At just 24, designer, dancer, and creative force Viola Wan is building more than a fashion label—she's building a world. Born and raised in China, Wan moved to Los Angeles at the age of 16, completely alone and barely fluent in English. What she lacked in language, she made up for in drive. With a dancer's discipline and a visionary's instinct, she taught herself English through 5 a.m. journaling sessions. She carved out a new life for herself—one sewn together by grit, artistry, and an unwavering belief that she was meant to do something bigger.

Now the founder and creative director of The Wan Couture, Wan’s work bridges technical precision with emotional storytelling. A triple-degree graduate of FIDM, her design education laid a strong foundation—but it's her lived experience, from the stages of LA's dance scene to the solitude of immigrant beginnings, that fuels the raw power behind her pieces. Her collections speak in rhythm, move with intention, and carry the weight of a legacy she honors with every stitch: one of female resilience, independence, and self-actualization.

Though firmly Gen Z, Wan's voice resonates across generations—especially with Mature's millennial audience—because the themes she champions are universal: self-invention, purpose, and the courage to lead with authenticity. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about the journey that has shaped her—from chasing self-worth across continents to honoring her late grandmother's entrepreneurial legacy and finding her voice as an Asian woman in an industry that still rarely reflects her image. Ahead of her upcoming New York Fashion Week debut, Wan shares how she's redefining maturity, womanhood, and what it means to be "the only truly."

1. Let's begin at the beginning—before LA, before the brand. Can you take us back to the first time you felt the spark to create something bigger than yourself? What did that moment teach you about your relationship to vision and self-worth?

I was born and raised in China, and from a young age, I felt a deep sense of purpose, like my life held greater meaning. I was that kid who set the trends, who led with confidence, who dreamed big. I always believed there was more to life than what surrounded me. That’s why coming to the U.S. felt like the beginning of something real—a chance to step into who I was meant to be.

When I moved to LA alone at 16, I had no family here, barely spoke English, and had to start completely over. I woke up every day at 5 a.m. for nearly two years, filling notebooks to teach myself the language. Dance became my safe space—my way of expressing everything I didn’t yet know how to say. It helped me build my identity, even in moments I felt invisible.

Over time, through the people I met and the communities I found, I realized I didn’t just want to perform—I wanted to create something lasting. At first, I trained to be behind the artist. But eventually, I understood that I was born to be a star in my own right. I believe the talents I was given—from God or the universe—aren’t just for me. They’re meant to inspire, uplift, and awaken others to their own power.

That’s when I knew: my purpose is bigger than me. And my self-worth comes from honoring that purpose every single day.

2. Your brand name, The Wan Couture, is deeply personal, rooted in your grandmother's legacy and a belief in being 'the one and only.' How has your family's strength shaped your understanding of identity, independence, and ambition in your creative journey?

Growing up, I was deeply inspired by my grandmother’s story. At 55, in the '90s, she built one of the largest hotels in our city in China—a time and place where almost no one believed a woman could achieve that, especially at her age. She started with a humble breakfast stall and turned it into a thriving business that earned her deep respect. Her strength, resilience, and work ethic left a lasting imprint on me.

Though I lost her in the fourth grade, I remember how she encouraged me to chase my dreams and do what I love. She wanted me to become a doctor—to help find a cure for Parkinson’s, the illness that took her life. Even though my path didn’t lead to medicine, I truly believe art is its own form of healing. Through my designs and storytelling, I feel like I’m honoring her legacy—helping people feel, connect, and believe in possibility.

Her strength taught me that identity isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about standing firm in your truth. And as a woman in a still male-dominated world, I carry her resilience every day. The Wan Couture isn’t just a name; it’s a tribute to her spirit, to women’s power, and to the courage of creating your own path.

3. Mature often explores how millennials are reshaping the idea of what it means to be "mature." As someone from Gen Z, how has your definition of maturity evolved, particularly as an artist, a businesswoman, and a woman of color carving out your path and building an empire on your terms?

I was born in 2000, right at the edge of the millennial generation. But beyond labels, I believe maturity looks very different for our generation. For me, it means stepping into my power—as an artist, a businesswoman, and a woman of color, especially as an Asian woman navigating spaces that remain overwhelmingly white and male-dominated.

Growing up, I rarely saw Asian women in leadership or creative roles at the top of fashion or entertainment. That absence made me dream even bigger. I’ve always refused to be boxed in, and I’ve felt a calling to break boundaries—not just for myself, but to pave the way for others who’ve been overlooked or underestimated. I want to show we’re just as powerful, creative, and capable.

My idea of maturity has evolved into owning my voice, claiming space, and being unapologetic about my ambition. I’m building an empire on my terms. And if that means being the first—or one of the few—I hope a young woman, especially an Asian girl, can look at my journey and say, "She did it, so I can too."

4. As a trained professional dancer, you bring a unique connection to movement and rhythm. How does that background influence the way you approach silhouette, tailoring, and storytelling in your designs? Do you think your body has always been a kind of language in your work?

Absolutely. Being a professional dancer has shaped the way I see movement, storytelling, and the body itself. Dance taught me how the body shifts, how proportions move, and what truly flatters the figure—especially under stage lights or on camera. Those years of performing gave me an intuitive sense of how fabrics move, which silhouettes captivate, and how to lead the eye with intention.

I’ve always been drawn to music—it’s core to who I am. Even though I don’t sing or rap, I design like I choreograph: each fabric, cut, and detail has a rhythm. Dance gave me the pulse that now runs through every piece I create—an invisible beat behind my work.

Dance also introduced me to my creative community. Many of my collaborators—stylists, videographers, photographers—I met through the dance world. It taught me discipline, grit, and how to be fully myself. On stage, you can’t hide. That rawness is what I bring to my work. So yes—my body has always been a kind of language. Today, it speaks through fashion.

5. Many artists possess creative instincts, but few take the time to develop their technical craft. Can you talk about the technical or formal training you received in design, and how that shaped your discipline or pushed your creativity further?

I’m a firm believer in lifelong learning. I’ve spent over six years immersed in this craft—and I’m still learning every day.

Formally, I hold three degrees: an Associate of Arts in Fashion Design, an Advanced Associate Degree in Advanced Fashion Design, and a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Industry Studies from FIDM. My education taught me everything from technical sketching and color theory to Adobe tools, pattern drafting, and garment construction.

It wasn’t just about design—it was about critical thinking, pressure, and big-picture vision. One milestone was showcasing my collection at FIDM’s Debut Runway Show after completing my advanced degree. That moment reminded me of the power of combining creativity with technical mastery.

I’ve also had mentors like Angela Fuentes, who was once my instructor and is now a collaborator. She laid the foundation for my technical growth, and today we’re working together on my NYFW collection this September.

Training gave me structure—but it also taught me that craftsmanship speaks louder than any title. It’s about how far you’re willing to go to make something that lives beyond the classroom.

6. You've spoken about not seeing yourself reflected in any community when you first moved to LA. How did you transform that experience of disconnection into the heart of The Wan Couture World—a space where others can feel seen, represented, and powerful?

You know the saying—if there's no seat at the table, build your own. That’s exactly what I did. When I moved to LA, I didn’t see myself reflected in any community. For a while, it made me feel like I didn’t belong. But over time, I realized that wasn’t a weakness—it was a calling.

To anyone reading this: if you don’t feel like you fit in, that probably means you’re here to create something new. That disconnection? It’s the spark.

The Wan Couture was born from that space. I poured every moment of invisibility and rejection into a brand designed to make others feel seen. It’s not just about fashion—it’s about representation, power, and rewriting the rules.

Being "the one and only" isn’t about standing out just to stand out. It’s about standing fully in your truth, so others feel free to do the same.

7. The Wan Couture stands for independence, resilience, and originality. Who or what are the visual, cultural, or emotional references anchoring your creative direction right now? And how have those evolved since you started?

Coming from the dance world, music and movement have always been central to my creative language. I’m deeply inspired by pop culture, hip-hop, Afro, and Dancehall—especially the visual storytelling of music videos. Over the years, I’ve fused fashion with choreography and emotion, and that intersection is where I come alive.

Emotionally, my work mirrors my life. Heartbreak, growth, joy, transformation—it all finds its way into what I create. Designing has always been a form of healing for me, and I hope others feel that when they engage with my work.

In the beginning, I was simply trying to bring my visions to life with what I had. Today, with more skills, resources, and clarity, I feel more in control of my voice. I’ve learned how to manage chaos on set, how to stay grounded, and how to elevate without compromising.

The Wan Couture remains for that girl—bold, expressive, powerful, and unapologetic. My aesthetic is evolving, but the mission is the same: to create from truth, and to keep building toward a vision bigger than me.

8. Your brand pushes people to be 'the one and only' in their lives. What does that look like for you today, not just in fashion, but in the way you live, lead, and show up for your audience and community?

For me, being "the one and only" means living boldly and authentically every day. When I was 18, I tattooed the words "be you" on my arm to remind myself to show up unapologetically, whether people understand me or not. That belief shapes everything I do.

One moment I’m especially proud of is an event I hosted this past March called "She Next"—an immersive pop-up for Women’s History Month. I curated a panel of six incredible women across creative industries, from fashion and styling to songwriting and real estate. The space was built for inspiration, collaboration, and real conversation—exactly what I needed when I was starting out.

Now that I’m gaining access to the resources I once dreamed of, I want to share them. I want to be a bridge—a spark. I believe there’s space for all of us to win.

Being "the one and only" is about owning your uniqueness—and using it to uplift others.

9. In a world obsessed with trends, virality, and speed, what do you hope people pause and feel when they see or wear a The Wan Couture piece? What's the emotional undercurrent you design for?

I want people to feel like they are the one. Worthy. Enough. Powerful. Beautiful. Capable of becoming everything they’ve dreamed of—exactly as they are.

When someone wears The Wan Couture, I want them to feel whole. Like nothing is missing. Like they are already the main character of their own story.

Emotionally, I design for that internal shift—that moment of quiet confidence when you remember you don’t need permission to take up space. The Wan Couture is about stepping into your highest self—and owning it fully.

10. As you build a platform rooted in authenticity, legacy, and intention, what's one piece of advice you would offer to young creatives, especially those who feel like they don't belong or who come from marginalized or underrepresented spaces?

Never let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Believe in what you have, even when others don’t see it yet—and keep showing up. Hard work, faith, and patience will always pay off.

I’ve learned that your character matters more than your talent. There are so many talented people, but what sets you apart is your energy, your integrity, and how you make others feel. People hire those they trust, connect with, and believe in—not just portfolios.

Take time to connect with your "why." Your purpose will carry you through the tough seasons. When you lead with intention, not just ambition, you go further—and bring others with you.

11. What does "mature" mean to you, in this season of your life? How do you hope to grow into it, challenge it, or redefine it through your work?

In this season, maturity means trusting divine timing. I may not be exactly where I want to be yet, but I believe God—or the universe—is placing me in the right rooms, with the right people, at the right time. I’m grounded in purpose, and no external noise can shake that.

To me, being mature doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It means choosing growth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Right now, I’m channeling that energy into projects that serve others. I’m working on an e-book with my sewing class business, @thewansewingstudios, and launching an online course called 'Intro to Sewing & Upcycling'—designed to make sewing accessible and creative.

It’s another way I’m redefining maturity: by leading with intention, creating from the heart, and making space for others to grow.

And on that note—I’m debuting an 18-look collection, "FAITH," for both men and women, under The Wan Couture at New York Fashion Week on September 12th. Hope to see you there.

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