In a recent episode of the LuxurynsightxFashionNetwork podcast, Christine Phung, a distinguished French fashion designer, shares her unique path in the fashion industry. A graduate of the Duperré academy and the French Fashion Institute (IFM), Phung discusses her experiences as a creative director for luxury and mass-market brands, all while managing her eponymous label.
Christine Phung graduated in 2001 and quickly delved into the world of fashion. Under the mentorship of Christophe Lemaire, she learned a groundbreaking approach—overseeing both her designer label and another brand with a distinct identity, departing from the traditional designer-couturier model. This approach was a valuable lesson in making creative businesses financially viable in the long run.
Phung’s career took her to esteemed fashion houses such as Chloé, Vanessa Bruno, and Dior Children. She also worked as a consultant for brands like Veja and Lacoste. In 2011, she founded her eponymous label, running it alongside her freelance work and her roles as the creative director for Georges Rech (from October 2015 to May 2016) and Leonard (from March 2016 to May 2020).
Balancing the distinct styles and traditions of different brands is a challenge that Phung excels at. She dissects the DNA of each client, analyzing their unique codes to expand their creative horizons. For instance, during her tenure at Leonard, known for its signature orchid, fuchsia pink, and silk jersey, Phung introduced high-tech fabrics and an architectural textile approach, creating a fresh perspective.
Her time at Leonard marked a pivotal moment in Phung’s career. She had already launched her own label, won the ANDAM prize in 2013, and completed eight collections under her name. Seeking financial backing to expand her brand on an industrial scale, she joined Leonard to focus on fashion design while gaining invaluable experience.
Phung then took on a new challenge, becoming the creative director of the popular lingerie and homewear brand Princesse Tam Tam, owned by Fast Retailing. Here, she aimed to infuse the brand with a sense of dream, loyalty, and strong values, recognizing that they were not just selling products but an entire lifestyle.
In October 2022, Christine Phung embarked on yet another exciting venture, relaunching the sophisticated knitwear label LaFrançaise and revitalizing her eponymous label. Her diverse experiences in the fashion world continue to shape her creative journey.
Listen to the full podcast episode to gain insights into the dynamic world of fashion and the creative mind of Christine Phung.