Sophie Lui was born in the jungles of Cambodia during her family’s escape from the brutal Pol Pot regime. She grew up in a tiny apartment in Paris with her mother and brother, and migrated to Australia at age nine where she picked up her third language, English. Sophie has since become a self-taught fashion designer, dressmaker and a business owner.
Sophie’s passion for supporting and empowering women is derived from her traumatic past – the struggles that Sophie and her mother endured. Bearing witness to the repercussions of Pol Pot’s actions, poverty and the struggles of refugees all lead to her desire for equal opportunity and freedom from subjugation.
A mother’s influence in the world’s fashion capital
When Sophie lived in Paris her mother ran a clothing manufacturing business and Sophie was immersed in the ‘backstage’ of the fashion world. Living in Paris was like being on fashion’s centre stage, seeing her mother transform from seamstress to an elegant woman dressed in fur jackets and tailor made silk cheongsams. Sophie was enamoured by the elegance and confidence of Parisian women.
Sophie’s love of costume’s transformative powers inspired her to get into fashion. She is inspired by helping women to imagine themselves as the woman they dream to be, Sophie helps open the pathway to those dreams.
The launch of a dream – in Melbourne Sophie launched her eponymous label in 2006 at the Crown Palladium Ballroom in Melbourne with Variety the Children’s Charity.
She opened her flagship store in High Street, Armadale in 2007. Taking inspiration from the best of her experiences and strength from the worst, Sophie has re-created her dream / memory of Paris and is quickly building a reputation for creating limited edition pieces entirely designed and made in Melbourne.
Sophie’s biggest obstacle was her own self belief. By taking small steps her confidence slowly built. Once she could see the business coming together her imagination was unleashed.
Parisian inspiration – Sophie is continually driven and inspired to recreate her memory of Paris. Recreating the Parisian world of confident women is what keeps her inspired.
Sophie’s passion – Sophie is driven by her passion for the empowerment of women. Sophie designs office and evening wear that fit and flatter a broad range of body types, delighting when her clients are surprised by how beautiful they look. She loves the confidence it gives women to live the lives they aspire to.
Biggest Obstacles – Sophie’s biggest obstacle was her own self belief. By taking small steps her confidence slowly built. Once she could see the business coming together her imagination was unleashed.
Today – A wonderful future ahead
The company’s design team; Sophie Lui, and brothers, Dale and Cameron Crawford, have backgrounds in the fine arts, graphic design, textile design and fashion retailing. Sophie and Dale are engaged to be married and are looking forward to sharing their lives together.
While she is still in the early stages of her business, Sophie has come a long way; from a refugee in poverty, to a self-taught designer/entrepreneur living out her dreams in Australia.
