A Conversation with Thao Nhi Le - Founder of Daphale Studios

What inspired you to set up your career as a model and influencer?  

Thao Nhi Le: "I have always loved fashion. I have had the urge to share my passion for fashion and my life experiences with the people around me for so long that I can’t even remember. I started my own blog in 2014, and since then I have never stopped trying to make positive influences on social media. My career as an influencer gave me the opportunity to be my own model and also work as a model for many other amazing brands. With a height of 1,68m, I don't think I will ever pursue a career in professional modeling but somehow, I made my own dream true in my own way. That being said, I am now having my dream career which I am thankful for."

How did you fall in love with design and why? 

Thao Nhi Le: "I fall in love with the creative process of designing. The process of getting to the final design and expressing my own creativity and emotions is what drives me every day. For me, designing is always a different experience and never the same. This is how I keep myself alive."

What are the 3 most important things that people should know about Daphale Studios?

Thao Nhi Le: "Daphale studios is a 95% women-led company! And we are actually a very small team than people might think. Small but all passionate and talented individuals. All our items are made in Vietnam from factories that u have personally visited. Most of our items are handmade. Also, we ship our items worldwide, with access to all women around the world."

Is there something that you try to communicate through your designs?

Thao Nhi Le: "I think through all the designs for Daphale I really want to empower women to be more confident in their own skin; to help them feel beautiful from within and never be afraid to take risks in life. The designs are feminine, modern, and fierce at the same time."

What is your favorite part of being in the fashion industry?

Thao Nhi Le: "It’s a never-ending creative rollercoaster. The fashion industry might not always be as fancy as it appears but that’s how it challenges me every day and helps me express my deepest emotions. Fashion is never ending and always changing. It gives my life a sense of passion that I can’t live without."

All creative projects have their challenges. What challenges do independent brands like yourself face? 

Thao Nhi Le: "I think there are many challenges which Daphale had and is still facing. Because we are a 'small' brand, the biggest challenge for us is the production process. In comparison to big fashion giants, we are really small. To create quality products, with only a small quantity. While still keeping the price appropriate. We want to create affordable quality fashion pieces for women. Access to great designs for everyone. Also, we want to be inclusive for all women regardless of size but this is a process that we are still working on. We are making slow but steady progress and I hope in the near future we can make clothes for women of all sizes."

What is your time management philosophy?  

Thao Nhi Le: "Time management philosophy I have to laugh because I don’t really have a proper time management process. For myself, working is my life and I never stop working. Working actually makes me the happiest - very German. I just love creating content and amazing designs for the women around me."