2015 Fashion Show designer spotlight: Iona by Denise Mok

Taking the lifestyle of a dinghy sailor and combining it with soft design elements, Denise Mok has created a beautiful line of functional sailing attire. The apparel line Iona uses colours, digital print sublimation, and functionality to create soft, feminine pieces for the passionate sailor. 

Born in Vancouver, Mok found her interest in design early in life through art education. As a mindful designer, she is considerate of the intricate details in the wide scope of each design. Mok’s inspiration for the line flows from the Pacific North Coast climate and cultural atmosphere. Along with a diploma in fashion marketing, Mok has a diverse set of skills in the areas of fashion, technology, and marketing. 

Iona will be unveiled at the 2015 Fashion Show, presented by Tamoda Apparel, on April 9 at the River Rock Casino. Thirty-eight other lines by KPU fashion design and technology students will also be showcased. For event details, visit kpu.ca/2015fashionshow, or follow @kpu_theshow on Twitter and @theshow2015 on Instagram.

JM: Describe your collection.

DM: Iona is a women’s dinghy-sailing apparel line that reflects the lifestyle of a dinghy sailor in soft design lines, colours, and digital print sublimation. But it doesn’t sacrifice the functionality needed for sailing. The line consists of soft, feminine apparel that can be worn on and off the water.

JM: What inspired your collection?

DM: My inspiration for Iona came from my youth and my friends. I’ve gone dinghy sailing and really enjoyed it, and many of my friends are very passionate about sailing. I wanted to take the opportunity to create Iona by taking function and combining it with a more feminine style.

JM: Describe your design/creative processDM: My design process starts with a lot of researching. It helps me see where I need to be going, what is needed and what is missing. Next, I look at inspirational images and forecasting. Afterwards I design, then narrow down, and then design more. I really like to design for function and what a consumer needs and wants, while still creating something that takes the designs to another level.

JM: What have you learned at KPU?

DM: I have learned a lot at KPU, especially having had the opportunity to not only be in the fashion design program, but to have taken the fashion marketing program as well. There’s been personal development and skill development, and a range in between. It’s very hard to narrow down what I’ve learned. Looking back, what I knew at the start of the program has developed so much in such a short period of time.

JM: What are your plans after graduation?

DM: I’m getting married in July, but between graduation and the wedding I’ll hopefully be entering the Vancouver apparel industry. I want to take the knowledge I’ve gained at KPU and use it towards my work in the industry.

JM: If your collection had a soundtrack, what songs would accompany it? 

DM: I feel like it would have a very upbeat summer soundtrack. Everything on the radio during the summer would be part of it.