The Show designer spotlight: CHI by Betty Zhao

The pain and discomfort Betty Zhao experienced while recovering from a car accident is what ultimately led her to create CHI: a fashionable line of clothing for women managing pain while continuing to work.

Zhao’s collection incorporates high-tech fabrics that aid blood circulation, decrease heart rate, and facilitate muscle recovery. The garments also have pockets for heat packs near muscle areas prone to soreness.

CHI will be unveiled at The Show, presented by Tamoda Apparel, on April 24 at the River Rock Casino. Thirty-six other lines by KPU fashion students will also be showcased. See kpu.ca/theshow2014 for event details. More information about Betty Zhao is available on her website: www.bettyzhao.com.

Gillian Stevens: Describe your collection.

Betty Zhao: The Spring 2015 collection of CHI provides work-friendly attire for women seeking a holistic approach to managing chronic muscle aches that can result from prolonged computer-usage or other injuries. The collection can be worn on the street as well as in the office. It’s meant to provide women with a convenient way of dressing that accommodates their need to balance both work and pain management.

My collection features:

• Strategically placed pocket inserts to hide heat packs that target muscle areas prone to soreness
• Energear^TM—an infrared-reflecting fabric that aids blood circulation and decreases heart rate
• Compression fabrics in key areas to prevent muscle fatigue and facilitate muscle recovery
• Stretch fabrics that are antibacterial and have UVA and UVB protective capabilities for added wellness-enhancing benefits

GS: Where did you get your inspiration?

BZ: The inspiration came from my personal experience recovering from a car accident. After my accident, I realized how easy it is to aggravate your muscles. Creams and heat patches irritated my skin. Wearing a heating pad or microwave bag just wasn’t appropriate at the office, not to mention they either fell off or restricted me to the length of the cord—it was just a nightmare. I was trying really hard to find a holistic approach to improving my health. So I eventually merged my technical knowledge in fashion design with this desire to create CHI, a collection actively enhancing one's wellbeing.

GS: If your collection had a soundtrack, what song would it be?

BZ: "Walking on Sunshine." It symbolizes the vitality people have in their life, and also how the sun's warm sunshine keeps us feeling positive, motivated and healthy.

GS: What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?

BZ: My favourite piece in my wardrobe is my pajamas. They provide me comfort and warmth. I've had some of my best laughs and loudest cries in them. It's the only garment that has seen all sides of me and the full range of my emotions.

GS: What are you doing after graduation?

BZ: I am planning to continue my studies at UBC to become a high school home ec teacher so that I can pass on this passion I have for sewing to other students—just like my home ec teacher once did for me.

GS: Ice cream or popsicles?

BZ: Ice cream, of course!