With a stellar career at Ralph Lauren under her belt and the launch of her environmentally-conscious label ALLEGORY, whose garments are made using black, deadstock fabrics in everyday styles, it’s fair to say that Fiona Fang is having a moment — and this motivated Hong Kong girl is just firing up.
Here she talks to PAKT about recent shopping finds, dream collaborators, and the tunes she plays to get event ready.
1) Describe your style in 3 words.
Strong. Smart. Sexy.
2) Earliest fashion memory?
When I was little, my maternal grandmother always wore 長衫 (cheongsam). It was just how women of her generation dressed. That elegance really stuck with me.
3) What’s the most precious item in your wardrobe?
My Daddy gifted me his father’s black leather jacket a few years ago. My family didn’t have very much so this piece was most definitely an investment, to be worn with the utmost of care. It is a true heavy-duty, moto-style outerwear item complete with removable 棉襖 (Cantonese silk padded vest) interior that can be buttoned in/out to suit the weather. I like to wear it over dainty, girly pieces — perhaps subconsciously it is 爺爺 protecting little me. We never had the chance to meet.
4) Favourite item in your wardrobe that you will keep forever?
I associate memories with my clothes, much like some people do music. As time passes and these stories evolve, I think it’s ok to let go of things that no longer serve you. Even if it’s a Birkin. Hong Kong has really embraced the resale market of late, fuelled by years of Tokyo’s thrifting and vintage obsessions — it’s great. So never say never.
5) What’s on your current fashion wishlist?
At the risk of sounding terribly cliché, an Hermès Birkin 25 in black Togo with gold hardware sits on this list. I also love Anthony Vaccarello’s plunging V-neck gowns for Fall this year. So simple but such a statement.
6) What is the best fashion advice you have received?
Anna Wintour maintains that she has kept her signature bob all these years (some reports say from the age of 14) due to anxiety and laziness but we all know that this is strategic. It feels like she doesn’t ever age! Sir David Attenborough keeps the same blue shirt and khaki pants for filming continuity to the same effect. In her wise footsteps, I’ve also kept my same one-length haircut since high school — minus a couple of fringe and perm stints during university.
7) Who are your style icons?
Irina Shayk, Neelam Kaur Gill, Stephanie Suganami Shepherd, Victoria Beckham, Nausheen Shah, Yoon Ahn.
8) A recent shopping find is..
My gold Casetify snake chain phone strap. I can’t go back to life without it.
9) If you could have anyone’s wardrobe, whose would it be and why?
Controversial, but Kim Kardashian’s wardrobe. Her breadth of styles/genres is magnificent. Plus access to every SKIMS sku/size ever made for me and all my friends? Yes, please.
10) If a museum asked you to donate one item from your wardrobe that represented you, what would it be?
It would have to be Megan from ALLEGORY‘s inaugural drop. She represents me because I believe you can be every woman — smart (double-lined bust panels for a no-bra option), sexy (fully-functional centre front buttons encourage imagination by the eye) and sustainable (cut from cotton rib deadstock fabric). ALLEGORY’s purpose statement.
11) Who would be your dream collaborator and why?
Yoon Ahn would be a dream to collaborate with because I love her style and range. More importantly, I respect that she did not receive traditional fashion training, but rather, has come to the current place in her career via many different multi-disciplinary experiences across the industry. I feel like she would understand me.
12) Favourite music to get event ready to?
My bestie, @myelectricheart, made an ALLEGORY playlist for me.
13) Top 3 accounts to follow on social media?
Diet Prada @diet_prada
Business of Fashion @bof
Hong Kong Memes @hkmehmeh
14) What will we never find in your wardrobe?
Food or beverages. Very strict about this one.
15) If you could go back in time, which fashion era would you choose and why?
1927 when Downton Abbey was set. How fun would it be to dress formally for dinner every evening?
16) Who would you invite to your dream fashion dinner?
Victoria Beckham, as she’s a true conversationalist so someone to lead. Emily Charlton because where is she now? Helen of Troy, as I want to know what really went down and what were you wearing?
17) What is your go to outfit?
Black dress, black cap, gold hoops, white socks and sneakers, black shopper. Hair tie and Apple watch on right wrist.
18) Favourite fashion apps?
Vogue Runway for inspiration, Net-a-Porter for shopping and Snapseed for edits.
19) Where was the last place you travelled to and what are the can’t miss shops?
Sydney. Oxford Street around the William Street intersection in Paddington is a must. I’m also missing meat pies so much!
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- What to PAKT – Wardrobe Service
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