Let fashion shine in Tianjin

Lights, gorgeous new designs, models, runways - what am I going on about? Fashion of course!

Aaron Eagles is an American fashion designer currently living in China, he was recently asked to be a designer during the Tianjin International Fashion Week, JIN magazine had the honour of talking to him about that experience and we also had the opportunity to get to learn more about Aaron and his work.

Aaron on the runway show of Tianjin International Fashion Week

JIN: Can you tell me more about your background?

Aaron: To tell you a little bit about myself, I am originally from Orange County, California and my current residence is in Phoenix, Arizona.

JIN: What brought you to China?

Aaron: I have been coming back and forth to China for the past 4 almost 5 years. I have fallen in love with China and it is so different from what my vision of China first was. The people have been amazing, and is great to learn about the culture daily.

Originally, I came to find Chinese manufactures to work with and produce clothing to send to America. Recently, my focus is also to bring the clothing brand to the Chinese market, and bringing our American made goods to China. I really do love being in Tianjin and visiting the other many beautiful cities in China.

JIN: How and when did you first become interested in and involved with fashion?

Aaron: I have been in the fashion industry for a long time, and compared to many still know so little about this enormous industry. My mother Dr. Eagles, who is now in the education field, was also a fashion designer when I was a very young. She graduated from FIDM which is a very famous school now because of the success of "Project Runway" and so many graduates. I modelled at a very young age, and modelled again from around age 19 – 24. After, being in modelling for a while, I decided to go to college for a Fashion Merchandising Degree. I had a lot of success, and have been the fashion show producer of some very big fashion shows in America. Some of these shows were sponsored by Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, and Etc. I also am so fortunate to have met and been around some of the most famous people in fashion, the most famous person at one of my jobs was Christian Louboutin, it was such an honour.

JIN: Can you tell me more about your work in the fashion industry?

Aaron: The fashion industry is beautiful and ugly at the same time. When I was younger it almost turned me into something that I am not. My current hope for my brand and my work within fashion is to make more sustainable and eco-friendly fashions, as well as to be a help to society rather than be destructive. Many people just look at fashion as something fun, different, or don't understand it, but it is a billion-dollar industry that affects more people than any other industry.

JIN: You were a fashion designer in a recent runway show for the Tianjin International Fashion Week, can you tell me more about that experience?

Aaron: Recently I was involved in the Tianjin Fashion Week and it was a great experience. I have helped in coordinating much larger shows than this, but this was the largest show that my brand: Aje' les has taken part in, so it was a huge opportunity. I showed over 60 new designs.

It was Tianjin's first fashion week, so it was very cool to be a part of the first, but as with any first there are always some kinks that have to be worked out. Overall, I was very happy with the show, the team I worked with, the models, etc. and I look forward to hopefully showing in the Tianjin Fashion Week again.

JIN: What are some differences between Chinese and American fashion industries?

Aaron: I would say overall that the American fashion industry is more edgy, provocative, and diverse. I think the Chinese fashion industry is still a bit of an anomaly that I am learning to understand. I love Chinese fashion because it is so unique and often follows no trends. Many Chinese Fashionistas wear what they love, and choose their outfits purely based on what they like; regardless of the brand, current trends, or others opinions.

JIN: What are some of your passions?

Aaron: My passions are many, but I would say that my first passion is being a part of new concepts and new ideas, having new experiences and seeing things from others' point of view. I love being a part of things that other people say won't work, or helping someone reach their dream who others tell they don't have a chance. I have a modelling agency in USA and this year I plan to also focus on growing this company. In the past five years I have had so many answered prayers, including the honor of this interview.

Another passion is the beach. I grew up in Newport Beach, California, so I think the ocean runs through my veins. I also love the outdoors, hiking, yoga, going to the gym, long-boarding, surfing, fashion, art, music, sports, etc.

JIN: You mentioned yoga as a passion of yours, can you talk more about your practice? Do you teach yoga here?

Aaron: I teach yoga in a few gyms in TEDA, and am working on opening a yoga studio / clothing boutique here soon and hosting other foreign yoga teachers. Recently we just hosted our first foreign teacher from Australia. I have been trained in Ashtanga yoga, and have practices for over 5 years. My yoga teacher is American, but was trained in India, the birthplace of yoga. I am a Christian, so my yoga practice is purely exercise based, and I do not do anything that involves the yoga spirituality. I love that China is at the cusp of a new era of fitness and I am thrilled to be a part of the growth. One of my hopes in being involved in the fitness and yoga in China is just to help bring more diversity, quality and introduce new foreign teachers.

Aaron on his yoga class

JIN: Are there any upcoming shows/events where people can see your work?

Aaron: Many of my friends were not able to make it to Downtown for the Tianjin Fashion Week Fashion Show, so I am thinking about showing the collection in TEDA at Ruiwan New Century Hotel Tianjin. I have worked with this hotel before and really love the hotel and staff. They have an amazing area that I have had a vision for a fashion show, so I am thinking to show the collection again soon. There is also an art museum that I want to work with and show my sketches with the designs, hopefully this will happen right after the Spring Festival. Another dream I have is to help start a TEDA Fashion Week next season. I am currently looking into this and would love to partner with the Tianjin Port Culture Media Company, as they are internationalizing I think this would be a great addition to the wonderful things they are also doing.