Fashion designer and founder of Ellis Label, Ellis Hong’s earliest memories with clothes are from when her parents owned a children’s clothing store. The chance to pick her outfits and find joy in matching different pieces together sparked a lifelong enthusiasm to be involved in the fashion industry.
Her interest in clothes only grew. In high school, her favourite subject was Fabric Technology, and she later graduated with a degree in Graphic Design. Her studies landed her work with companies in marketing and social media management roles. However, Hong always maintained a close relationship with the fashion world, curating original items and selling new and second-hand clothing.
Hong’s side hustle with clothes eventually evolved into an online store where Hong stocked and sold fashion from international designers. Quickly, Hong had second thoughts about the environmental impacts of the industry and how she was contributing to it.
“All of the collections were around the traditional model of seasonal garments, and it was here that I began to realise how fast-paced the clothing industry was. It made me rethink my values and what I was contributing to my chosen industry,” described Hong.
While running her online store, Hong trialled drafting her designs, where she would make each garment individually per purchase of each design. These items were designed specifically by Hong to fill in the gaps she noticed were missing from the seasonal trend model.
“Being able to share made-to-order, ready-to-wear, one-off and customised pieces is really special. I love being able to engage with customers directly and being able to create something that they might find truly fitting in their wardrobe.”
Her online store went from being the only viable way for Hong to create her designs to the turning point for her to make a self-sustaining independent label.
Hong’s experience has informed her belief that starting somewhere is the most crucial part for anyone wanting to break through in the fashion industry.
“It can be overwhelming, but I learned much through unpaid internships. Reach out to companies that align with your ethics and see how you could help them.”
Hong’s creative process begins with a rough sketch. However, she often has to mull over the idea for a while before she returns to it.
“I have to sit with it for a while. This is probably why some of our pieces take so long to release.”
The quality of the fabric Hong uses and whether it is durable and comfortable is a vital part of her design process. Final designs are a collaboration between Hong, her pattern maker and the machinist. She takes each project day by day; however, she hopes to one day find success on an international scale.
“I’d love to take the brand overseas to see what we can achieve. For now, I’m relishing in what we’ve created so far."
