Student embraces love for fashion

Two years ago, senior Priscilla Chu went in search of a job selling clothes at Nordstorm at Valley Fair Mall. For two years, Chu worked at the store whenever she was needed. 

On Jan. 1 of this year, Chu finally became an official employee when Nordstorm offered her a regular part-time job doing what she loves best: helping people find the clothes they look best in.

Chu is one of the school's fashion experts and is widely admired for her sense of style.

The number of people who inspired Chu’s passion can be narrowed down to just a few. 

“[Class of 2011 SHS graduate] Senem Yilmaz inspired me to dress well,” Chu said. “[My family friend] Bertrand from Monta Vista inspired me to learn and follow all the fashion houses and designers such as Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, Chloe, etc. through their seasonal runway connections.”

Fashion has also led Chu to become closer with some of her friends. 

“One of my best friends, [senior] Jaya Narasimhan and I really connected over the Elie Saab show of Spring/Summer 2012,” Chu said. “We have both been obsessed with fashion since then.” 

Chu’s favorite designers change based upon the designer’s most recent shows.  

“My favorite Spring/Summer 2013 shows were Balenciaga and Alexander Wang,” Chu said.

Her usual favorites include Louis Vuitton, Jason Wu and Altruzza. 

“I love shows that are similar to my own style: very classic, simple pieces,” Chu said. 

As a sales representative at Nordstrom, Chu works about 34 hours a week helping customers pick out “the best pieces of clothing” and also helping with returns. She works six hours for five days of the week, except on Saturdays when she works longer.  

Chu loves working with clothes and enjoys the added benefits, too.  

“I love working amongst clothes … and really getting to know the merchandise,” Chu said. “Also I use my paycheck to buy my own clothes.” 

Even with the challenges of working in retail, Chu says the benefits far outweigh the negatives. 

“Sometimes you have to deal with difficult customers,” Chu said, “but it all works out when I can buy something a bit more expensive with my own money.”

Chu’s interest in fashion also led her to start her own fashion blog (peas-dress-me.tumblr.com) about a year ago with friends Narasimhan and senior Nadya Shahin. 

“Nadya is the model, Jaya is the photographer, and I am the stylist, but we always switch up roles,” Chu said. “It was a great way to combine our passions and do something original!” 

Although Chu’s passion for fashion is as strong as ever, she does not plan to major in fashion in college. 

“I am more interested in the business behind the retail industry,” Chu said, “so I am hoping to major in international business. 

She hopes to do this at a school in New York City or Los Angeles, “the mecca of the industry.”

“From college, I hope to build connections and break into the industry,” Chu said.

Chu’s career plans may not be set in stone yet, but she has plenty of ambitions for the future. 

“I hope to work as CEO of some huge luxury company, or at a magazine or fashion house,” Chu said. “Honestly, all I know is that I know what I love, but I don't know exactly what I'm going to do.”