Simon Chang has affected the way women dress, and the colour of the rooms we live in. But the internationally renowned fashion designer never has his heart too far from Vancouver where he still makes time to visit his high school and the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. He continually reminds students to dream about their future and try something different. This is how he became who he is today.

Born in Canton, China but growing up in Vancouver, Chang was the great-grandson of pioneer merchant, Chang Toy. After graduating from Britannia Secondary, he attended Emily Carr on a full scholarship from Hudson’s Bay Company where he majored in photography and graphic design.

On a visit to Vancouver, the head of the Montreal Branch of Hudson’s Bay offered Chang an attractive opportunity, but instead Chang chose to travel, wanting to experience first hand art in every form, medium, and shape. He especially loved New York, the mecca for American art and fashion. The Broadway musicals, art exhibits, and bohemian streetscapes sparked his imagination.

Eventually he did make his way to Montreal and accepted the opportunity to work for the Hudson’s Bay fashion buying office. There he worked his way up the ladder, learning everything he could about the fashion, textile, and garment industries.

His first independent design endeavour was International Tyfoon, a line of affordable ready-to-wear for the working woman, incorporating colour with striking patterns and images, and reflecting Chang’s early career in graphic arts and photography. It also revolutionized the concept of office wear:

Chang had created a full line of interchangeable clothing that doubled as office and casual wear.

During his career he has done it all, venturing into many different fashion commodities and creating head-to-toe accessories to complete the wardrobe.

He was also the designer for Air Transat in-flight uniforms and the Quebec provincial police amongst many others, creating a signature corporate image.

Home Hardware chose Chang to become their Style and Colour expert for its Beauti-Tone Paint division, resulting in his "OH Canada" Colour Card, reflecting different regions of the country through colour and light scheme. He visited big and small towns across the country engaging and inspiring customers and dealers. The result was a concept palette for each area: Pacific Overture for the West Coast; Wheat Till You Try It for the Prairies; and Savoir Flair, which celebrates the French heritage of Quebec.

Chang believes in giving back and in 1986 he founded the Simon Chang and Phyllis Levine Foundation, which donates money for research in areas of breast cancer, pediatric disorders, heart disease and AIDS. It also supports education and social organizations that help less fortunate Canadians – offering everything from sports programs for children to funding for women’s shelters. In 2008. The designer was honoured with the Order of Canada “for his contributions to the fashion industry and for his philanthropic and social engagement.”

(excerpt from the book: Celebration Chinese Canadian Legacies in British Columbia)