Anna Sui

by Susan Muaddi Darraj

Growing up in an academically successful Chinese-American family, Anna Sui was not destined to make her mark as a fashion designer. When Sui left for New York City, America's fashion capital, her mother lamented that her only daughter was wasting her brains in a career that required none. Almost 30 years later, Sui has one of the most sought-after labels in fashion world. Blending rock and roll, bohemian culture, and pure girlishness in her designs, Sui has created a devout following of famous fans, including Madonna, Paris Hilton, and supermodels Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. Find out how this girl from suburban Detroit pursued her dream, even when few believed it could come true.

120 pages, Library Binding

First published August 31, 2009

About the author

Susan Muaddi Darraj won the 2016 American Book Award for her novel-in-stories, A Curious Land: Stories from Home.

Her new novel, Behind You Is the Sea (Harper Collins, 2024) is set in Baltimore and follows the stories of a Palestinian American immigrant community.

Her previous short story collection, The Inheritance of Exile, was honored by the U.S. State Department’s Arabic Book Program.

She was named a 2016 USA Ford Fellow, and she has received awards for her writing from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance.

Her new children's chapter book series, FARAH ROCKS, was published from Capstone Books in January 2020. It is the first children's book series to feature an Arab American protagonist.

A Philadelphia native, she currently lives in Baltimore. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @SusanDarraj.