Today we’d like to introduce you to Melynda Choothesa
Hi Melynda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in fashion began as a child, inspired by my uncle’s travels and the stories he shared. I spent countless hours sketching outfits and imagining designs, setting the foundation for what has become a 16-year career as a fashion stylist and 12 years as a costume designer. Today, I’m the CEO and Senior Fashion Stylist behind Couture Zen, which I founded in 2010, and Quirk, launched in 2016.
Couture Zen is a full-service creative agency based in Los Angeles, where I specialize in high-end fashion styling, custom costume design, wardrobe consulting, and art direction for film, TV, commercial productions, and editorial photoshoots. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with notable figures like Akon, Bad Bunny, and Elijah Wood, as well as leading brands such as Apple, Pepsi, and Universal Pictures. My work combines bespoke design and sustainable fashion practices, drawing from my background in theater and my extensive knowledge of on-set styling.
In 2016, I launched Quirk, an upscale vintage showroom in Los Angeles, born from my passion for sourcing unique, high-quality pieces during my travels — including visits to my mother’s home country, Thailand. Quirk offers a curated selection of high-end vintage and modern fashion, along with a ready-to-wear clothing line that reflects my love for photography and design. To meet growing demand, we launched our e-commerce site in 2022, at the tail end of the pandemic, making our unique collection accessible to clients across the U.S. and beyond who are searching for standout vintage clothing and sustainable fashion options.
Together, Couture Zen and Quirk represent a holistic approach to fashion, blending bespoke styling, custom design, and a commitment to sustainability. As a Los Angeles fashion stylist and costume designer, I’ve been able to create meaningful stories through clothing, whether for high-profile events, editorial shoots, or custom bridal styling. It’s been a rewarding journey, shaped by creativity, travel, and the incredible clients I’ve had the privilege of working with. I’m excited to continue growing both brands and connecting with those seeking a unique, tailored fashion experience.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been anything but a smooth road — but the challenges have shaped the way I run both Couture Zen and Quirk, and I’m grateful for the growth that’s come from navigating those struggles.
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was starting Couture Zen in 2010 as a new, minority-owned business in a competitive industry like **Los Angeles fashion styling** and **costume design**. Breaking into the world of commercial and editorial styling meant constantly proving my expertise in a saturated market, where clients often leaned toward established agencies. However, I used this challenge as an opportunity to develop a reputation for bespoke, sustainable fashion design and creative problem-solving on set, which set Couture Zen apart.
For Quirk, the challenge was different. The brand started as a tiny, hole-in-the-wall brick-and-mortar store back in 2016. I wanted to create a space that not only offered high-end vintage fashion but also supported modern independent designers. This unique mix helped Quirk carve out a niche in the crowded vintage retail landscape. However, when the pandemic hit, we had to pivot quickly, transitioning from a physical showroom to an online retail brand and launching our e-commerce site in 2022. Competing in the e-commerce space was a new challenge, requiring significant investment in digital marketing, SEO, and establishing a strong online presence. We’ve worked hard to ensure our offerings are easily discoverable for clients searching for “unique vintage fashion online” and “sustainable ready-to-wear clothing.”
Another major hurdle has been dealing with trademark issues. Over the past couple of years, we’ve faced an influx of copycats trying to steal or use the names Quirk and various iterations of Couture Zen. Navigating the legal complexities of trademark protection has been time-consuming and costly, but it’s reinforced the importance of defending our brand identity and the values we’ve worked so hard to build.
Balancing the creative and business aspects of both brands has also been challenging. From managing production budgets for on-set styling projects to streamlining bookkeeping for Quirk, I’ve had to wear many hats, including mastering tools like QuickBooks Online and Capture One. It’s been overwhelming at times, but these experiences have pushed me to become more versatile and efficient.
Educating clients about the value of sustainable fashion design, custom wardrobe consulting, and supporting independent designers has been another obstacle. Many clients don’t initially understand the amount of work that goes into creating bespoke pieces or the importance of investing in quality, sustainable fashion. Over time, I’ve turned this challenge into an opportunity to share our story through public speaking, content creation, and a brand narrative that emphasizes our commitment to thoughtful, personalized fashion.
Despite the struggles, I’ve always found ways to adapt, learn, and grow. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but overcoming these obstacles has allowed me to build two distinct brands that resonate with clients who appreciate bespoke design, high-end vintage fashion, and sustainable styling practices, while also championing independent designers.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling, and my own story is proof that you can build something meaningful from very little. I’m a second-generation American, raised by Thai immigrants who instilled a strong work ethic in me early on. I had to drop out of high school and move out young to work full time and support myself. Nearly 20 years ago, I came to Los Angeles with next to nothing. I started out as a barista, then quickly moved up to managing a Buffalo Exchange by the time I was 20 years old.
I initially attended Santa Monica College for fashion design, but I realized I needed practical, hands-on experience. I left school to take on an internship, which gave me the foundation to start my first business venture at 22, focusing on personal branding and image consulting. That experience set me on the path to building **Couture Zen** in 2010 and later **Quirk** in 2016.
Today, with **Couture Zen**, I specialize in high-end fashion styling, custom costume design, and art direction for film, TV, editorial, and commercial projects. My work is rooted in a love for creating bespoke, sustainable fashion that tells a story. I’ve collaborated with high-profile clients like Akon, Bad Bunny, and Elijah Wood, as well as brands like Apple, Pepsi, and Universal Pictures. I’m known for a personalized approach that combines creative problem-solving with a deep understanding of the craft.
**Quirk**, my upscale vintage showroom and ready-to-wear line, started as a tiny brick-and-mortar shop and has since evolved into a curated e-commerce brand launched in 2022. What sets Quirk apart is our commitment to sustainability and our focus on supporting modern independent designers. We offer a unique mix of high-end vintage fashion and contemporary pieces, catering to clients who want something distinct and thoughtfully sourced.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come despite the obstacles. I’ve never had it easy — I didn’t come from wealth, and I’ve had to navigate the fashion industry with limited resources. From managing production budgets to handling complex trademark issues and pivoting during the pandemic, I’ve learned to adapt and grow through every challenge. My holistic approach to fashion, combined with a focus on sustainability, bespoke design, and supporting independent designers, has helped Couture Zen and Quirk carve out a unique space in a crowded market.
At the end of the day, I’m driven by the desire to create meaningful, story-driven fashion experiences — whether it’s a custom costume for a film, a tailored wardrobe consultation, or a curated vintage collection. I’m grateful for the journey, the lessons learned, and the incredible clients who appreciate the passion and thought behind every piece.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is authenticity, sustainability, and creating a lasting impact. Coming from a background where I didn’t have a lot of resources or privilege, I’ve learned the importance of making the most out of what you have and staying true to your values, no matter the obstacles.
In both Couture Zen and Quirk, I’ve made it a priority to practice sustainable fashion and thoughtful design. I want to show that you don’t have to compromise quality or creativity to be mindful of our planet. By sourcing vintage and secondhand pieces for Quirk, and focusing on bespoke, custom designs for Couture Zen, I’m able to offer clients unique, high-quality garments while minimizing waste. It’s about creating fashion that tells a story, lasts longer, and has a positive impact.
It’s also important to me to use my platform to support independent designers and underrepresented voices in the fashion industry. As a second-generation Thai American who had to work from a young age, I know firsthand the challenges that creatives face when they don’t come from wealth or privilege. That’s why I strive to collaborate with other small businesses and designers who are paving their own way. It matters to me that the work I do helps to lift others up and creates space for more diverse perspectives in fashion.
Ultimately, what matters most is leaving behind something meaningful. I want my clients to feel seen, heard, and understood — whether they’re coming to me for a custom wardrobe consultation, a bespoke costume design, or a unique piece from our vintage collection. It’s about building connections, creating something truly special, and making a positive difference, no matter how big or small.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.couturezen.com; www.shopquirkla.com
- Instagram: @couturezen; @shopquirkla
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/couture-zen-los-angeles-3; www.yelp.com/biz/quirk-los-angeles?start=30
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5609288/?ref_=nmbio_ov_i
