Girl Star Lab
Stella Lee
Overview
The first time I visited Girl Star Lab, I knew it was something special. Tucked away in Seattle's International District on the third floor of an office building, this curated vintage showroom brings a new flavor to Seattle's fashion scene. Once inside, you enter a different world. The space is intentional — curated and full of personality. Vintage pieces from Hysteric Glamour, Yohji Yamamoto, and Vivienne Tam fill the racks, and old movie posters adorn the walls. I was lucky enough to be able to sit down with Yong, the founder, and learn more about the creation of Girl Star Lab, her vision for the brand, and her advice for young creatives.
Stella Lee:
What was your original inspiration for Girl Star Lab? How did it all start?
Yong:
Originally, I wanted to start a clothing brand of my own. The inspiration for that came from pop stars and Hong Kong celebrities in the 90s, especially female celebrities. I wanted the clothes to make people — not just girls, but people — feel like they are a “girl star.” “Girl Star” translated into Chinese literally means “girl celebrity” or a “girl pop star.”
That was the original inspo. I was working with my friends, but we were going in different directions, different life paths — so we didn't end up doing a clothing brand. But I really wanted to continue, so I thought about it longer. What could make me keep doing what I like with fashion and clothes? At that time, I was going to a bunch of showrooms and vintage designer shops all over the world, like Thailand, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. I took inspiration from showrooms there, and I thought that I could bring it here. I wanted to show clothes from around the world, which would be a different taste for people in Seattle.
Stella:
Were there any specific pop stars that you were obsessed with?
Yong:
Faye Wong. I really liked her concert outfits and her outfits in general. She was ahead of her time. Also, she's one of my mom's favorites.
Stella:
How do you want people to feel when they're in the showroom, and what do you want them to take away from it once they leave?
Yong:
I just want them to be more intentional about the way that they consume, as well as providing a space for them to explore new things. In this space, things are always changing, and I want people to be more open-minded.
Stella:
A lot of students will read this article, so I wanted to ask your advice on how to break into the fashion industry as a young person or as a student?
Yong:
Just say yes to everything — especially the things that you want to do. If there are opportunities, take them. I think that a lot of people are scared and want to be comfortable — and it's normal to be scared — but go out of your way and do things. Make yourself uncomfortable. Do things that maybe your classmate wouldn't do, things that your friends wouldn't do.
Stella:
Do you think that starting Girl Star Lab was a push for you? Were you scared?
Yong:
Yes. I wanted to be in this space so badly, and there wasn't an opportunity for me at the time, so I created one for myself. I think that whatever it is, just go for it, no matter how you get it.
Stella:
What media is inspiring you right now?
Yong:
I'm always inspired by movies. Even if the plot is sometimes boring, if the costumes or cinema are good, I'll watch it. I really like physical media as well, like magazines and books, which is why we have a lot of them in the showroom.
Stella:
Do you have a favorite movie you watched recently?
Yong:
I could pick one specifically, but last night I watched Marie Antoinette. I really enjoyed the costumes, and it was very visually appealing. I liked the way it was filmed.
Stella:
Do you think UW had any influence on your creative or professional passions?
Yong:
Going to UW definitely helped me in ways that I didn't expect. At first, I did the communications major because I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, and then I started doing social media marketing and management. Eventually, I figured out those aren’t things that I want to do. It made me see a clearer path. Sometimes if you do things that you don't like, you kind of figure out: “I don't like this, why am I doing this? I should try something else.”
Stella:
How would you describe your own personal style right now?
Yong:
My own personal style is very comfortable and effortless. If nothing on me is comfortable, I don't feel like myself. I love baggy jeans, and I love my Uggs.
Stella:
For you, starting Girl Star Lab, what has been an unexpected challenge, and what has been an unexpected success?
Yong:
For an unexpected challenge … I think it's hard to manage a business. Lately, I've been struggling a bit with how I manage the team, because I see everyone as a friend in a way. I think that's the hardest part right now, but everyone's been so helpful that I don't think I would need to worry about it.
And then unexpected success … I want to say it's the people that Girl Star Lab attracts.
The opportunities that Girl Star Lab brings are very unique and something that I want to keep a connection with. I've gotten styling gigs, and I've gotten connections with brands and people that I really like. It's nice to see all the energy that I'm putting into Girl Star Lab, and then receiving that same type of energy back.
Stella:
What's your future vision for Girl Star Lab? Will it eventually come back to the clothing brand, or do you want to keep Girl Star Lab vintage?
Yong:
I really want to go to the clothing brand. It would be called Girl Star, and Girl Star Lab would probably stay [as] vintage clothing. But things could change. I am thinking about it, and I am having very vivid imaginations. When I have something that I think is right, then I will go for it. The spark is coming back.
Credits
Words by Stella Lee
Photos courtesy of Yong