Like Hans Christian Andersens of the fashion world, brother and sister Kay and Jing Wong enjoy creating myths and legends with their designs. “Our belief in the life of objects has led us to design garments inspired and adapted from vintage clothing, which contain many stories and memories.“ But their dream is far more than just a fashion fairytale.
It became a reality when they set up the Daydream Nation brand and launched collections which they say “create new myths for clothes each season and result in visual catwalk narratives.”
Their garments are devised through playing with and manipulating old clothes; one previous collection was based on a hunter-turned-deer fairy tale. This season is a tribute to their late father and is called “Letter to Paul.”
The sibling team have braved the international market from Paris to Greece but, ironically enough, have found Hong Kong the hardest to crack. Right here in their home city, their latest necklace designs have become the target of plagiarism. “Hong Kong has little respect for intellectual property,” laments Kay.
Elsewhere in the world, Daydream Nation’s designs have been adopted and commissioned by street fashion and haute couture brands alike. “In Hong Kong, we are just a tiny potato, to be copied by others,” he adds. “That’s why there are so few designers in Hong Kong.”
Still, they feel like the fortunate ones. Compared to their father’s generation, they’ve got more independence and freedom to stand on their own two feet. There is also no denying the two possess something that outshines others. “Our courage and diligence are qualities seldom found in this generation,” says Jing. “We’re proud of our Yes, Let’s spirit.”
Daydream Nation’s collections are available at Cocktail,
LCX, Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2735-2282. Kapok, 6 St.
Francis Yard, Wan Chai, 2549-9254. Voulez Vous, 3 Yiu Wa St., Bartlock
Centre, Causeway Bay, 2833-0938.
www.daydream-nation.co.uk
