Mortdale designer Ashleigh Kwong has used her love of art to become one of Australia’s hottest emerging fashion designers.
The 23-year-old has shown her designs in runway shows in Beijing, boasts her own online shop and next week will have her latest collection shown in the Raffles International Showcase at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Ms Kwong said it was her signature style that has set her apart.
She paints her own designs before turning them into prints which are used in her garments.
‘’I love painting, I love colours and expressing art through fashion. So I think it’s great I can apply my art onto a wearable piece,’’ she said.
‘’I feel it’s unique, it’s my signature
‘’I can express my art in a different way.’’
She studied design and technology in high school before continuing her passion at Raffles College of Design and Commerce.
‘’When I applied for fashion design at Raffles it just became this passion for me. I realised that I could apply everything that I loved into fashion design,’’ she said.
‘’When I studied there I felt like they helped guide me through my strengths and it helped me grow as a designer.’’
It is her link with Raffles that has allowed her to show her collections overseas and now in Sydney.
It will be her latest resort collection ‘Raked Repose’ that will grace the catwalk at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
The collection is inspired by a trip to Japan and its famous zen gardens.
‘’I created this range using the lines and movements that symbolise water, depicted by raked sand and gravel, and the carefully placed rocks that represent mountains,’’ she said.
‘’Just like how a Japanese zen garden evokes beauty and serenity, I want my customers to feel simply exquisite when wearing my creations.’’
It is a edgier collection than her normal designs while still maintaining her signature feminine features.
In total, 10 looks will be showcased including dresses, pants, culottes and tops.
Seven past Raffles students will be showing.
"I never imagined that I would ever have this opportunity. It just came to me and I’m just so lucky to have this opportunity," she said.
‘’I’m so grateful to have a platform to show my work.’’
More information at www.ashleighkwong.com or via Instagram at @ashleighkwong