Designed by Anya
Anya Ayoung Chee is a fashion designer, entrepreneur, activist, and winner of Project Runway Season 9.
In 2008 she competed at the Miss Universe pageant in Vietnam for her native Trinidad and Tobago, during which she had the opportunity to design some of her wardrobe. In 2009 she launched her first collection Pilar, named after her younger brother. Several years later, Anya inspired millions when she won the 9th season of the popular US television series, Project Runway. She then launched her eponymous womenswear line geared toward the resort wear market.
In recent years Anya retreated from designing her own clothing line in order to open and manage a co-working space (HOME), boutique (Exhibit A) and cafe (HOME Cafe) in Trinidad. The Anya Ayoung Chee - Limited Edition brand, marks her return to designing a line of her own.
Made in Trinidad & Tobago
It has been Anya's passion to utilize living and working in her island home of Trinidad, and transform challenges to her advantage.
Sourcing fabrics in the Caribbean means there is limited access to large quantities and an inconsistent supply. Anya Ayoung Chee - Limited Edition deliberately produces small amounts of each new design allowing each customer the ease of knowing their purchase is exclusive.
By producing in Trinidad and Tobago, Anya has the chance to work directly with the highly skilled practitioners who have been trained by her mentor, and fellow Trinidadian designer, Meiling.
Anya's love for her island, and the Caribbean, has led her to a role in social activism, as co-founder and Director of The Together WI Foundation. To learn more about Together WI and their initiatives, please visit Facebook.com/TogetherWI
What's Next?
For the last seven years, her love for carnival was channeled into designing for the largest band in the Caribbean, Tribe, and as co-creative director of The Lost Tribe in its inaugural year. She simultaneously developed the brand, cANYAval, an e-commerce site that sold "Monday Wear" and produced carnival costumes for LA, Toronto, Barbados and Jamaica, in addition to creating carnival-inspired events in various cities in the Caribbean and US. This experience is allowing her to segue into her newest venture, Wyldflower. More on this to come.
Having created several businesses and brands over the last ten years, Anya is focused on applying her many learnings to her upcoming ventures. With an emphasis on finding innovative approaches to merging creativity, social consciousness and technology, Anya is currently developing a matchmaking platform for fashion enthusiasts and makers of apparel.