Bowie Wong | |
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![]() Bowie Wong in January 2013 | |
Born | 1969 (age 55–56) |
Nationality | Australia, Hong Kong |
Occupation | Fashion designer |
Years active | 1990s-present |
Bowie Wong (born 1969) is a Hong Kong-born Australian fashion and stage designer. [1]
Wong was born in Hong Kong. [2] As the son of a Chinese opera singer, Wong spent his childhood surrounded by stage costumes, which started his interest in design and fashion at an early age.[ citation needed ] He studied Pure Design in Japan and Stage and Costume Design in Canada. [3]
While finishing his degree in Canada, Bowie was offered contracts on major theatre productions and international shows including The Paul McCartney World Tour, Cats and Les Misérables . [3] In 1997 he moved to Sydney, Australia where he spent three year. At this time, Wong decided to focus on his passion for fashion itself, as he explains, "[fashion] is a romantic roller-coaster ride and I wanted to be a part of that excitement – [but] on my own terms, so I would not have to compromise" [4]
In 2000, Wong launched his first complete collection and began to establish himself as a local Australian brand.
In 2011 and 2012, Wong produced a couture collection of unique custom-made dresses and bridal-inspired gowns which was shown at Australian Fashion Week. [5] [6] [7]
He has dressed celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, [8] Kylie Minogue, [9] George Michael, [10] Beyonce and Harry Potter stars Evanna Lynch [11] and Jade Gordon. [12] [13]
Wong has been named a Friend of Australia by Tourism Australia in recognition of his contribution to the Australian fashion industry. [14]
In January 2014, Bowie Wong debuted at Paris Fashion Week, the first Australian-based fashion designer to do so, presenting his collection at the Australian Embassy in Paris. [15] [16] Wong showed at Paris Fashion Week again in July 2014. [17]
Vogue's Suzy Menkes paid a visit to Wong. Coverage included Women's Wear Daily, [18] Agence France-Presse [19] and Australian media. [20] In Paris, press included Melty Fashion, [21] Paris Haute [22] and Flip-Zone. [23] FashionTV filmed backstage and show coverage. [24]
Wong was also invited by L'Officiel Australia to become a couture contributor for the magazine. [25]
In January 2015, Wong once again presented a collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, as mentioned by The Huffington Post, [26] [27] [28] Gypset Magazine [29] and FVM Global Magazine [2] amongst others.