Vivienne Tam Glam.com Interview QuestionsWhen did you first realize you wanted to be a designer?I wasn't always thinking about becoming a designer; I just loved dressing myself since I was 8 years old. I used to play dress-up with my brother and sister using sheets and blankets to put around them, and during Chinese New Year I would design their outfits. In high school, we had to wear uniforms, but I still wanted to try to be different, so I would style my hair differently every day, make my own accessories like pencil cases, school bags, and hair pins, and I made my own dresses to wear to parties. I just knew that I loved to create—this is what I loved to do. How did you get your start?I made my first Chinese-inspired samples in Hong Kong, but at that time I knew that they were only interested in Western brands, so I made my decision to come to New York to be who I am and do what I love to do. I showed my samples to the potential buyers; there were lots of ups and downs at first, as I had no money and I cried a few times, especially when they said that there are no designers from Hong Kong, only manufacturers. But due to my persistence and perseverance, Henri Bendel’s became my first buyer.What or who inspires you?My mother, because she taught me when I was young to make my own clothes and be an individual. She told me that if I make my own clothes, they will be the only pieces in the world and they will be so special.     When are you the most creative?Anytime, anywhere.What challenges do you face on a daily basis?Not enough sleep and trying to focus on doing only one thing at a time.Where do you like to sketch?On the plane—it’s the quietest time for me.What are some of the most stylish places in the world?India, Africa, and places in China that are still not fully developed. Places that still keep their own culture, customs, and traditions and are not influenced by the rest of the world. What advice can you give aspiring designers?Stay true to yourself, never give up, and develop your own signature style and your own identity.What five things can you not live without?Anything—just mineral water.What other designers do you admire?I admire a lot of designers—there are so many of them that are so inspirational. I’d love to learn from them all. How do you relax and unwind? Yoga and swimming.What trends do you love now?No trends.