Luiza Chang is every bit the enviable travelling businesswoman. With boutiques in Bali, her label making waves in Ibiza and now online, a French beau and a huge appetite for exotic destinations that inform and inspire her designs, she spends much of the year en route. But hard work, determination and days spent in her Kuta factory are equivalent cornerstones of her success. The creative genius behind the beloved Lulu Yasmine label, is poised to open a new flagship store on Jalan Petitenget next week. We visited her at home to learn more about the designer and entrepreneur who is also a home maker, a mother and a wife.
Hi Lulu! Tell us a little bit about Luiza Chang!
I was born in Sao Paulo from a Brazilian mother and a British Chinese father, I lived in Brazil till I was 18 years old and then I moved to Europe, where I lived for nine years. Since then, I’ve been living in Asia for the past 15 years.
What’s a little known fact about you?
I speak six languages: English, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, and Bahasa Indonesia.
We’ve long been admirers and patrons of your Laksmana flagship store in Seminyak. How did you get started in the rag trade?
I’ve been in the fashion industry since I was 16 years old. I previously worked as a sales assistant for Benetton and as a visual merchandiser for Yes Brazil, Blue Man, and Triton in Brazil. I also worked as a styling assistant in a movie production company in Italy and modelled for La Perla at the same time.
After moving to Bali and giving birth to my son, I started making babies’ clothing and casual women’s wear, which was sold only in Europe. And after my daughter, Anais Yasmine was born, I decided to start my own boutique, which is how Lulu Yasmine came about. The name is a combination of my daughter’s name and my nickname.
Several more Lulu Yasmine boutiques seem to have sprouted in Bali – business is good?
It’s a jungle out there but yes business is still good. It comes with ups and downs, but this is a part of life.
We know you have many fans in Singapore and Australia – with stockists in both places as well as Ibiza; do you have any other markets in mind for this year?
After the launch of our online shop, we had some inquiries from European agencies but that is still being negotiated. I prefer to concentrate on the Asian market first, because Lulu Yasmine’s style fits perfectly with its weather and the lifestyle.
Your smart, bohemian chic style is well known and loved. Tell us, where do you find your inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere, from the people in the streets, to interiors, movies, and magazines but mostly I find inspiration when I travel.
You were born in Brazil and now divide your time between Bali and Paris. Where do you feel most at home and most creatively alive?
I will always call Europe my home. Bali is my playground!
How have the cultural references from your childhood and ancestry influenced your design work?
My Brazilian grandmother was a tailor and my Chinese grandmother was a trés chic lady. I love going through her things and finding treasures like kimonos with amazing prints. She inspired me most notably to be who I am today.
What’s your reason for using lots of silk, crepe, chiffon, cotton, voile and linen in your designs and where do you source them?
Silk is timeless, sophisticated, retro and sensual. And as for the other fabrics, they’re comfortable, elegant, and perfect for day or night time. I don’t limit myself to only one source – it could be from India, Italy, China, or even from a local supplier.
Who’s your muse?
Sofia Coppola – I love her style and her down-to-earth personality and I find her very sophisticated, elegant and intelligent at the same time.
You design for women who dress elegantly and effortlessly, but not everyone finds it easy. What are your three tips to styling an effortless outfit?
The first thing is to be true to yourself. Second: wear what makes you feel good. Fashion should be a fun way you express yourself and relate to your inner muse. And finally, less is more.
What is a typical day in the life of Luiza Chang?
My days are super hectic. I have to multi-task – organizing my daughter’s schedule while working in the factory up to seven hours everyday. I don’t have the time for a social life because there just aren’t enough days in a week. If I get the chance, I love to stay at home or get away with my husband.
What are your favourite places to eat and drink in Bali?
Como Shambala for everything, from the food, the breathtaking scenery, the delicious Sunday brunch: I just adore everything there. Watercress in Batubelig is also on my list, as well as Down to Earth, Sardine for the ambience, Sarong for the delicious spicy food, and La Lucciola for a sea breeze aperitif during sunset.
What’s next for Lulu Yasmine?
The opening of our new flagship store on Jalan Petitenget on April 29 (just next week!) is something that my husband and I are very excited about. We usually hire an architect for our stores, but this time, it’s just the two of us – we’ve done everything ourselves. The store very much reflects what I’m going through in this moment of my life and the relationship I have with my husband.
And what’s next for Luiza Chang?
I hope to make a difference to the lives of the women who work for me by empowering them, giving them a great ambience at work and more quality time with their children. Besides that, my goal is to always be inspired, passionate, and open to discovering new things.
Thanks for welcoming us into your home, Luiza!
This article was sponsored by Lulu Yasmine.