Woman of Style: Austyn Zung, Head Designer of Forth & Towne

Austyn Zung is the head designer for Gap, Inc's newest foray for the 35+ set, Forth & Towne. Zung has worked as the vice president of womenswear alongside Oscar de la Renta and as a design assistant with him for the Haute Couture line of Balmain. Her design background keeps getting more extensive, as she has also worked for John Bartlett, J.Crew, Valentino and even her own menswear line by the same name. Zung has worked around the world in Paris, New York, Milan and trained at one of fashions most prestigious institutions Parsons School of Design in New York City. Be one of the first to get the inside look from the designer herself about her newest venture at Forth & Towne, what it was like to work with Mr. de la Renta and where she shops worldwide.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: Give us an inside look at what we can expect from this exciting new store Forth and Towne?
AUSTYN ZUNG: A varied assortment of incredibly
stylish clothes and accessories for grown up, sophisticated women at very attainable price points. Come in and be pampered by our style consultants who can dress you head to toe.

FM: How was working with Oscar de la Renta, Balmain Haute Couture, John Bartlett and Valentino in several of the greatest cities in the world changed your viewpoint on fashion?
AZ: I have been lucky enough to work with the best craftsmen and women in the world that have been making clothes an art all of their lives. To see the time and care they put into the hand work and the finishing details has taught me the importance of taking pride in what you do. Working in cities such as Paris, Rome, Milan, and Manhattan has given me a view into the worlds of the most stylish women on an international level.

FM: Describe your signature style.
AZ: Understated disheveled elegance.

FM: Define style in Manhattan.
AZ: Manhattan style is so inspirational because it is a chaotic mix of aesthetics. Many cultures and walks of life come together to make an eclectic mix of complex and sophisticated style that is unmatched by any other city in the world.

I feel that Chicago is a bit more restrained, conservative and very tasteful.

FM: What women worldwide have impeccable style?
AZ: The combined styles of Lou Lou de la Falaise, C.Z. Guest, and Kate Moss would create the ultimate in individual and truly modern style.

FM: Where is your favorite place to travel?
AZ: My family’s home in Millbrook, NY and anywhere my husband and son are.

FM: What are your favorite shops worldwide?
AZ: Manhattan :
-VBH on Madison Avenue because the space is so inspirational.
-Ted Muehling for earthy, sensual jewelry and pieces for the home
-De Vera for beautiful jewelry and objects
-Makie for children’s clothes
- The souks of Marrakesh and Fez
- Any Apple store in the world
- Milan Lorenzi G for gifts for my husband
- Paris Didier Ludot for vintage couture
- Chicago, Forth & Towne - of course.

FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand? Can style ever be bought?
AZ: One has nothing to do with the other. True style can never be bought.

FM: What key fashion pieces do you always have in your wardrobe?
AZ: A beautiful watch, a pair of cotton khaki J. Crew wide legged chinos, the perfect Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress, a vintage crocodile clutch, and a beautiful pair of flat shoes.

FM: What is your biggest fashion vice?
AZ: A pair of Hermes Kelly green crocodile slingback sandals.

FM: What is a fashion no-no when attending special events?
AZ: Never over do it. You never want to be the most dressed up person in the room.

FM: Any tips for getting ready for an event?
AZ: Take your time getting ready and enjoy it. It will probably be more fun than the party.

FM: What are your own personal standards of beauty?
AZ: Natural, natural, natural…I wish to grow old gracefully.

FM: What advice can you give to women to balance out life and business?
AZ: Whether it is business or pleasure, live life to the fullest. If you are not enjoying yourself you probably shouldn’t be doing it.

For more info on Forth & Towne, please visit www.forthandtowne.com.