She is possibly more notable in Asian, but quite recognized in the US as well. She appeals to many with her colorful youthful clothing, always with the right touches of class. She is said to be the next multi-successful designer and businesswoman of this era. In 1994, she launched her signature collection of Eastern inspired clothing with modern edge on the New York runways. In 1995, she introduced the influential Mao collection that triumphantly crossed over from the fashion world into the art world. Then in 1997 Viv launched the venerable Buddha collection, which had the public & celebrities alike embracing her look. Some images of her design became so popular that year that many designers incorporated her look in their lines as well, and pieces of her collections were incorporated into the permanent archives of the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, The Museum of FIT, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

In the words of fashion critic and curator Richard Martin, she ‘possesses an idealistic globalism that transcends politics and offers a more enchanted, peaceful world.

Tam was born in Canton, China and moved to Hong Kong when she was only 3. Her bi-cultural upbringing in the then British colony was the first stage in the development of her signature East-meets-West style. She is by far one of the most passionate and symbolic designers in fashion today, influencing many with her images. I love how Tam uses very bold colors and earth tones, in a very sophisticated Audrey Hepburn, Charlize Theron, elegeant, beautiful, girl next door glam way. Exotic, Splendid imagery, a wonderful blend of smooth, light fabrics & deeper velvets & tweeds.