Over the past 4 years, I have developed a new accessory fetish. It's no longer just hats and watches now. Strangely enough - eyewear has become a thing for me. I don't know why, when I feel I never find a pair that compliments my face and then I would always seem to miss place them, ugh! However, I truly have been building a little collection lately. I will definitely do a collection video for my YouTube soon. With that being said, I have been on the lookout for unique eyewear that won't break the bank. I would see these sunglasses on certain celebrities - wondering would they look good on me. I would try to find out the brands and couldn't. Then one day, I got a "like" on one of my Instagram pictures. I looked at the individual's page who was very pretty and a creative director like myself. I insistently wanted to know more - while thinking in the back of my mind "I believe I have found my next Goddess to interview!" But, it was more than that, I couldn't believe it! This talented woman residing in London was the creator and designer of the sunglasses I have been admiring for the past 2 years. Universe, here you go again, when I least expect it...blowing my mind. I was so nervous now - thinking to myself "would she even be interested in being featured on my blog? Because celebrities have been wearing her eye wear". Just checkout Beyonce, who's adorned herself with her stylish eyewear many times over the past few years below.
Yea, so you get the idea right?! But, I have gotten to a point in my life where I'd rather be told no than to tell myself no. I also reminded myself of last year's motto "Unleashed. Fearless. Freedom" So, T, let's go for it!!! And boy am I glad I did because less than a week later - here I am writing this article for my interview with XIWEN ZETA, creative director / designer of "FOR ART'S SAKE". After reading through their site, I felt a sisterhood. I know this because everything she stands for is very much apart of me. I'm feeling, I live my life for ART's Sake and to have the pleasure of doing this interview is definitely that!
For Art's Sake
is an independent designer accessories brand based in London. That creates innovative, never-seen-before designs for sunglasses that HONOR your personal style, not define it for you. And they are ready to SAKE up the industry!
Giving back to the world as much as they can, For Art's Sake donates to two fantastic causes. For each pair of sunglasses you buy they work for Restoring Vision to donate a pair of prescription glasses for someone who needs them with each purchase you make. There are over 544 million people in the developing world who need glasses but do not have access to them. This is a huge health problem with a simple, fast and effective solution. Besides providing an increased quality of life, your donation will have an enormous economic benefit as people can return to work.
Checkout my interview with the Badass Beaute' Xiwen below!
Q&A
1. Were you named after someone?
No.
2. How did you get involved with designing?
It runs in the family. I started drawing when I was in kindergarten, and that led to designing. I never thought about doing anything else with my life.
3. What or Who inspired you?
My mother, arts, everything else. In that order.
4. What did you want to be when you were a child?
A designer with her own clothing factory!
5. What were you doing before you started officially pursuing a career in art/fashion design?
I was unofficially pursuing art & fashion design.
6. What has been the hardest part in developing and maintaining your career so far?
At the moment I see my brand For Art's Sake as my career, and more.
The hardest part has been to deal with all the unexpected elements that comes with our rapid growth. We are expanding in a fast pace, many things can go wrong, and you are expected to fix things right away! Is challenging but we love it.
7. What would you tell your younger self when it comes to where you are now in life?
Don't be stressed, everything is fine! And read more business books.
8. How would you describe your style of design?
A lot of details. Classy but bold silhouettes with emphasis on comfort and practicality.
9. What advice would you give aspiring designers? Be authentic and consistent, it pays off.
What do you think of when you hear the term ‘imperfection’?
A lot of people will think of things such as ‘faulty’, ‘flawed’, or ‘broken.’ An imperfection is something that makes you less whole, or sub-par. In fact, the dictionary describes it as ‘of, relating to, or characterized by defects or weaknesses’ or ‘lacking completeness’.
Now for some fun questions.
10. Why did you choose to focus your design in eye wear?
I was on a holiday in Greece, and was looking to buy a pair of designer sunglasses that isn't crazily priced, with good quality and out-standing design (apparently this is a lot to ask).
I couldn't find anything that I like despite doing a lot of research. So I decided to make my own.
11. What is your must-have item when it comes to your personal style?
Accessories changes everything.
12. Who would be your ideal client?
Badass, influential, inspiring women. Females of the future!
13. How do you keep yourself motivated and positive?
That's easy. Do what you love!
For more information and to cop you a pair visit FORARTSSAKE
@forartssake