The Twinkle by Wenlan collection was born from designer Wenlan Chia’s affinity for design, love of art and prolific imagination. Over the past eight years Twinkle has grown to include ready to wear, accessories, jewelry, home furnishings, a book series and yarn collection. In 2000, Wenlan launched her business with an array of colorful, exuberant chunky knit sweaters that have become the Twinkle signature. Twinkle by Wenlan made its runway debut at the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion Show in February 2002. The first collection received praise by both the New York Times who gave it “kudos” and Women’s Wear Daily who called it a “bright spot” of fashion week. Twinkle has since shown consistently during New York Fashion Week. She has received well-deserved recognition, winning awards and nominations including the Onward Kashiyama New Design Prize in Tokyo, and the Competition of Young Fashion Designers in Paris. In 2007, she was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America. As she continued to style her fashion shows, Wenlan was unable to find accessories to compliment her clothing designs. This resulted in the launch of Twinkle Accessories, an array of costume jewelry which exudes tough femininity by combining vintage finds, whimsical animal shapes, colorful beads and grandmotherly jewels often suspended from hardware inspired chains. Its popularity led to the inevitable introduction of Twinkle Jewels. This fine jewelry collection, comprised of precious metals and gemstone pieces, adds a luxurious edge to the designer's whimsical point of view. Wenlan’s innovative designs inspire knitting enthusiasts and fashion lovers. In 2006, a book series published by Potter Craft launched with Twinkle’s Big City Knits, which succeeded in February 2008 by Twinkle’s Weekend Knits. Twinkle’s intricate patterns come to life with Twinkle Yarn. The collection of designer yarns in luxurious fibers and subversive colors is available in over 100 of the finest yarn stores across the country. A contemporary furniture collector and avid home design fan, Wenlan introduced Twinkle Living in 2006 at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City. In a short period, this modern, sophisticated and accessible collection has developed a cult following among design cognoscenti. Twinkle Living products are carried in prestigious home stores such as Neiman Marcus. The Twinkle by Wenlan collections are sold at more than 350 boutiques and specialty stores in North America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Born in Taiwan, Wenlan immigrated to the United States when she was 23. She resides in New York City with her husband, Bernard, and French bulldog, Milan. |
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