Designer: Chloe Dao

After a long journey of ten months, Chloe Dao emerged as the winner of Bravo’s Emmy nominated Project Runway 2 on March 8, 2006. She competed against 15 designers and was among the three finalists to showcase their Fall 2006 collection at New York’s Fashion Week at Seventh on Sixth. Dao won the hearts of America with her mild honest demeanor, consistent display of technical skills, business savvy and creative talent.

Her win caused a media frenzy, and “Chloe Dao” quickly became a household name. Dao was featured on many major national and international television and media outlets who covered this success story of an immigrant living out her American dream.

In January 2007, Dao’s designs were featured in the Smithsonian Museum in the “Exit Saigon, Enter Little Saigon” exhibit. Dao’s reputation for understanding women and their bodies landed her a contract with Dove as their national spokesperson for the “Sleeveless Ready” campaign. And during Spring 2007 New York Fashion Week, to discuss eyewear’s role as the “it” accessory. Dao reached the masses this year when she debuted on QVC with three consecutive sell-out appearances with her line Simply Chloe Dao, exclusive to QVC.

In 2008 her effortless style and modern sensibility led her to partner with bag and travel gear maker Nuo Tech to create a line of mobile technology and travel accessories. The Dao Chloe Dao by Nuo Collection will be available at multiple retailers nationwide in the Spring of 2009. The collection is modern, contemporary and most of all fun. It’s a unique play on colors, geometry and shapes to create fashion forward designs without any boundaries.

Dao’s modest immigrant upbringing has kept her grounded despite her new found celebrity status. She emigrated from Pakse, Laos in 1979 with her parents and her 7 sisters to the U.S. and settled in Houston, Texas. All the sisters were encouraged to study hard and pursue careers in medicine or law, although Dao was never interested in either. Her passion for design and fashion were sparked at the age of 10 when she saw her first episode of CNN’s Style with Elsa Klensch. The passion grew into a career choice, and years later Dao graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Following graduation she honed her design, patternmaking, buying and merchandising skills at some of the top fashion houses in New York City. Her business savvy came naturally since both parents were entrepreneurs. Dao left New York in the summer of 2000 a seasoned industry professional and opened up Lot 8, named after the eight Dao sisters.

Even with the win of PR2, Dao continues to develop and grow her boutique’s business in Houston. She hopes to open stores in other cities such as New York and Los Angeles.