Angela Phung is living proof that if you’ve got killer style, you might just get your break in the industry by walking down the street. Before she opened The Store on Queen with the equally stylish Valentina, she was about to start an academic career as a Business major. Destiny (thankfully) got in the way. We caught up with the fashionista to find out all about her fabulous career and where she spends her down time.
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I am a single, Scorpio girl, born and raised in Guelph. Growing up, I was known as the chubby girl that made all her clothes. Raised in a conservative Asian household (where anything creative was not an acceptable choice), my parents wanted me to join the family restaurant business. I had chosen all business academics in high school to gear up for my Business major. One day, a local retail storeowner who admired my outfit (that I had designed) approached me and offered to sell my designs in his store. Thereafter, I changed all my prerequisites to get into a Fashion Design program in post-secondary.
I moved to London for my studies and during the 3-year program I showcased in many fashion shows and competed in competitions. In one particular competition, I placed in nationals and represented Canada on the international runways of Paris. Upon graduating, my story was published in the Guelph Mercury and, in my interview, one of my responses was, “my dream is to open a store on Queen Street.”
I then decided to move to Toronto to take a year off, but two months after my move, TSOQ was born and I also landed a role in the reality series Keasha’s Perfect Dress on Slice. From there it’s been a crazy journey with TSOQ and learning about the bridal industry from Keasha of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress… Not much I could complain about.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…it’s the home of hidden gems.
What are three things you simply cannot live without?
Water, air and desserts.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
This is an impossible question; that’s like asking a mother her favourite child. I have favourite items in different places. Currently, I am obsessed with Mildred’s Temple Kitchen‘s Blueberry Pancakes, Sud Forno’s Stiracrata Farcita, and Cibo‘s Chocolate Baci Bombe.
What’s your favourite drink/cocktail and where do you go to get it?
I rarely drink, but my last favourite would have to be Lee’s “the Niagara”… delish.
What are your current fashion obsessions?
It changes fairly regularly, but I am currently obsessed with animal floral ears, but make-up facial hair will always be a staple accessory for me.
Who are your style icons?
Daphne Guinness and Nick Wooster… I’d love to have both of their entire wardrobes.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with all your city-trotting?
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, www.thestoreonqueen.com.