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Vivienne Tang

Meet the region's most talented designers

Harrison Wong has been making a name for himself since  he started working with  Walter Ma at the age of 20.  He won a number  of awards, including  the  Young Designer Competition at Hong Kong Fashion Week in 1996.

After completing a masters degree at the London College of Fashion, he  launched his own boutique label, while  acting as designer director for several local retailers.  He  showed his first women's collection in Dusseldorf  in 2002, and  a men's collection last year.  He continues to show  seasonal collections in New York.

How did you come to set up your label?

In August 2002, the organisers of  the [Creation Premieres Dusseldorf] exhibition   were looking for Asian designers,  and one of the sponsors  approached me to do a  show.  Using this opportunity, I started my own collection, and have since gone on to show my collections in New York and  in Milan.

What are your responsibilities in  the company?

I'm in charge of every- thing, from design to merchandising.  There's one designer - me - and two people who are working  on the samples. I used to develop the prototypes here in Hong Kong, but now  I have a sample room in mainland China. I'm still producing in Hong Kong, but am planning to move production to Milan.

How many lines are there?

I started  my women's ready-to-wear line in 2002, and I launched my men's collection in Milan in July last year. So far, there are no plans for a diffusion  line. I want to focus on my existing lines and expand them, especially my men's collection. I've an Italian company  that's interested.  I'd like to concentrate on Milan, but it's  difficult to establish yourself there.

Do you do  accessories?

I'm developing a line of sunglasses with an Italian eyewear company.  I'll be designing under my own name, and the line will be launched in May.

What's your design philosophy?

Conceptual but wearable. It's reflected in the theme of the collections, in  the designs and in the materials. I work with all sorts of materials.  I like to try out new things. The materials and shapes are related to the theme and inspiration. You can find  a meaning behind  my clothes. I get my  inspiration and ideas from galleries, art, movies or magazines.

What can we expect from your current collections?

Simplified uniform styling updated with graphic colour combinations to create basic shapes with slimmer silhouettes. My latest men's collection, for example, was inspired by geometric graphic art from the 1950s. I used slim fits  and chose classics, like  the trenchcoat. Materials include leather, cashmere, wool, corduroy and cotton to create casual luxury.

Where are your designs available?

In New York, Japan  and soon in Milan. Unfortunately, Hong Kong still has to wait for my designs to be sold here. I'm trying to establish myself outside Hong Kong. I believe it's easier to come back  once I've made  a name.  I want to expand  in Europe and Japan first, then Hong Kong and mainland China. I believe there's a great potential for the Asian  market, especially for China and the Middle East. The fashion market hasn't matured yet, but it's developing rapidly.

What plans do you have?

I want to work hard to improve my skills. There are new machines every year, and you have to know how they work to produce the samples. The cutting is  important, especially for menswear, because there are so many details. I also want to make my label known.  I need investors.

What's your motto?

Never give up your dream.



Harrison Wong