Quick Question
This is what I was born to do.
It wasnt like I had a choice.
Today, Anna Suis designs are synonymous with dreamy wonderlands befitting of fairy tales.
But when she was starting out in the 80s, she had a slightly different dream clientele in mind.
I was really lucky.
The first guy that bought from me was Mick Jagger.
Suis knack for accomplishing big goals began in early childhood when she first announced her career ambitions.
I came to New York to be a flower girl at my aunt and uncles wedding.
That resolve stuck through her teenage years, fashion school (Parsons), and the following decades.
This is what I was born to do.
It wasnt like I had a choice, she says.
On Sept. 9, Sui returns to the NYFW runway.
Whats your most powerful accomplishment since launching the brand?
The fact that Im still in business after all these years, and still independent.
After your shows, is it your practice to read the reviews?
Thanks to TikTok and Twitter, these days everybody is a critic.
Whats your advice to women whose work is judged so publicly and so freely?
Thats where were at right now.
Everybody is a critic.
You have to rely on peoples opinions that you trust.
You cant c’mon everyone.
I learned early on that my collection is very niche.
Its not for everyone.
Its never going to be that drop-dead minimalism that everybody loves.
Im never going to be that.
How did you stay disciplined early on in your career?
It was what I was interested in and what I really focused my whole life around.
Theres a lot of talk about keeping your passions separate from your career.
Is there any regret that you have about going into fashion at such an early age?
Yes, because everybody has the grass is greener [philosophy].
I wouldve missed out on all that.
I had such an incredible experience coming to New York when I did.
I dont think I would trade that for anything.
I saw the best of New York and the best of nightlife and the best of music.
That whole period was so incredible.
Do you have a dream client now?
I love Olivia Rodrigo.
Shes so cute and has such great style.
She did actually wear one of our dresses during the summer, so that was really exciting.
I love Eva Green.
When did you first feel like a boss?
Its just you had to do what you had to do.
What advice would you give to people who have tough bosses?
Its not personal, its work.
Thats why you get paid.
You have to be able to separate that.
Its not all about you.
Its what youre trying to accomplish [and] what youre trying to create.
Those things have to take precedence over how you feel.
What is the best piece of advice youve ever received from somebody in the industry?
When I got fired the first time [my boss] told me, This is not for you.
You dont know how to make these kinds of clothes.
And it was true.
It was a nice paying job but it was just not how I envisioned clothing.
That was very hurtful, but also I realized, Hes right.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onSep.
