I was able to catch up with the successful designer after the show for a chat on her past, present and exciting future.

Factio Magazine: When did you first realize you wanted to be a fashion designer?
Michelle Tan: I have always had a love for beautiful clothes, since a very early age.
I took my first sewing lesson when I was eight years old. I was more into painting than fashion in my early years.
I realized I wanted to became a designer when I made an outfit using newspaper as pattern paper and I had no idea how to make a pattern or how the fit was supposed to be. I also had little experience with sewing. I was so excited when I finished the outfit. I showed it to a friend of mine and he laughed and said I had no sense of design. I was only 10 years old at the time.

F: What is it like to go to Marshall Field's and see your line of clothes? Besides Field's, who else sells your clothes?
MT: It felt like I was dreaming. I had also sold to Shopgirls in Chicago.

F: What are your main inspirations as a designer?
MT: Anything could inspire me, from the people in the street to a piece of garbage.

F: What is your favorite old movie?
MT: I'm not so attached to too many things. As for a movie, I always watch something that will make me laugh. I think my favorite movie is "Moulin Rouge."

F: What are your must-have accessories for this fall?
MT: Anything that completes your look, like a great belt
or a pair of nice boots.

F: What are your future plans? Do you want to stay in Chicago?
MT: Of course, I will stay in Chicago. Chicago is a great city. I feel very comfortable living here and I want to make a name here. My future plan is to continue to
do things that I love the most, that is designing clothes.

Contact Michelle Tan at michelletancollection@yahoo.com