Meet Linda Queenie Lieu, Unisex Designer in San Gabriel Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Queenie Lieu.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I like to juggle multiple things at once, because there are just so many things in this world that I love doing, and will keep loving more. To name the most predominant things, I am primarily: a fashion designer, costume designer, stylist, illustrator, textile artist, and a creative director.

I attended Shoreline Community College for Fashion Merchandising while working in retail. Afterward, going to California State University to study fashion and textile. During my years while attending university, I would immerse myself in various activities and experimentation. From interning on the film sets to volunteering in theatre. Which over time, I piled up experience and honed my skills. Meanwhile, working on my crafting to discovering my styles, and building my concepts for my brands. There was also a time period where I studied abroad in Hong Kong, and traveled there numerous times to learn more about its fashion industry and culture; I also took a footwear making a course in London and went through a collections management program for textile preservation/conservation. I would always use my school breaks, and the weekend wisely, whether it was to take a short course or working on my own things. I had to be productive. I would also be a vendor at small local conventions or events, primarily anime/Japanese fashion events; over time understanding customer relation, and what kind of things people like. The psychology behind customers, and improving my visual display, product aesthetic, and marketing strategy after each experience. Upon graduation, I already had quite the portfolio and set of experiences. In turn, I was able to find freelance jobs easier especially in the film industry, and I continued on expanding my brand concepts; in which I document through photography and filming and hone my creative directing skills.

I’ve experimented so much, so my work aesthetic or role is not set in stone to go one direction. I play a lot of roles; so when people ask me what do I do, I find it hard to give a short answer.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For a designer, the biggest obstacle is yourself. In the creative field, it is all about taking risks. In life, we worry about what decisions to make, and how the path will unfold after that decision. If we don’t end up making a choice for fear of making a decision, that is a decision right there… the decision to not do anything. It can be anything from drawing a line or picking a color. Not only do we have to make the right decision, but we have to make it in a timely manner. While growing up, children and teenagers may think they have all the time in the world to experiment and decide what they want, but after you hit a certain age, say the late 20s, you realize that you have to make everything happen now, and can’t waste another second. It’s not about how well you plan out your life’s timeline in advance. sometimes things just don’t work out the way we plan. Time passes by fast. You have to remember that today at this very moment. You have to live it good and do what you are able to, to prepare for the future. The right decision at the right time.

Like most designers, over time I tried to figure out what my identity was, and what my target market was. I never thought I would end up designing unisex fashion (primarily). All my life I would be interested in so many things, trying so many things (still do), but nothing ever clicked completely, – not because I was not passionate about it, but because I was too passionate about too many things. Then within a short time span, since two years ago, everything started coming together on who I really was (well, for the most part) and I was pushing so many ideas out like crazy. It is interesting with what one random thought can lead to.

Another struggle most designers have is, of course, financial backing for your creative endeavors. I would say have a good balance of both work and the time to do what you love. There is no point in always working and never having the time to enjoy what you intended to work for in the first place. Even if your work is your hobby, there is a difference between having to do something out of responsibility and doing it out of passion. Also, hard, detailed work will pay for itself, you will really see it.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with (Unisex Designer) – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Aside from my fashion lines, I also do independent projects as an artist under my own name. If you ask me what my specialization is and what is it that sets me apart from others; I would say I really push the lines between gendered fashion as there are not so many unisex fashion designers out there yet. If you ask me what I am known for, what probably instantly comes to people’s minds when they think of me would be the following: Distressed denim, textured knitwear, paint splatter, merging traditional Asian aesthetics with modern western aesthetics, and the color red.

Beyond the Boundary:
“We aim for post-gender future of fashion aesthetic, where there are no barriers left for both genders. Pushing the boundaries of gendered fashion into gender-free fashion. People say the sky’s the limit, but we have no limit. Beyond the Boundary is a unisex brand that aims to be experimental and cross the line. Our looks can be said to be inspired by the American 80s Grunge Scene, and the Japanese Neo Street Fashion; resulting in a cutting-edge look with an eccentric pop. Our major signature look includes exaggerated loose tops and slim, toned bottoms. Known for our Distressed elements; Chunky texture and Fine Details; Paint Splatter Designs; and Minimalist Look with a Touch of Edge.”

For this line, I usually work with denim and yarns (wool, cotton), and detailed artwork for the print; I get really abstract with it. The aesthetic is quite a darker and intense look in contrast to the other lines and is more avant-garde. It’s my most favorite one that allows me to fully express, and it’s customers are like me, they’re innovators and like to bend the rules in fashion.

Site: www.btb.fashion

Boba Bunny:
Features unisex graphic t-shirts with character “Boba Bunny” in a variety of food/drink themes. This line is more of a whimsical and comedic one compared to the other ones and appeals to a wider variety of customers as everyone can relate to food/drinks.

Site: www.bobabunny.shop

Princess Dreaming:
Inspired by the Japanese fashion subculture Hime Gyaru (“Princess Gal”), it features adorable accessories. Known mostly for its floral, fruity, and dessert-themed products. This line is quite the opposite from the rest, as it’s very frilly and overly sweet, and was my first line, but for now, I am putting it aside to work on the unisex fashion market.

Site: www.princessdreaming.com

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The ultimate dream is to travel the world and style on film sets, along with directing/producing some films. Also, I would like to open a cafe and a boutique. Will it happen? Well, let’s look back in the future at this article and see if my dream(s) has come true!

Pricing:

• Beyond the Boundary: Average Product Range $65 – $400 Depending on the Collection or Collaboration Partner
• Boba Bunny: Average Product Range $15 – $40
• Princess Dreaming: Average Product Range $15- $60
• Other Independent Freelance work: Varies $$$

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lindaqueenielieu.com
• Instagram: @_helloqueenie_

Image Credit:
Aaron Maung Thein, Justin Quebral, Steve Hong, Leslie Haro Lee, Henry Chang, Mean Philip Ra, John Woo, Sienna Pinku, Jei Romanes, Larissa Lapin, Linda Lieu

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.