By Robecca Leyden
In celebration of Fashion Inc.'s 2022 Fashion Show & Met Gala, Sans Pareil are rolling out some exclusive interviews with the five featured designers (which we are SO excited to be doing).
Cecilia Kang is a self-taught South Korean born New Zealand fashion designer specializing in couture wear. She was the first transgender woman to present a collection at NZ Fashion Week.
Firstly, tell us a little about your label and what you do. Couture is a very difficult and niche market. What drew you to it?
Hi everyone. My name is Cecilia Kang, from New Zealand. I am the Creative Director and fashion designer from the brand "Cecilia Kang Couture". I got into couture because I love the art side of fashion. I have always wanted to create something that is outside of normal fashion and turn something into extravagant and glamorous outfits.
How long have you been in the industry? What do you think of the NZ fashion industry specifically? We are known for dressing in lots of black and being pretty casual.
I have been in the industry for approximately 5 to 6 years now. I debuted my eponymous label at New Zealand Fashion Week back in 2018 as part of the New Generation Emerging Couture show and made history as Fashion Week's first transgender woman to showcase at the event. I think the New Zealand Fashion industry is quite bold, diverse and unique in many different ways.
Being self-taught is very impressive! Have you always wanted to do fashion?
I got interested in learning more about fashion around 2007 I guess. It was a phase that I was discovering my identity as a transgender woman and I did not know what to do in life as I was completely lost. I was very lonely and I didn’t have many friends to spend time with.
One day, I went out with my friends hanging out with the LGBTQIA+ community. The Drag Queens performing and how they dressed up to perform on the stage really caught my attention as they looked so unique and so colourful and I thought "I got to start creating beautiful garments." Then it all started.
Speaking of self-taught - you individually make each piece from start to finish. Is this something you’ll ever consider streamlining with employees or a larger collection? Or do you love making smaller, unique pieces?
Yes. As an individual I am currently making each piece from start to finish and in the future I will definitely consider streamlining with employees for a larger collection but I love making smaller quantities because I think it's so precious and uniqueness that brings more value to people.
Who are some of your fashion inspirations? What designers do you love?
My fashion inspirations are definitely people that I meet everyday in real life through interactive engagements. I love designers like Trelise Cooper, Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs to name a few.
On your website it says you are often inspired by nature. Are there any specific spots you love going to, to be inspired?
I love New Zealand nature and brutally honest, New Zealand nature and mother earth gives me hope and feeling of relaxation. When my mind is at ease that's when my inspiration comes in start thinking creatively. I like to go to Waiheke Island and when I go to the Waiheke Island, I get so much inspiration with nature.
Where do you see yourself and your label in 5 years? Will you go international?
Well, I see myself and my label in 5 years time going international? Representing New Zealand more at an international level I guess. Hopefully everything will go well and fingers crossed.
Lastly, do you have any advice for emerging designers in your field?
To emerging designers, just stay true to yourself and love yourself the most. Don't give up and just keep reaching for the stars until your reach your goals. Don't have to be afraid to fail because you learn from your failure and this will only make you a better person. I guess enjoy every step of your journey and achievement as a designer.
You can see Cecilia's stunning work on her website
