“I’m excited to be part of the Nolcha shows this coming Spring for New York Fashion Week. Nolcha has a reputation of putting on amazing shows and bringing out celebrities, bloggers, and other tastemakers in the world of fashion. I’m honored to have been invited to share the stage with the rest of this year’s emerging designers. I cannot wait to see how this opportunity allows me to spread my brand and our philosophy of women’s empowerment through clothing!”

Background

Audrey Hepburn stole my heart when I was nine years old. Inspired by Audrey’s confidence and feminine strength, I drew pictures of fashion I saw on movie stars and beautiful women. Growing up in New York, I dreamed up clothes I couldn’t have and clothes that didn’t exist. I fell in love with Chanel, Prada, Gucci, and Valentino. At the time, I didn’t know the name of the industry, but I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I sketched my way to FIT, where I designed a jacket made from a recycled IKEA rug. I had a blast making it – it was cheerful, eco-friendly, and had a worldly appeal. But I never imagined it would go anywhere! It ended up winning the UNESCO and Felissimo International Competition. Suddenly my designs were being shown at the Louvre in Paris and covered by Women’s Wear Daily and The Daily News. I’ve been in fashion for over 18 years, having worked for my idol Donna Karan and the wonderful team at Eileen Fisher before starting my own brand, MINAN WONG.

Vision

When I decided to make my own collection, I brought my personal journey into the details. When I design, I get a surge of energy. I love clothing that exudes a vibrant, youthful aura and can support the strength of a woman. The crisp touch of a brand new dress. The exhilarating breath you take before meeting your dream client. The strut that begins when you catch a reflection of yourself in the window, rocking that jacket. This is MINAN WONG.

 

Signature Style

Natural and eco-friendly fibers transformed into clean, vibrant lines structured with feminine details and a sense of purpose in every piece.

 

Brand Philosophy

Great design starts with sustainable materials. Whenever possible, items are made using eco-friendly elements like organic cotton, Tencel, recycled wool and recycled PET. All pieces are made in the US for fair wages and support the local economy, because empowerment is not just for the people who can afford to buy our clothes! With MINAN WONG, you can look great without feeling guilty.

If you could dress any celebrity who would it be and why?

If I could dress any celebrity, I would dress Angelina Jolie. I love what she stands for as a woman and a human being. She’s an amazing role model for young women, having gone beyond acting to producing and directing. I respect and admire the philanthropic work she has done with the United Nations and in Cambodia. She has a natural beauty and a sense of confidence that has led her to become a style icon. Angelina can just as easily wear the most classic, graceful outfit as she can a bold statement piece. She’s the ultimate Minan Wong woman.