Upcycled ‘couture’ rocks the runway
Artists turn models to strut for greener future in eco-chic fashion showcase

IT MAY not have been a typical fashion show featuring avant garde pieces, but the collection showcased by local artist Phillip Wong had its own appeal.

Titled “No One Is Ugly”, the fashion show featured creations worn by models who were also artists.

The event was held at GMBB in Jalan Robertson in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, in conjunction with Earth Day.

Wong said the fashion pieces were artworks he created some 15 years ago using recyclable materials.

“It is common to see artists putting their vision on a canvas. But I wanted to do something different and unique this time around.

“I repurposed the artworks into wearable fashion pieces to allow the audience to better appreciate the artworks,” he said.

The models are his students and fellow artists.

Wong said he took inspiration from nature, and hoped that the exhibition would shine a light on the need for environmental preservation.

“I focused on using primary colours, namely red, blue and yellow, for the showcase, with the aim of sending a message about the simplicity of life,” he added.

Apart from Wong’s creations, the show featured artworks made by nine special needs artists.

There was also a performance by a dancer with a red scarf symbolising blood and human life.

The fashion showcase was not Wong’s first collaboration with special needs artists and children.

In April, Wong curated an art exhibition titled “Impossible Possible” featuring works of nine artists, who are on the spectrum, aged between 12 and 33.
Phillip Wong,art,installation,fashion show
IT MAY not have been a typical fashion show featuring avant garde pieces, but the collection showcased by local artist Phillip Wong had its own appeal.