Trendy wardrobe staples
Fashion labels by Malaysian designer Jiuan Ng offers classic everyday wear with a twist.
EVERYONE has an alter ego. In the case of Jiuan Ng, her eponymous fashion label is where her bold side surfaces. Her work makes for a personal creative outlet – something the Malaysian designer enjoys.
“Those who wear Jiuan Ng are comfortable in their own skin and are not afraid to make a statement. My designs are still suitable for daily wear, though. Think classics with a bit of fun.”
The JN By Jiuan Ng label prides itself on being a contemporary woman’s solution to a timeless wardrobe. Combining a clean aes- thetic and a modern approach, it offers pieces that can be mixed and matched.
Penang-born Ng was previously a computer engineer. She nevertheless states that fashion was always her passion. According to her, she is extremely glad to have made the career switch.
“I have always wanted to be a fashion designer for as long as I can remember. Coming from a typical Chinese family, I was discouraged to pursue fashion design because it was not a ‘normal’ profession.”
Ng interned with renowned Malaysian designer Zang Toi while she was in New York. She spent a short time in the United States when she enrolled to study fashion at the Parsons School For Design.
“It is very competitive in New York because they are just too many good designers in the market. However, I was lucky to have Zang Toi as my mentor and boss, and to be treated like family,” she points out.
The JN By Jiuan Ng label was launched in January last year. A sister label carrying eveningwear pieces – simply named Jiuan Ng – was unveiled at the recent Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week.
“It is inspired by geological wonders on earth. I was fortunate enough to visit some of them and was blown away by the grandeur. They are truly a sight to behold,” Ng points out.
“I chose places like marble caves in Chile, Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon in Arizona, Yellowstone fumaroles in Wyoming and Jiuzhaigou in China for their vivid colours and unpredictable shapes and lines.”
Every first Wednesday of the month, Star2 will be highlighting fresh, cool fashion brands from Malaysia and around Asia. Want to see some of your favourites featured? Just drop us an email at star2@thestar.com.my