted sweat shirt

Tell me about how you got started 

As a child I was always making things.  Initially I wanted to be a fashion designer; however when I started high school I became really interested in art, especially painting. My high school teacher took me under her wing and really helped me build my knowledge of art and art history. She introduced me to artists that still inspire me now. The rest is really a journey, spiritually, emotionally and creatively. 

Who and what are your sources of inspiration? 

My husband is my biggest inspiration. None of this would be possible without him and my love for him, which fuels my creative process every day. He makes me feel free and alive; he believes in me like no one else believes in me.

Unlike conventional fine arts, garments are your canvases, do you have a process for selecting those pieces? 

I start a collection by thinking of an emotion or feeling I want to evoke and then look for pieces that will help convey that idea the best way. My brain goes a million miles an hour and I am always having new ideas. I am always thinking of the next thing. View Post