Advertisement
Advertisement

Fashion designer Erbert Chong on first-time failure and craving a porn-star body

Daniel Kong

Fashion designer Erbert Chong talks about being second time lucky and his desire to have a porn-star body.

"Actually, this is not my first time around the block. Back in 2004, I had a stab at starting my own label but failed miserably. At that time, I was too inexperienced. What gave me the courage to start my own brand again was just simply this drive, this passion within me and knowing I can succeed."

"I think one of the biggest mistakes a lot of local designers make is relying too much on local support. The general public doesn't really care if you are a local brand or a foreign one. You don't see French people flocking to Louis Vuitton just because it's French."

"Michèle Amiel [executive vice-president of Givenchy, LVMH Group] - she was my boss when I was working in the company's fashion division [in 2011-2012]. I remember the interview I had with her like it was yesterday, and how she took a chance on a clueless boy like me. I am grateful for all the things she taught me, which included some valuable life lessons."

"I know it's vain, but I want a porn-star body. OK, hear me out: I was a chubby kid and never had high self-esteem. By achieving this idealised version of being perfect, it's a way to feel in control. But, trust me, the moment I achieve that dream, I will go back to my normal junk-food routine."

"Can I choose two? I really love Paris and New York. I spent my adolescent years and young adult life in New York, so there are just so many memories - plus it's such a lively city with so much diversity. Paris has become my adopted home and my partner is French, so I am entangled forever."

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: THE TALENT
Post