Runway Radar: Emily Wong rejects fast fashion with streamlined pieces inspired by 1950s architecture

By Maya Grigoruk

Emily Wong believes in using fashion as an outlet to express individuality, while also balancing style with responsible consumerism. Her collection reflects her design philosophy by rejecting the wasteful nature of fast fashion. This is a direct response to the growing demand for thoughtfully crafted garments.

Ambedo, Wong’s collection, showcases interchangeable, transitional clothing for women who share the brand’s vision of merging simplicity with today’s urban setting. The collection is a unique integration of form and colour, drawing inspiration from architectural designs and 1950s decorative art.

Ambedo will be unveiled at 2017 The Show presented by Tamoda Apparel Inc., on April 5 and 6 at the Imperial (319 Main Street). Twenty-seven other lines by Kwantlen Polytechnic University Fashion Design and Technology students will also be showcased.

For event details, visit kpu.ca/2017fashionshow or follow @wilsondesignkpu on Instagram.

Maya Grigoruk: Describe your collection.

Emily Wong: Ambedo is a line of clothing made for the modern, professional woman aged 30 to 45. The collection features clothing for the educated consumer and allows the generation-X woman to transition seamlessly throughout her day, taking her from work to a relaxing dinner without having to change.   

MG: Who or what was the inspiration behind your line?

EW: My line was inspired by the growing fatigue of fast fashion. Living in such an expensive city, I try to invest in pieces that can be worn for many occasions and have the longevity that can last in my wardrobe season after season. It’s much more satisfying to be able to purchase something that I know I love without the guilt that comes with making an impulsive purchase.

MG: Walk me through your creative process.

EW: For my creative process, I like to look at books and my surroundings for sources of inspiration. I also do a lot of research to get my creativity flowing. For example, my inspiration for this collection started with sketching art and furniture from the 1950s and incorporating those soft lines with the harsh lines of architecture.

I thought this was a relatable representation for merging slow fashion into a fast-paced world. From there, I do endless amounts of market research because I believe that meeting the user’s needs is the most important part of design. My process is really about finding cohesiveness between the user’s practical needs and the intangible ideas that are my inspirations.

MG: What have you learned at KPU?

EW: Beyond all the technical skills I have gained, I have learned that supporting our community and supporting each other is key. I have learned that the best work is done through an ongoing dialogue and merging different perspectives, which is why I love being around people that are unique and diverse.

Through the ups and downs of going through this program, I have also learned the importance of balancing work and play in order to achieve a healthy lifestyle, which is something I continue to strive for.

MG: What’s next for you?

EW: I hope to travel for a while and do volunteer work overseas. I value meeting different people from various cultures, so the thought of being taken out of my bubble really gets me excited.

I also hope to get a job working at a local company doing product development and then possibly working internationally to combine my passions for travelling and design.

Maya Grigoruk is a final-year fashion design and technology student at KPU’s Wilson School of Design.