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Art
Scene
52 | FireFlyz
B
remen
Wong is an
artist/designer who
always sticks to his
artistic instinct which
he beautifully trans-
lates into his creation
of headgear. With his
impactful venture into the local art and
fashion scene, Bremen Wong has even
stepped abroad with more projects to
look forward to.
The milliner sits down for a chat
during the
Hues Art Exhibition
at Avenue
K, Kuala Lumpur where he was exhibiting
nine of his unreleased hats for the very
first time. Here he shares his passion for
art and his plan for world domination.
Hats Off !
Whenandwhereshouldawomandonyour
gorgeous headgear?
If it is something more elaborate, perhaps
she can wear it to an event, a wedding
or any special celebration with attached
dress code. The most important thing is
for it to match her character and outfit.
I always design for independent and
successful women – those who know
what they want in life.
What is your opinion of the present local
art scene compared to when you first
started?
Honestly, I think we could use more sup-
port. Local artists always have to compete
with the foreigners. Unfortunately, we
are not always given the same level of
priorities. That is why as local artists,
we should just grab all the good oppor-
tunities that come our way regardless of
how small they are. Our art scene is still
relatively ’green’ and I believe we should
stop comparing ourselves with artists of
international fame.
I amsure your work requires you to travel
a lot. What has been your favourite travel
destination?
Last year, I travelled to Shanghai and
Singapore quite a bit. I was invited to ex-
hibit my works at Singapore’s
Raffles City
Spring Summer Fashion Show
. Shanghai
was quite amazing as well. I conducted
monthly workshop at the Dung Hua
University, a renowned fashion school.
Although travelling back and forth can
be quite tiring, I enjoyed connecting with
the talented students there.
What’s in store for Bremen W Millinery
in 2015?
I am planning to launch my menswear
label after Chinese New Year along with
a new showroomwhich
will include a proper
display area for my
creations. I will con-
tinue with my project
in Shanghai and look
forward to more pos-
sible collaborations in
Hong Kong, the United
Kingdom and the United
States. I have been ex-
changing emails with
Lady Gaga’s stylist Bran-
don Maxwell. Hopefully
we can work something
out soon (smiles).
Tell me a little bit about your beginning in
the local fashion and art scene.
I started five years ago by participating in
local bazaars around Klang Valley. Back
then it was still new and everyone was
very excited to join in. I used to sell my
hand-made brooches, headbands and
hand-drawn t-shirts which all received
very good response from the customers.
I saw the opportunity for it to grow and
decided to quit my job as a textile busi-
ness development manager in a major
department store in Malaysia. It was the
right decision as I was badly in need of
a change.
What makes your hat designs stand out
fromwhatwehaveseen inall the local and
international fashionmagazines?
My hats are crafted based on different
ideas and concepts. There is always a
story behind every creation along with all
the ideas I gathered from travelling. I can
say that my hats are a complex mishmash
of psychology, philosophy and religious
elements.
What is the experience like working with
local fashion designers?
I have so far collaborated with talented
local designers like Alia Bastamam, Pu3
and my long-time collaborator Carven
Ong. Working with him has been a
breeze since he is always very tolerant
and trusting.
MillinerBremenWongtalksto
HannefEsquander
abouthis
impeccablework of art andworld domination.
BremenWMillinery
Miniature Series 2014
in Shanghai
BremenWong photo
Asia’s Next Top Model
2014 winner, Sheena
Liamwearing Bremen
Wong’ s creations
BremenW
Millinery Bridal
Series 2014