PEARLY WONG

FASHION DESIGNER BERLIN

What are the projects currently taking up your time? I am currently working on my new collection, which will debut on the runways of the fashion weeks in Los Angeles and China.

The new collection under my eponymous label will feature a series of womenswear of military chic and utilitarian themes.

What would you say are your greatest achievements by far that you are personally proud of?

I would have to say that being one of the handful of designers from Malaysia showcasing during fashion weeks around the world ‒ that is something that I am proud of. It’s a way for us to put Malaysia on the international map of the fashion industry, however small it may seem, proving to the world that there are a lot of creative talents in and from Malaysia after all. I have represented Malaysia in the China Fashion Week and New Zealand Fashion Week, whereas I am a regular at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Berlin. I have also won an award at the Harbin Fashion Week in China earlier this year, being the first and only Malaysian to do so.

It was the dawn of a new era for Malaysia during the General Elections back in May. As a Malaysian

residing overseas, how do you think this “New Malaysia” affects you as a Malaysian abroad?

My heartiest congratulations go out to the new government, and I do hope that they will provide more funding and assistance for the local arts, creative and cultural industries in Malaysia in years to come. It is something that we have lacked of for a very long time. Whilst this “New Malaysia” doesn’t change a lot for my fashion business, as I am based majorly overseas, but nonetheless, I am excited to see what they have planned in the future for the abovementioned industries.

What do you miss most about Malaysia while overseas?

Nothing beats Malaysian cuisine that is full of flavours, variety and culture ‒ most of all, cheap! Besides my fashion label, I am also involved with Sze Women of Hope, a non-profit initiative to the United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) livelihood projects in Malaysia, which features apparel and accessories made ethically by refugee women in the country. Not to mention, being the Friend of the Brand in Southeast

Asia for Corum, I do come back to Malaysia regularly to get my fill on my favourite Malaysian food!

"I I DO HOPE THAT THEY WILL PROVIDE MORE FUNDING AND ASSISTANCE FOR THE LOCAL ARTS, CREATIVE AND CULTURAL INDUSTRIES

IN MALAYSIA IN YEARS TO COME"