Their World, Their Words: Bettina M Chin

Bettina M Chin

Special Projects, Opening Ceremony

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Congee and dim sum.  My office is on the border of Chinatown, so I always get to indulge in my favorite Chinese dishes that remind me of home.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was 9 or 10, I wanted to become an audio engineer and work behind-the-scenes to create music.  Then during high school, there was a moment I wanted to become a forensic psychiatrist because I was so fascinated with murder mysteries and police procedural novels.

When did you fall in love with fashion?

At a very early age (4 or 5?), I became quite picky about what I wanted to wear.  I wasn’t on trend 90% of the time, but I didn’t care.

What role does NYC play in the global fashion scene?  

One of the biggest, I would say.  There is no other place on earth like NY for fashion.  In New York, you can make a name for yourself without needing or having the typical pedigree, and that kind of democracy allows for more talent to be discovered.

How has NYC’s fashion scene impacted the world beyond fashion?

If there’s any place in the world that has had that kind of far-reaching impact, it would be NYC.  All these cultural cornerstones have been influenced by fashion in one way or another, and NY, in a way, can make that influence meaningful.  In fact, my workplace, Opening Ceremony, is a testament to that:  our universe is very connected to music, art, politics, film, TV, and other cultural institutions, whether it’s about the partnerships we have, the projects and events we do, and the people with who we’re friends.  I take a lot of pride in what OC has come to mean over the past decade, which is beyond fashion.  

How has NYC’s fashion scene inspired you?

I left the corporate law industry to join Opening Ceremony because I was so inspired by what it represents and has accomplished in the NY fashion industry.  That said, I don’t think OC would be the same if it started in any other city - NYC and its history are very much a part of OC’s DNA.