The founder of Revé by René speaks to us about the growth of her eponymous line of sunglasses and why you should always embrace what sets you apart
More often than not people will tell you to follow your dreams – it just so happens that in the case of René Chu, she did exactly that. Her eponymous range of sunglasses, Revé by René is inspired by the highly visual and quirky details that are all too real in her imaginary landscape.
We speak with the eyewear entrepeneur about starting her own business, her ability to take inspiration from anything and everything, and why you should always always follow your dreams:
My first impressions of Hong Kong was that it was cosmopolitan, sleepless and obsessed with efficiency.
Revé by René is an eyewear brand for the mavericks of life, those who are curious, honest, who dare to live, and those who dare to aspire.
I would say my proudest accomplishment to date is being carried by Colette in Paris after just four months of being business.
Looking back, my only regret is that I hadn't started sooner. I don’t think I gave my passion for creating and entrepeneurship enough credit until recently, but it’s better late than never.
Inspiration can come anywhere at anytime. My design concepts are all based around my life events and dreams, I beieve that inspiration comes from living life and not simply existing. It comes from keeping an open mind and allowing myself to grow as an individual, and being sensitive to the process. Often I find that inspiration comes when I least expect it, I feel that this sense of surprise translates well in my designs – I find I can find inspiration in just about any setting
The best aspect of running your own business is you are in control of everything – which is both good and bad.
My advice to budding entrepeneurs is that success is not the result of spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on fire and really push yourself beyond what you believe you’re capable of.
My end goal is to be liberated, most people are trying to be someone else but I don’t think that ‘s the way we are designed.
In ten years, I hope to be in the position to cultivate and catapult inspired young females to pursue their own dreams.
My words to live by is one of my all time favourite quotes, “they laugh at me beause I’m different, I laugh at them because they’re all the same.” I’ve found that if you embrace what sets you apart from the crowd, you’ll be surprised as to where it may take you.
Photography by King Fung
Special thanks to Laura Cheung and Lala Curio