Sat 11 Aug 2012 In: Hall of Fame View at Wayback View at NDHA
Kerry Wong Gay Aucklander Kerry Wong is in the top ten of the Westpac Fashion Competition. He tells us how he went from studying law to being an up and coming designer and … ahem … if you like his work how you can help him live his dreams by giving him your vote! How old are you, where are you from and where do you live now, are you single or attached? I am 25, I was born and raised in Masterton of the Wairarapa, studied in Wellington for 6 years and now live in Auckland. I am currently single (but he had a date the day he answered our questions!) Coming out story... I knew since I was 12, but held off on coming out during high school. I told my closest friends in my final year at high school, they were fully supportive and it wasn't a big deal to them. I came out to my parents after I had moved out to go to uni and had met my first boyfriend. We supported each other to come out to our parents after we had been together for a few months. My parents were a bit shocked at first, but they're pretty open minded people and were totally cool about it shortly afterwards and I guess extended family will find out if they read this interview! What made you get into fashion? During the summer after my first year of beginning a law degree I really got into Project Runway, and thought "Screw law - I wanna do that!" With no background in design, I made a life-changing decision and enrolled in a Foundation Course in Design at Massey University to compile a portfolio for submission into the Bachelor of Design programme. I completed the degree with honours at the end of 2010. Last year I was absolutely stoked to became a finalist in the Nanogold Competition as well as won two prestigious awards at the New Zealand 2011 Hokonui Fashion Awards for my graduate menswear collection titled "Saburu | Ga" which you can view at www.kerrywong.net Who are your fashion idols? Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy, Rick Owens, Dion Lee, Gareth Pugh. Tell us about this competition? I am a Top 10 Finalist in The Westpac Fashion Competition! And now have two weeks to rally for a gazillion VOTES for my mini collection. The Top 3 Designers with the most votes show their mini collections at NZ Fashion Week which I have only ever DREAMED of showing at. Winning the top prize would just be the icing on the cake! Deux from Wong's nominated collection Sportsthéque: Splits Cotton Shirt Sports Nylon Skirt Glide Spandex Shorts Photo: Meighan Ellis Model: Matt @ Clyne www.kerrywong.net How much does it mean to you to be a finalist? The reputation and calibre of the judging panel consisting of Tina Moore - editor of REMIX MAGAZINE, Dayne Johnston - menswear designer at Zambesi, Amanda Linnell - editor of Viva - The New Zealand Herald, and local electro-pop star/fashion icon Zowie is very impressive and was great for self-confidence and recognition. I was, and still am incredibly flattered and elated to be announced as a Top 10 Finalist. What would it mean to you to win? If I were to win, the exposure and recognition of me and my aesthetic would be invaluable towards building my career profile and confidence as a designer. I would be so grateful for the mentorship from a NZ fashion designer as I feel there is still so much to learn of the industry. The cash prize is incredibly generous and would go straight into the savings account to go towards building a label or fund work experience in the future. The business banking advice would be gratefully accepted as well. How can people help? The community can help me by voting daily for me on the Westpac Fashion Competition page until August 22nd, sharing the link on their own walls and encouraging all of their workmates, friends and family to vote! I also have a campaign page I've made for everyone to invite their friends/family and keep everyone updated and motivated on the voting process with posters and adventures on my campaign! What are your dreams for the future? I dream of having my own international menswear label, or working as a creative director or head product developer for a label and company I respect and wholeheartedly admire. GayNZ.com - 11th August 2012