Charlotte Ronson Opens Shop in Hong Kong

The Ronsons hardly need an introduction: Charlotte Ronson, Samantha Ronson and Mark Ronson are often headlining events whether it be a fashion show, charity gala or a Hollywood party, and when not the star of the show, they're often in the columns of newspapers and tabloids. And this time round, stealing the show in Hong Kong is the fashion-savviest of the clan: Charlotte Ronson arrives in Hong Kong to debut her first flagship store to shoppers. Marking the arrival of her eponymous label in Hong Kong, her first store is set in the busy shopping hub Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, and filled with what she describes as "feminine and flirty" clothes.

Charlotte Ronson has a range of labels, ranging from Charlotte Ronson, Play by C. Ronson and I Heart Ronson, and has done a range with Urban Outfitters as well as American department store JC Penney. But also turning heads is the list of celebrities and (former) It-girls that fill up the first row of her shows, including Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Nicky Hilton, Mischa Barton among others.

As she launches her label in Hong Kong, we sit with Charlotte Ronson to learn more about her brand, her future ambitions, life as a Ronson and the It-girl party etiquette as of late.

Asia Tatler: How would you describe yourself in three words?

Charlotte Ronson: Feminine, sweet and loyal

AT: Three words to describe your brand?

CR: Feminine and flirty, I'd like to think that my clothes are very reflective of my personality, although admittedly, sometimes we have to do certain pieces to boost sales.

AT: What is the best part of being a designer?

CR: Just to make great design pieces, to be able to be creative and really do something I love. Also, when you're on the street and you see someone wear your piece, that gives me great satisfaction.

AT: The reviews say your collection this season was inspired by the TV series My So-Called Life and some goes as far to say that your collection's unofficial muse is Angela Chase, can you officially describe your collection?

CR: [Giggles] I definitely love My So-Called Life and my inspiration was definitely from the 90s where clothes were more relaxed but to say my inspiration was from the show is untrue, and I would definitely not choose Angela Chase as my muse! We can definitely pick someone from that time, Kate Moss or brands such as Proenza Scouler and Preen, you know the look is that old Nirvana t-shirt and a plaid shirt, that's the kind of look I'm hoping to channel.

AT: Do you have a muse?

CR: Mainly my sisters, definitely Sam and my younger sister Annabelle. She is not really my muse but I feed off her energy, when I first started out and I didn't want to model, so I had her wear it, she'd shoot in my campaigns, even in the short film, her pretty delicate, virgin features were perfect for my brand. Whereas my twin sister, Samantha, is my inspiration; she has a great sense of style.

AT: So where does the future of Charlotte Ronson lie?

CR: Right now I'm happy with the growth, maybe in the future I'd like to open more stores in Europe and London. I'd like to do a children's line because everything just looks amazing in miniature.

AT: What, for you, is a fashion faux pas?

CR: You don't want to look like you're trying too hard. You just don't want to be the person who is wearing the look from the magazine.

AT: Do you have any tips for our readers as to how to dress well?

CR: To stand out and to put your outfit together, there is no rule. But accessorising, throwing on some colours and playing with nail polish always helps. Being comfortable and feeling like yourself and not dressing like what others expect of you is important. Put your outfit on and make it your own.

AT: Music seems to be a running thread in your family, what is in your iPod?

CR: I just lost mine, but I'm currently listening to my brother's new album called Record Collection by Mark Ronson, Regina Specktor, Jay-Z, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Elliot Smith, Fiona Apple, Rihanna, Kings of Leon, The Killers, Foreigners, Guns and Roses, Eminem. Music is big for me, if you saw my runway, the music it livens it up, it paints a pretty picture and transcends you to the era.

AT: The Ronsons, you've all adopted very creative career paths, what was it like growing up?

CR: We grew up in a very open family, our mother really pushed us to pursue our interests. My mother is originally from Liverpool and is one of five, I'm from a big family, too; so we were brought up as a team and very supportive of each other. When I was younger when Sam and I got in a fight, I got grounded for whatever I was doing that was bad and she got grounded for telling on me.

My mother was insanely strict because she saw the world in the rock and roll phase, and knew of the troubles that lifestyle offered. I remember when we were younger we get grounded and had to do seven cultural things such as visiting a museum, before you get ungrounded.

AT: What was like growing up with your twin, Samantha Ronson?

CR: When growing up with a twin, you go through everything together, you grow up with a best friend, you experience all your firsts together. We're both very stubborn and loyal. We had an older brother [Mark Ronson] who lived in London, she would always want to hang with him. 

AT: And, what is it like today, what is the dynamic at the Ronson household?

CR: Today, my sister is definitely more outgoing [than me], she's more in the scene. My family have been great for support, my brother would be the DJ for my runway shows and my sister would design some denim as a collaboration. Otherwise we bounce ideas but she lives in LA, I live in New York and Mark lives in London, Annabelle models and we support each other as much as we.  

AT: If you had it your way, what would the world be like?

CR: Rainbows, unicorns and ponies. I d like to take more holidays. For work, I didn't envision ever being this way, I live one foot forward after the next.

AT: These days young socialites have taken on a celebrity status and have taken partying to a new level. What advice can you give our young readers on how to approach this lifestyle?

CR: You know I do go out to have fun occasionally, but I think some people sometimes get caught up with the partying. I think you should have a purpose. I go out to promote and push my brand, the last thing you want is to be in the social circuit and to be known for just partying.