Success on the Runway and Beyond

Chloe Dao didn’t always know she wanted to be a fashion designer, but she did know she loved fashion. After designing her high school prom dress, she was inspired to learn more and received an associate’s degree in patternmaking from FIT. You may remember her from the second season of Project Runway, where she was the victor. Here’s our interview with Chloe about what makes her brand special, running a business, and what her future goals are.

You went on to Project Runway after FIT. What’s that like for you today?

It’s part of my history and I will always be attached to it. I still have fans that come to my boutique from all over the world. It blows me away. They think of it with so much love.

What helped you as you began planning your business?

I watched my mother. When she came to the US she didn’t know any English, but she was an entrepreneur. First she had a flea market where she sold clothing she made, then a food stand. She also opened a convenience store and then a drycleaner. It was really great to see that if you work hard and know what you’re doing, you can be successful.

When you were opening your first boutique, what were some of the challenges?

Finance, capital, the right merchandising, pricing, location… but I think I was pretty smart about it. I lived with my parents to save when I left NYC to go back to Houston. But today it’s so much harder. You’re competing in a global world even if you’re local. Now you’re not just a business owner, you have to be a social media expert and a website expert.

How would you describe your brand?

My clothes have always been classic contemporary. They’re clothes you can wear forever, there’s no seasonal stamp on it—they’re chic, comfortable and effortless. If you have a closet full of great clothes you don’t have to think too much about, you can easily pull them together.  

You immigrated to the US when you were younger, what was that like?

The first two years were tough, but I assimilated pretty quickly. There was some racial prejudice, but otherwise it was the all-American childhood. I wrote for the school newspaper, I was a cheerleader, and I was president of the Latin club. 

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Before I went on the show, all I wanted was to open my little boutique and do my ‘little’ life. But opening another boutique is on my radar. Right now the top thing on my list is increasing my social media. I have a lot to share; I’m a really crafty girl. 

What’s your advice for women who want to enter the fashion world today?

Learn the craft. You have to know pattern making and how things are constructed. Also recognize if you have talent. Know the difference between being a fashion designer and being someone who just loves fashion. 

Make sure your goal is to make women feel beautiful. It’s not about making you famous.

Stay up to date with Chloe's beautiful creations by checking out her website and social media!