MAYA WONG’s graduate collection marked the inception of the brand’s signature design language, blending heritage with contemporary innovation. Recognized for its artistic vision, the collection earned Maya the Jury’s Selection: Fashion Design Award at the prestigious Art4d Magazine Awards.
Drawing inspiration from Wong Kar-wai’s iconic films, In the Mood for Love and 2046, the collection reinterprets the elegance of 1960s Hong Kong through a modern lens. It pays homage to the era’s Western-influenced tailoring, featuring impeccably crafted high-collared qipaos with bold, modern graphics and structured trench coats. Elevating the craftsmanship, each piece is meticulously constructed from high-quality handwoven cotton, ensuring both authenticity and refinement.
Plaid has been a defining element in Maya Wong’s design aesthetic ever since his early fascination with punk—long before he even knew its cultural significance. “When I first saw the plaid qipao in Wong Kar-wai’s film, I thought, ‘Wow, that feels so modern,’” Maya recalls. That moment became the foundation of his exploration into plaid as a core motif in his collection.
Determined to create a unique plaid pattern for each look, he drew inspiration from the precise spacing found in traditional dragon robes, resulting in a striking and meticulously structured textile design. To bring his vision to life, Maya traveled to Na Pho, a small town in Buriram, where he personally oversaw the weaving of each fabric. He further innovated by incorporating tinsel threads into the weave, creating a futuristic fur-like texture—a nod to the surreal, otherworldly atmosphere of 2046.
The collection is unified by a singular concept: dress shirts reinterpret the high-collared qipao, while jackets take inspiration from the regal structure of the dragon robe, blending tradition with a distinctly modern edge.
