Interview with Vienna Prom Fashion Designer Jimme Huang

Jimme Haung, designer and owner of Vienna Prom, sits down with our very own, Trisha, as part of our Queenly Tea Talks Instagram Live series to talk about his journey in the formal dress industry.

Trisha: Thank you for being a partner with Queenly! Let's get started: tell us the origin story for Vienna Prom!

Jimme: I basically started a company with my mother 18 years ago when I first moved to Dallas, Texas. We started selling shoes and accessories and after getting positive feedback on our unique earrings, we decided to transform that into gowns. That was about 10-9 years ago.

Trisha: So what was your inspiration? Why gowns? Why formal dresses? Why this glamorous world?

T: I want to dive into how this year has been for you and Vienna Prom. This pandemic has been a huge hit to designers and boutique owners.

J: The year has been challenging because everything has a big question mark. A lot of boutiques are concerned. I feel bad for all the women who did not get to go to their prom. As a designer, every piece is designed for someone special, for a special experience. I hope some of these girls will have the chance to have this experience.

T: I remember looking forward to my prom since middle school, so I feel for them. I know with the help of technology, some have had the chance to have a virtual prom and at least there was something we could do in that sense.

Trisha: Let's talk about the future! What are your plans for this upcoming year, 2021?

J: I will produce a new prom collection and it’s going to be very fun, sexy, and vibrant. To me, prom should be fun, comfortable, and unique. Another thing, something exciting, is that I have started a bridal collection. We have started piloting and product testing.

Trisha: For those that are less familiar, how are wedding dresses different from prom and pageant dresses?

Trisha: For yourself personally, what are your favorite kinds of dresses to design?

J: There is no favorite. My favorite is when I design something and it looks amazing on the client. That is my reward. It’s the satisfaction of seeing your work on somebody.

T: What was one of your favorite designs that you remember? A piece that you were really proud of.

T: So this is a fun question: Out of all the previous pageant holders, who would you want to dress?

J: I would say probably Crystle Stewart (Miss USA 2008). She has a very wide range of looks. You can dress Crystle in a very glamorous look and then go for a business suit.

T: She was just a commanding presence. That is what makes her one of the most memorable Miss USA’s.

We have another question from the comments: Do you think Miss USA should branch out to other gown designer sponsors?

J: This is controversial. However, if you take the business man out of me, I think a competition should have the freedom of choice for attire. It's hard, however, because it’s a business decision at the end of the day.

T: I agree. I watch Miss Philippines every year, which is similar to Miss USA. Every single year, I love that every girl is working with their own designer. It is a relationship that is exciting and diverse.

I’m going to switch gears into more quick, fun questions. What is something that recently moved you?

J: Family. It has been a tough year, but my family has really been there. I actually named my daughter after Vienna (FYI).

Thank you Jimme! Check out the full interview here And make sure to follow Queenly on Instagram for more exclusive interviews.