by Ashley Lauren Brooks
A popular trend that continues to be on the rise, is the ever-functional Chan Luu bracelet. This bracelet looks effortlessly cool on all who wear it. It can transform your outfit from bland to Boho, from boring to edgy, and from stale to stylish. But did you know the design for these bracelets was created by a woman who escaped war-torn Vietnam in the 1970s?
Chan Luu, the original creator and namesake of the incredibly popular Chan Luu bracelet, was born into a wealthy and privileged Vietnamese family. Her family managed to get Chan Luu to the United States in 1972 and she enrolled in Boston University. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Chan Luu moved to Los Angeles, California with dreams of making it big in the fashion industry.
Chan Luu worked in retail for almost a decade before she opened her own store in 1983. She did well selling clothing and accessories from other designers, but wanted more. So, in 1996 she closed her store and began designing her own jewelry from a small studio space in her garage. This is the part of her inspiring story that so closely resonates with me. I too have have aspirations of growing my own business and making my own one-of-a-kind creations. Many of which are greatly inspired by Chan Luu herself.
Chan Luu is now a leading fashion icon in her own right. Isn’t it amazing that what began as a little girl stringing shells and beads into unique trinkets in Nha Trang, Vietnam, became a fashion trend worn worldwide?
Although my journey is an entirely different one, I am truly inspired by Chan Luu’s story. Ashbee’s Accessories is still in its infancy and has a long way to go, but I am hopeful for great things ahead. If you are interested in the Chan Luu inspired bracelets pictured in this post, please visit my Esty Shop. These bracelets and more are available for purchase there. Be sure to visit the Ashbee’s Accessories Etsy Shop regularly for new pieces.
Ashbee's Accessories 