AUDI STAR CREATION 2012: Q&A with the eighth finalist Ling Siu Gin from Malaysia

Today’s Q&A is with finalist Ling Siu Gin from Malaysia whose collection ‘Manimal’ drew inspiration from two music videos, ‘Lions in Cages’ by Wolf Gang and “Paradise’ by Coldplay. Read on to find out how her fantasy-like collection came together.

Finalist Ling Sui Gin from Malaysia

Name of designer: Ling Siu Gin (Malaysia)
Age: 21
Name of Collection: Manimal

1. What made you participate in the Audi Star Creation? How did you hear about it?

I heard about Audi Star Creation from my lecturer, Ronney Henry, from Raffles Design Institute (Kuala Lumpur). As we were designing our graduation collection, he encouraged me to give the competition a try. I saw it as a chance for me to gain experience, to find out where my design abilities stand and how far I can go.

2. What was the inspiration behind your collection?

My fantasy-themed collection, Manimal, is inspired by two music videos. In “Lions in Cages” by Wolf Gang, I was struck by the animal costumes the actors in the video were forced to wear. “Paradise” by Coldplay further inspired me to take the idea to the next level. I based my designs on six animals - the gryphon, owl, rabbit, reindeer, unicorn and wolf. I had the image in my head of these animals suffering from the hardship of living in the woods, so I drew them out as my first mood board, and that led to my competition collection.

3. What new ideas/approach do you think you bring to the fashion scene in the region?

I would like to create dramatic designs by modifying basic techniques like cutting and stitching. Most of my ideas are based on fantasy too.

                                                                                                                                  

4. Any Asian designers/labels that you like and look up to?

Comme des Garcons’s designer Rei Kawakubo. It’s impressive how she built up such strong base and fame in the European fashion industry and become well known for the whole world. Japanese designers are always very inspiring and innovative.

5. What would you like to do if you win and who would be your target audience (people in the region, age group, style, etc...)?

If I win, I hope the internship with FJ Benjamin will develop my talent and improve my confidence when it comes to fashion design. I would also like to learn more about fashion retail and know how the industry works.

I can imagine men and women between 18 and 30 wearing my pieces. Honestly, I think stylish women in their 40s and 50s can still pull off my creations. I’d like to see Singaporean actress Rui En in my first look, The Unicorn. I feel her strong personality can carry the outfit very well.

For more interviews with the finalists, go to the 'Audi Star Creation 2012' section on this blog.