Born and raised in New York, Melissa Chiu Wang grew up immersed in the world of fashion. From styling to creating dresses that empower, her return to the industry with IDA+S is a story of passion, purpose, and timeless style.
Can you share with us your journey into the fashion industry? What initially drew you to this field?
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved dressing up my dolls. I used to make them tiny paper outfits out of origami paper. But I never imagined fashion could be a real career path. Then in high school, while researching colleges, I got hooked on Project Runway. That show completely opened my eyes. I started looking into applying to Parsons and that’s really how my fashion journey began.
How would you describe your personal style and approach to fashion?
I truly believe that you have to feel comfortable in what you wear in order to feel confident. If I’m not comfortable in my outfit, it throws me off the entire day. My style leans more toward timeless staples rather than chasing trends. I love pieces that I can wear again and again, season after season.
What are some of the most memorable projects or achievements in your fashion career so far?
There have been a few milestones, but being a part of IDA+S definitely stands out. I’ve worked in fashion ever since graduating college, steadily climbing the ladder toward my dream job. But I also wanted a family so I got married, had kids, and eventually left the industry to raise them full-time. Becoming a stay-at-home mom wasn’t part of my original plan, but looking back, it was exactly where I needed to be.
When I stepped away from fashion, I didn’t think I’d return. So when I was invited to be part of IDA+S, it truly felt like a dream come true. I started off as a stylist, where I chose pieces for the collection from racks of garments in a hotel room. I helped direct photo shoots, and eventually joined the concept development team. The Madeline and Emerson dresses hold a special place in my heart Madeline was the first piece I contributed, and Emerson was inspired by my son and I together. That kind of full-circle moment is something I’ll always treasure.
Wearing the Lara Light Denim Button Down Top & Adelaide Light Denim Wide Leg Jeans
In your opinion, what are the current biggest trends shaping the fashion industry today?
Sustainability, timelessness, and effortless wearability. The pandemic really shifted how people think about clothing. With so many working from home, the emphasis moved to comfort and functionality. People began dressing for their lives, not just for the office or events—and I think that mindset is here to stay.
How do you stay inspired and innovative amid fast-changing fashion trends?
I see myself as our customer. I think about what I want to wear—not just for a single event, but throughout my day and into different moments of life. People today are less interested in “buy now, wear once.” They want pieces that last and integrate into their everyday wardrobes. That perspective keeps me grounded and creative.
Can you tell us about your introduction to IDA+S? How did you become involved with this organisation?
Funny story it all started with an international move! I was born and raised in New York City and never imagined raising my family anywhere else. But life brought us to Taiwan. It was a beautiful but incredibly tough transition. Leaving my home, family, friends and stepping into a culture and language I didn’t fully understand—was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
Fast forward two years, I was home one day when I got a call that would change everything. It started as a simple check-in and turned into: “Would you want to be a part of this team I’m building?” The collection was being created to honor the founder’s mother. My answer then, and now, is a very firm yes.
Emerson Dress coming soon
What excites you most about being part of IDA+S, and how does it align with your vision or goals?
What excites me the most is the heart behind the brand. IDA+S is not just another clothing label it’s rooted in legacy, intention, and empowerment. We design with real women in mind those juggling multiple roles who still want to feel good in what they wear. That mission aligns so closely with who I am and what I value. Knowing that the pieces I help create can make women feel confident and comfortable in their own skin that’s everything I’ve ever hoped for in this work.
What role do you believe fashion plays in promoting diversity and sustainability, and how are you contributing to these causes?
Diversity: As an Asian American, this hits close to home. Growing up, I rarely saw girls who looked like me on fashion magazines or runways. I used to think I needed to change how I looked—wear colored contacts, dye my hair—to fit in. So now, being able to stand in front of a brand and show the next generation that they can be who they are, just as they are—that means the world to me.
Sustainability: I’m not here for fast fashion. I want to help build collections that are meant to last where you can take a dress from this season and pair it with a blouse from last year or a jacket from the next. Everything is meant to be mixed, matched, and worn across seasons. Our goal is to create a cohesive wardrobe, not just a one-off look.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your work in fashion and your involvement with IDA+S?
I just want women to feel their absolute best in our clothes. Whether it’s a dress, blouse, skirt, or knit—whatever piece they choose I hope it helps complete their look and elevates how they feel. Comfort, confidence, and chicness that’s the magic I want IDA+S to bring into their everyday lives.
What are your top picks from the IDA+S range?
This is such a hard one! I absolutely love our linen blouses linen is such a luxurious fabric, and whenever I wear one, I instantly feel more polished. Our jackets are also phenomenal. They fit beautifully and make me feel sharp and confident every single time I put one on. And of course, our dresses! Many of them have pockets which is honestly a dream. Functional fashion is a must.
Wearing the Madeline Tank Top Maxi Dress
Finally, how do you envision the future of fashion evolving, and what part do you hope to play in shaping it?
I truly believe that people are beginning to realise that fast fashion is not the way forward. There’s a growing awareness around quality over quantity. Consumers are becoming more thoughtful they’re asking questions like How is this garment made? Who made it? Will it last beyond a few washes? And because of that, I think there’s a real need and desire for high-quality craftsmanship and well-made garments.
This mindset is actually a huge part of how IDA+S was born. The brand’s origin story is rooted in care not just for the garments we make, but for the people who make them. Our founder wanted to create something meaningful that could also support our factory and keep jobs secure for the workers because behind every worker is a family that depends on them. It’s a chain reaction, and it matters.
Not many brands can say they own their own factory. But we do. And because of that, we’re able to ensure our team is treated well from providing air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter, to building a proper cafeteria so everyone has a space to rest and recharge. That’s not the norm, but we believe it should be.
Designing pieces that stand the test of time is a core part of our mission. My role is to help create fashion that is thoughtful, versatile, and built to empower not just in how it looks, but in how it makes someone feel.
So for me, this is about so much more than making beautiful clothes. It’s about doing things the right way building something that lasts, both in the garments we design and in the lives we impact. If we keep leading with heart and intention, I truly believe fashion will evolve in the right direction.
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