How Simple Retro Founder April Xie Combined Old With New to Create Her Fashion Brand
In this era of fashion, it seems nearly impossible to find affordable yet high-quality pieces, but with the help of Simple Retro, elegant, sturdy pieces are only a click away—without costing more than $100.
New York expat April Xie founded Simple Retro with a group of friends in 2015. They all knew they had a shared passion for vintage fashion, conceiving the idea for Simple Retro. Today, Simple Retro prides itself on its sustainable production and sturdy ingredients, such as cotton and wool.
We had a chance to chat with April about the history behind the rapidly rising brand and learn her hopes and dreams for the fashion industry's future.
Name: April Xie
IG handle: @aprilxie0317
Hometown: Jiangsu Province, China
1. April's love of fashion reached a new level when she moved to New York City.
"Fashion has really always been a part of my life. I spent many years posting my OOTD's on lookbook.nu, but the defining moment came when I moved to New York and met a group of like-minded women who all loved vintage fashion as much as I did. It really sparked something in me. That's when I realized I wanted to create something lasting—pieces that felt nostalgic but still modern, just like NYC."
-April Xie
(Image Courtesy of Simple Retro)
2. Simple Retro's name has a deeper meaning than you'd expect.
"The name 'Simple Retro' perfectly captures our philosophy. We're inspired by the beauty of past eras, but we simplify retro aesthetics to fit modern lifestyles. The name represents the bridge between vintage charm and contemporary wearability."
-April Xie
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3. April strives to create products that will never go out of style.
"Our mission is to craft timeless pieces that transcend trends. We aim to create high-quality and sustainably-minded pieces that resonate with people that value style and longevity. What sets us apart is our commitment to bringing a modern touch to iconic vintage silhouettes so that they are effortlessly wearable in today's world. "
-April Xie
4. Her favorite piece is Simple Retro's viral A-line dress.
"Our Fiona Cotton Midi Dress in White for sure. It really captures the essence of what we do best—a delicate vintage-inspired silhouette with a flattering, modern fit. It's perfect for any occasion because it can be worn casually or a bit more dressed up. "
-April Xie
(Image Courtesy of Simple Retro)
5. She hopes for an eco-friendly future in fashion manufacturing.
"I hope the fashion industry continues to focus on sustainability and timelessness. Fast fashion has its place today, but the future should embrace pieces that are not only beautiful but also long-lasting. Clothes that tell a story and can be cherished for years."
-April Xie
6. Her most meaningful words of wisdom came from a mentor.
"'Stay true to your vision, but be flexible with how you get there.' This advice came from one of my mentors early in my career, and it's something I still hold on to today. The fashion industry is ever-evolving, and while it's important to stick to your core values, adaptability is key."
-April Xie
(Image Courtesy of Simple Retro)
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7. April wouldn't be as successful as she is today without commitment and a love for what she does.
"Consistency and a deep passion for what I do. Whether it's researching fabrics or designing a new piece, I always make time to immerse myself in every aspect of the process. Staying curious and continuously learning has been crucial."
-April Xie
8. Instead of dipping into micro-trends, April recommends buying timeless pieces.
"Invest in timeless pieces. Trends come and go, but there's something powerful about a wardrobe filled with items that can be styled multiple ways and stand the test of time."
-April Xie
(Image Courtesy of Simple Retro)
9. The most rewarding part of April's work happens when she sees people in Simple Retro.
"Seeing people wearing and loving our pieces on the street. There's nothing quite like knowing that something you've created resonates with others and has become a meaningful part of their wardrobe."
-April Xie
10. April's love of fashion isn't surface-level.
"I'm deeply passionate about bringing history into the modern world. For me, fashion is more than just clothing—it's about preserving stories and giving them new life in today's context."
-April Xie
Curious to learn more about our other favorite AAPI entrepreneurs? Click HERE to meet Samreens Vanity founder and CEO Samreen Arshad and discover what she had to say about the power of makeup and South Asian artistry.