Brands To Know: RICKYY WONG

A blend of the old and the new, forms this trailblazing brand

Hong Kong based fashion label Rickyy Wong is a must know on our list of brands who are forward thinking, creative and strive for sustainability. Born from the idea of blending all cultural aspects of the designers being, from their Asian heritage to their training in Tokyo, Paris and Melbourne, the Rickyy Wong brand highlights and combines an international community. Working with local and ethically sourced manufacturers, textile artists and collaborators, Rickyy Wong is continuously striving for a sustainable fashion future. East Asia’s vibrant cities, history and folklore form the base of inspiration for this innovative brand. Digital prints, traditional tailoring and attention to detail in shape and proportion give this brand its stand out edge.

Tell us how your brand began. When did the passion for launching a brand start and what was your process?The passion for launching a brand began when I was in university, knowing that I would want to create a brand that brought traditional culture and heritage into modern day clothing. We have faced many difficulties during the process, such as sourcing sustainable textiles.

What would you say is the main inspiration behind your collections? The main inspiration behind each collection is always based on culture and heritage with a twist of digital and cyber aesthetic. We are trying to reimagine how we see the traditional craftsmanship and bring it into our everyday clothing, such as using different textile techniques to replicate the feeling or idea of a certain craft.

What’s your brands stance on sustainability? Do you try to make conscious choices when creating? We are constantly making conscious choices when creating, strongly focused on sustainability, the brand continually aims to incorporate more eco-conscious materials and techniques into each collection. We source the highest quality fabrics from Japan, China and Europe and work with suppliers and producers who share these values.

What are the main struggles you’ve found with starting a successful brand, and what words of wisdom would you give those designers hoping to follow in your footsteps? When starting a brand, we faced many struggles, but the main struggle we faced is to source factories and suppliers that have the same beliefs as we do, eco-conscious and practice ethical workspace. My word of wisdom is through your own wisdom and knowledge, also with a little support from others, you can accomplish anything.

What’s your favourite piece you’ve created? One of my favourites will be the “Lys” Digital Jacquard Blazer.

Who inspires you most in life? There's not one person who inspires me the most in life, instead my close friends and family inspire me the most at different stages of life.

If you could have anyone, dead or alive, wear one of your looks, who would it be? I would like to have Leslie Cheung wear one of my looks, as he was one of the legends from Hong Kong. He was a famous singer and actor during the late 80s. Whenever he is performing or in his daily style, he is always very stylish and tasteful. His legacy inspires lots of people, it would be my honour to see him wearing my clothes.

Visit www.rickyywong.com to see the brands FW22 collection.