Fashion Blog

Chloe Dao

Chloe Dao’s story is a 21st century American success story and one for the ages. She came to America from Laos as a child, along with her parents and her seven sisters. Though she was encouraged to pursue science or medicine, she knew from age 10 that she wanted to be in the world of fashion design.

She later graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in patternmaking. Afterwards, she worked making patterns, while learning the ins and outs of buying and merchandising. By the year 2000, Dao was a seasoned professional in the fashion industry, and it was then that she opened Lot 8, a boutique which she named for the eight Dao sisters.

In 2002 Dao won Season 2 of Bravo Television’s Project Runway, even though the camera often focused on the dramatic exploits of other contestants. The fact was, she had a gift for designing for women’s figures, and she had the technical skills to put together beautiful creations. In the years since, Dao has steadily grown in stature as an American fashion designer of note. She may not have the instant name recognition of Tom Ford or Kate Spade – yet!  But Chloe Dao is living the dream she had as a little girl, and that’s a true definition of a success story.

You can find Dao’s “Simply Chloe Dao” collection on QVC.com, with designs that draw on the clothing sold at her Lot8 boutique. There you’ll find designs made by a real woman, for real women.

Dao’s  “Kim” dress, from her Summer 2010 collection, is a one-shouldered creation that’s fitted at the waist and done in a pale blue and silver pattern on white. The top and the skirt are beautifully draped, elegantly sugar coating any figure flaws.

“Kara” is another gorgeous summer dress, in a textured white with an unusual criss-cross neckline, with a fitted waist and darts at the bust, for a perfect fit that gives any figure hourglass curves.

“Oxana” is the perfect summer party dress, with a halter neckline and flared, subtly pleated skirt. Done up in a pale cream color, it is sure to flatter skin tones either with or without a tan, while the halter neckline would be perfectly played off against a gorgeous pair of drop earrings.

Chloe Dao is the kind of fashion designer that women can really get behind, because she “gets” what makes women look great, and she offers her designs at prices that they can actually afford. Dao is one of those success stories that inspires much more admiration than jealousy, because it is clear that she not only has the necessary talent and skill, but also the work ethic it takes to succeed in a cutthroat industry with great aplomb and class.

Simply Chloe Dao Collection can be seen on QVC July 2nd at 9am and 6pm EST.