Susanna Soo brings style home to Hong Kong

Flanked by towering models in her glamorous but wearable evening wear, Hong Kong native Susanna Soo took in the applause at her S.Nine autumn-winter 2013 show at The Space, Sheung Wan last Wednesday.

Petite even in six-inch heels, Soo has become a big presence in the Hong Kong fashion scene, with a host of celebrity fans including Kelly Chan Wai-lam, Sammi Cheng Sau-man and Karen Mok Man-wai. At the show, socialites, other young designers and models such as Cara Grogan came to show their support.

"I don't believe in trends. My clothes are a mix of serious couture fashion and wearable chic fashion, a mix of classic and functional. They are feminine and modern," says Soo, describing the S.Nine aesthetic. "People say I do practical clothing, day-to-night wear, clothes that are great for women who have no time."

Soo's latest collection is inspired by Paul Gauguin's Tahiti paintings, and it is something of a departure for her in terms of technique. "I interpreted those [paintings] in a luxury way. I see the attitude of the females in those pictures, how bold and strong they are," says Soo, saying that she added "city survivor" and "modern scavenger" element using burgundy hues and rustic gold elements.

"I am exploring structure and tailoring with this collection, and experimenting with new techniques and new materials," she says, an approach exemplified by the Swarovski crystals.

Soo, 31, is becoming one of the city's most talked about designers, partly because of her overseas credentials. An alumni of the prestigious Parsons The New School For Design in New York where she studied fashion design, Soo remained in the city after graduation by securing a coveted apprenticeship at Diane von Furstenberg.