Off the Rack
What Are You Wearing?
by Brooke Preston
WILL SHILLING PHOTO
Yen-Ling Pan has been interested in fashion for as long as she can remember. She still cherishes memories of being a little girl who loved to watch her mother dress up. But her early aspirations to become a designer were relinquished because, as Pan admitted with a giggle, "I can't draw very well."
After graduating from Case Western Reserve University in 2003, Pan and her brother Ko-Yang Pan lived in Los Angeles for three years before returning to Ohio with the intent of operating their own boutique, one that would bring the L.A. vibe to the Midwest.
The result is Le Luxe, a footwear and accessories boutique in "The Alley" of South Campus Gateway.
Pan says the store is an expression of her passion for shoes. "I love shoes! All women love shoes. Shoes tell you who people are."
So what do Pan's own footwear choices say about her? "I'm sassy and confident," she smiled. No high heels for her, however. According to Pan, they're too much hassle. Her favorite choices are flats and sandals.
Pan attends trade shows for Le Luxe twice a year and makes frequent trips to L.A., where she watches for the next big thing. Her recent research leads her to predict that bright colors will soon play a big role in fashion trends.
WILL SHILLING PHOTO
Personal finds often end up on the store's shelves too. Ed Hardy's bedazzled graffiti trucker hats are just one example of how Pan's own closet helps shape the shop's inventory.
"Columbus gets the same trends that L.A. gets," she said diplomatically, adding with a smile, "but just a little later." Pan and Le Luxe are on a mission to close the gap.
Shoes: Steve Madden, from Le Luxe. "I love the rhinestones."
Denim: Capri-length True Religion jeans, Saks Fifth Avenue
Tanks: Hollister
Hat: Ed Hardy, from Le Luxe
Bracelet: Matte stainless steel, from Le Luxe
Necklace: "It was a gift from a dear friend."
Hair: "I still get it cut in L.A. I haven't found anyone regular here yet, and I go back every few months anyway."
If you'd like to share your fashion sense with Off The Rack, e-mail mstarker@columbusalive.com
June 7th, 2007
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