Love At First Blush

Gold dipped, black feather necklace

You know that feeling, those butterflies in your stomach, when you stumble across something you never knew you were missing? That’s Love At First Blush. Maybe it’s that dark versus light, the combinations of textures and materials. Feminine but dark, edgy, mysterious. Whatever it is, you can’t help but like the little line by Sabrina Chin.

Living in the design haven of Montreal, the 29 year old grew up in Vancouver before making the trek to Toronto to study at Fashion Design and Pattern Making at Ryerson. This fair city does play host tome some talented artists.

Documenting her life on her blog (of the same name), you can watch as Chin’s aspirations move beyond design and curation. And here, we talk a little about her life, her inspiration, and where she’s going next.

What’s your creative background?

My formal training is in Fashion Design and Pattern making from Ryerson University in Toronto, ON.  I have also studied abroad at the University of Westminster in London. My experience from these two different schools has developed my creativity and refined my design aesthetic. I’ve worked as a designer for a large fashion retailer during the past four years before venturing onto my brand, Love at First Blush.

How did you get involved in design?

I learned how to use a sewing machine at age 12 to make things for myself, but never imagined becoming a fashion designer. In first year University Sciences I had a moment of clarity and knew I wanted to be a designer. I enrolled into Fashion Design at Ryerson and haven’t looked back since.

What’s your favourite aspect of design?

My favorite aspect of design are the initial stages of developing ideas and inspiration. Figuring out a theme, creating sketches, and allowing myself to experiment is the best part. I also enjoy seeing the finished products in photo shoots. It’s very rewarding to see my vision reproduced in a photograph that can be shared with others.

Where do you get inspiration?

I am inspired by Art Nouveau, vintage lingerie, folktales, and tattoo art. Traveling also inspires me. Last year I traveled to Southeast Asia for 3 months, visiting Hong Kong, India and Malaysia, just soaking up the different cultures.

What’s your method?

I start by creating a theme board of images and materials that excite me, and sketch based on these ideas. I then edit and narrow my sketches to the best which represent the story. The last step is experimenting and fine-tuning the prototypes until I am happy with the final products.

Who are you designing for?

My accessory line, Love at First Blush, is for lingerie and fashion lovers. The muse I design for is a fashionable and iconic woman who loves a bit of romance, glamour and rock and roll. She’s an alter ego of me.

How do you source your material?

I have a few local suppliers who specialize in leather and trims. I like to find unusual skins with different textures. If I can’t find something I like, I try to create the look myself. I’ve searched everywhere for laser cut leather, but was never satisfied with the design so I created it myself.

Where do you get inspiration for your blog?

My blog started as a visual journey to record parts of my life, but it has evolved into documenting the design and creative process for Love at First Blush. The city I live in, my travels, and my friends also inspire the blog.

In five years I will be…

You will have to stay tuned.