Cici Zhang On Bringing Bohemian Fashion To Asia
From Australia to Hong Kong.
Shopping can be a headache sometimes. With so many online shops and retail stores to choose from , it’s not easy to find a brand that offers quality fashion pieces without breaking the wallet.
Black Coral xo is all about affordable fashion that makes women feel confident, which says everything about its co-founder Cici Zhang (@cicizxox ). This Australia-born #chika comes from a fashion background and worked as a designer for 3 years before starting her own brand with her friend Christine Wang.
Flattering minis and maxis, flirty playsuits, fun separates and luxe swimsuits are just some of the items you can find at her fun online shop and pop-up (follow @blackcoralxo for the latest location). Watch this video to learn more about this talented and gorgeous boss babe.
What were you doing before Black Coral xo?
I have always worked in the fashion industry - before Black Coral I was working as a lingerie, swim & sportswear designer for a French fashion brand. My job consisted of keeping up with current and future trends, creating mood boards and themes for new collections, sourcing new fabrics and trims, designing the garments and then following production all the way to sampling them, ready to present to the buyers.
Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Definitely! It’s been a dream of mine since high school. At the same time that I discovered my love of all things related to the fashion and entertainment industry, I also wanted to be my own boss one day.
Although I grew up mainly in Australia, throughout my childhood I lived in 3 different continents (including Asia) and I knew I wanted to move to Hong Kong and base my business there.
When I did finally make the move, my then job enabled me to work closely with factories and gain invaluable insight into the fashion and manufacturing industry before I was brave enough to launch my own business!
What defines a modern woman in 2021 to you?
Someone who is unafraid to go after what she wants! A modern woman is untraditional, unconventional, daring and willing to take (well-thought out) risks and push boundaries to achieve her goals. Independent, fierce, passionate and fearless!
How would you describe your style?
Actually, one of the main reasons I started Black Coral was because I found it very difficult to shop in HK! I could not find many clothes that were flattering to my body shape and still felt comfortable to wear in the heat and humidity of HK.
I would describe my style as quite quintessentially “Australian”—I love wearing laid back, bohemian, resort wear like pieces in bright prints and flirty cuts, that show off the female form. A bit sexy, a bit daring, and always fun!
What’s one accessory every woman must have?
Confidence! Nothing is sexier than confidence. I know it’s a work in progress for all of us but I think especially in today’s culture and pressures from social media, taking a step back to celebrate yourself and to think positively about yourself is something that everyone (not just women) should do more of. Be kind and treat yourself like someone you love!
What does your self-care routine look like?
My self-care routine is to make sure I spend time doing things I love outside of work (to keep myself sane!). I regularly work out at my CrossFit box, I go on daily walks with my puppy, and I spend time with my partner and friends. I try to stay hydrated and get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. I try to eat healthy too, though that is always a struggle!
What’s your favourite female-owned brand(s) at the moment?
There are so many! Love and Lemons, Reformation, Realisation Par, Spell & The Gypsy Collective, Sabo Skirt, Zimmermann, Alice McCall…
Who’s your Chika?
My parents—not just my mother but also my father. They have both supported me unconditionally and given me so many opportunities. I’m extremely lucky to have such a loving family behind me who has tried to give me everything they can to make sure I succeed at anything I want to do!
