Vivienne Tam Designer Q&AA genuine fashion star for more than two decades, Vivienne Tam has perfected the art of combining Eastern and Western aesthetics to create an entirely original approach to design. Glam interviewed the renowned designer to find out what inspires her innovative creations and to get the lowdown on all the snazziest things this season. Which celebrities wear your designs best and why? The ones who wear my designs but customize them to fit their own style. I love when they express their individuality. Who are you dying to dress? No one in particular. I would love to dress everyone. Who do you consider to be the greatest style icon of all time?Coco Chanel. Who are some of your favorite designers? My mother. I watched her make her own clothes, and she was my main inspiration growing up. I like lots of designers. They all have their own points of view and it’s quite interesting. I can’t pinpoint just one designer.What must-haves should every woman have in her closet?A Vivienne Tam cocktail sheath dress, of course, because it easily transfers from day to evening wear. What’s on your iPod? What do you listen to on a regular basis?The Beatles, especially “Imagine” by John Lennon; Bob Dylan; “Sounds of Nature” by Ali Khan and Ravi Shankar. What are your favorite foods?I try to eat only organically and not use any plastics. I also love my mother’s and my boyfriend’s cooking. What are your favorite cocktails?Plenty of mineral water and only at room temperature because cold water shocks the body—but chamomile tea is my favorite cocktail. What are your favorite beauty products?Dr. Hauschka products, especially their lip balm. I also love Chinese herbal tea, ginseng, and olive oil. What are your favorite accessories?My mother’s pearl earrings and jade rings, my emerald earrings from my boyfriend, my black cashmere shawl for traveling, and of course my yoga mat. What are your favorite travel destinations?Bhutan. I love the art, culture, architecture, costumes, monasteries, and all of the beautiful colors in the scenery there. In the south of France I go to a town called Gordes, which is famous for its fields of lavender flowers, and I love to eat at the L’Oustau de Baumanière restaurant. The Yunnan province in China because of all the colors, culture, arts and crafts, and the scenery.
