Photos by AC Brizuela
It took Hannah Kong two and a half years to realize that taking up Economics in college wasn’t actually for her; several “side jobs” in apparel brands to finally decide to pursue fashion; and six months to officially launch her debut collection.
The 29-year-old Filipina designer always knew fashion was something she wanted to do. “My dad’s work before was in the garments industry, so I basically grew up in a factory,” Hannah shares with The Standard Life.
While living in the penthouse – watching jeans being made and sewn together – the young Hannah also became an avid reader of Vogue magazine. “I was exposed to fashion as a kid. I’ve always loved anything to do with fashion but I was actually confused about what I wanted to do.”
She then took up Economics in De La Salle University, but it only took her a few failed subjects to realize that it wasn’t the right fit. It was after taking introductory classes at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco that she got the jumpstart she needed to finally pursue fashion.
The former online retail shop stock girl who was paid in designer jeans is now one of the up-and-coming bridal and formalwear designers in the country. And Hannah’s star shines bright, as her name is slowly becoming synonymous to intricate, elegant dresses much like what a princess would wear.
“It’s such a privilege to work on a bride’s dress,” she muses. “[For a woman] it’s the most important dress she’ll ever wear in her life, so [being asked to design it is] as if someone is giving you so much trust which is something that I really honor and appreciate.”
With silk organza as her canvas and beads and paillettes as her paint, Hannah’s pieces can be likened to works of art – wearable works of art, at that. Each is made through meticulous stitching, beadwork and embroidery known as Lunéville or Tambour – a skill she learned during her time at the Ecole Lesage in Paris, France.
Hannah is one of few Filipinos so far who has learned the craft at the storied Maison Lesage that worked with the likes of Elsa Schiaparelli, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Louis Vuitton, Valentino Garavani, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel under Karl Lagerfeld.
The said technique is undeniably time-consuming and labor-intensive, but the passion and hard work that goes in every piece resonated well with the young designer.
“I really like detail-work and working with my hands. So when I went to Paris to study embroidery, I was really wowed by the craft and the labor that goes into it. I saw how my teachers worked because they were the ones that did couture gowns for big brands like Valentino, and I saw how the process was thought of and labor-intensive. But when I looked at them, I saw that they really loved what they do,” relates Hannah.
She adds, “It’s like giving so much of your time. It’s such an investment to make each piece.”
For her debut collection, the Ecole Lesage-educated designer unveils 15 pieces of broderie d’art occasion wear inspired by her love for vintage gowns and her time in Paris.
“[The collection] evokes an afternoon kind of stroll in the garden of Versailles, hence a lot of florals. It’s very feminine and very opulent, but I toned it down to make it wearable in today’s time,” explains Hannah.
Each piece is handmade with the help of Hannah’s artisans and staff, and features her handiwork with pearls, beads and rhinestones. “I put so much of myself in the collection,” she enthuses, adding that she also incorporates the ideas of her staff into the designs.
The dresses are dreamy in colors that go beyond white, ivory and cream, as some of the pieces come in muted pastels like, powder blue, light pink and old rose. The cuts range from A-line to princess tulle to serpentine.
From a designer working at home, and whose first client was her mom, Hannah moves on to further grow her career with the launching of her first collection. The dresses start at P65,000 to P250,000 depending on the design. She says she is now looking into prêt-à-porter but wants to focus on custom bridal design “because I love being able to do a lot with a wedding dress.”
Hannah may be known for her detailed pieces, but she admits that when the time comes for her to wear a bridal gown, she says she’d want it to be simple. “Probably something with simple silhouette but with detailed sleeves.”
Hannah Kong’s atelier is located at 6063 R. Palma Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City. For more information, visit her website at www.hannahkong.com or her Instagram account @hannahkong.