FACE TO FACE - GILLIAN HUNG

Images courtesy of

Bell & Boss , Dare, Le Prestige, Glam! & MMW 2005 archives

Gillian Hung, President of the Malaysian Official Designers' Association, is a Jill-of-many-trades and master of all when it comes to the fashion industry. The former fashion and design director of Isetan and former CEO of Fashion Academy of Creative Technology, is also a fashion designer, retail consultant, fashion academic and corporate grooming consultant. A pioneer in the Malaysian fashion industry, "Mama G" as she's affectionally known, is famous for her multi-tasking abilities in the highly challenging and competitive industry.

KLFW 2006 - GROUP PHOTO DESIGNERS WITH GILLIAN

KL AND ALL THINGS FASHIONABLY GLAM!

Unless you've been living under a rock, no doubt even the most unobservant Malaysian living on these shores has noticed that our city is major-ly in vogue right now with the latest group of creative fashion talents and has been slowly (or quickly, maybe) gaining nationwide popularity within the last few years.

Ladies, gentlemen and fellow undecided…presenting you 5 days of awe-inspiring fashion, music and trade, the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2006 (KLFW2006)!

KLFW2006 is set to take centre stage this November 11 through November 15 2006, displaying new trends, breathtaking designs, and new designers down the block. Presented by the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with The Star, Utusan Malaysia, L’Oreal and MODA - KLFW2006 aims to create trade opportunities for over 50 selected local fashion designers and brands to showcase the blend of eastern and western traditions in KL. This makes KLFW2006 the biggest ever fashion marathon organized in Malaysia!

KLFW2006 will emphasize on trade, business oriented exhibition and shows combined with various exciting fringe events around the city. Expect local labels and designers like Voir, Padini, Seed, Binwanis, Tom Abang Saufi, Zang Toi, Melinda Looi, Khoon Hooi, Radzuan Radziwill, Richard Tsen, Newcomer Venie Tee and many others to show off their latest fad and fashion at this fêted event.

With a guest list comprising of the glitterati of Malaysia including international & local buyers, press, and celebrities, KLFW2006 will offer participants global fashion exposure in a number of ways. In contrast to last year, all designers will be exposed to a “trade show like environment” with the intention of taking Malaysia's fashion industry a step closer to the global market.

Gillian Hung, President of Malaysia Official Designers’ Association (MODA) comments that the emergence of KLFW2006 is definitely an excellent opportunity for the fashion industry in Malaysia. Incidentally, MODA is also the official endorser for KLFW2006.

“Such exposure puts Malaysia on the international map. We at MODA are definitely geared up to showcase the sophistication, creativity and elegance of Malaysia – truly Asia!”

She also adds “We are also grateful for the opportunity set by the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia. Through such platforms, designers and brands are able to showcase their mettle. Whilst we all understand the intricacies behind coming up with the best show, one must also understand the market trends and standards – ensuring commercial viability for your collection. Our Malaysian designers and brands are learning that they do not have to compromise their culture and traditions to compete internationally. Fashion, at the end of the day, is all about expressing yourself and where you come from. Anything less would just be passé.”

So, as I end my note here with much enthusiasm, remember to mark your calendars and attend KLFW2006, an event not to be missed!

The author is the Secretary of MODA. The Malaysian Official Designers Association (MODA) is a not-for-profit association of Malaysia’s foremost fashion designers’ founded in 1990. Under its aegis, MODA represents the interests of fashion designers. It will nurture the growth of this industry, help develop the needs of the industry, and provide a platform for Malaysian fashion designers. For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Thana B at info.moda@gmail.com

MINDING THE FASHION BUSINESS - KLFW 2006

Celebrity-Style Makeover by Gillian Hung

A qualified Fashion Designer, Merchandiser and Grooming Specialist graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, the Founder for Fashion Academy of Creative Technology (FACT) and currently the President of MODA (Malaysian Official Designers’ Association). Gillian Hung a multi-talented, well-experienced Fashion Guru and consultant will be your personal makeover artist and image tutor for one whole day. You even get enough money to shop till you drop with her, too!

To date, Gillian had garnered many an award and accomplishment. She has worked with beauty queens and countless models. She has established her own fashion label and dressed celebrities and society’s elite. Therefore, we believe that your makeover is definitely in good hands as Gillian’s going to turn you into a fashion icon.

In addition to all that you’ll also receive a year’s free membership at Celebrity Fitness! You’ll also be awarded 50 personal training sessions at Celebrity Fitness!

A celebrity-style makeover by renowned fashion guru, free gym membership – how can you resist?

Here’s your dream programme.

Day 1
Winner spends an afternoon over coffee with Gillian for her to know the winner’s personality , wants and needs, in detail. Gillian will then analyse the winner thoroughly and prepares for the big day.

Day 2
The BIG DayWinner and Gillian will spend the day shopping and grooming. From purchase of new clothes, new hair-do and much more, all paid for by Hennessy V.S.O.P!

********************************************************************

Hennessy This is Me Contest!

Hennessy This is Me Contest is a dream-comes-true opportunity offering eight dreams. Five dreams, fulfilling your personal dream, a total makeover by fashion guru Gillian Hung, creating the ideal wedding proposal to your loved one, clubbing in party paradise Ibiza, Spain and skiing in Falls Creek, Australia have been fulfilled. Additionally, a monthly bonus prize will also be given to the first 100 entries every month. For details, visit http://www.thisisme.com.my/.

FASHION DOYEN

This article was printed from www.theedgedaily.com.

Article's URL: http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_c1ec0106-cb73c03a-126ba640-e2dd867c,

Fashion doyen

At first impression, Gillian Hung seems like a lady in a hurry — rushing to make her mark in the fashion industry in Malaysia and Asia. But first impressions are deceiving. Hung is just one of those people who seem to hum at a higher frequency than others. What to us seem like major accomplishments and success are to her just things she has done in the course of her career, but she’s done them spectacularly well.

Her career has blossomed from the time she joined Isetan, worked to become its lead designer, left and consulted with a Hong Kong textile manufacturer for a year to set up its new plant, create a design team and map its brand strategy, came back and set up not only her own label but also her own design school which has quickly become recognised as one of the best in the country. “It is my way of giving back to society,” she says. Actually, Hung wants to position Kuala Lumpur as a leading city for design and fashion and through this school, hopes to build a strong and talented pool of fashion or design directors, of which currently, there are only a handful. Think Tom Ford of Gucci and you get an idea of the type of creative genius she wants to help create for Malaysia. Here is an excerpt from an interview with Hung.

The Edge: In your long association in fashion, what have you come to understand about fashion as a social phenomenon and as a business?

Hung: The fashion industry is known to be one of the most complex, challenging industries, but with rewarding outcomes. The local and export markets for KL fashion have become one of the booming industries in Malaysia. By numbers, it is one of the top 10 leading revenue drivers for the country. In my 16 years working in this industry, I’ve come to see the intricate notion in fashion. I can say that understanding fashion does not come from reading. You have to experience it, have a feel for it. Just like this MOTORAZR V3. It takes you in and you feel it is part of your overall fashion match. Fashion to me is a fusion of art, history, current events, politics and technology. Fashion predicts lifestyle, reflects attitude and depicts society. It cannot stand by itself. Fashion constantly changes through time. Therefore, it is important for us to be socially capable.

How do Malaysians view fashion today versus in the 1990s and what are the reasons for the change?

If you look at fashion today compared to the 1990s, Malaysians have become more capable and knowledgeable. Even men have realised that looking good is not something women have exclusive control over. They know that it’s not only about looking good, it is also about how to carry oneself; the distinctive way of speaking and acting. We see such positive changes, thanks to TV, magazines and newspapers. The government and private sector are also working hand in hand to promote the fashion industry. It’s rather amazing that even phone design has evolved tremendously. Something like the RAZR V3 was unimaginable back then but Motorola has proved that it is keeping up with the changes in both fashion and consumer taste as well as preference.

What is your main motivation to set up your own label?

Winning the First Asean Young Designers contest in 1989 gave me the encouragement to have my own label. Besides that, I also envisioned myself in the fashion business, which led me to join Isetan of Japan/KL to take on a more challenging career. Thanks to my mathematics background, I am able to leverage on it in the business.

You have your own fashion and design school now. What do you hope to achieve?

Being an individual designer and as fashion design director of Isetan has enabled me to share my passion, knowledge and advice with the younger generation. With the birth of the Fashion Academy of Creative Technology (FACT), I hope to nurture new talent to be not only fashion designers but also excellent fashion merchandisers who are able to serve the industry. Let us not only promote creativity, but also versatility. The more versatile our workforce, the more successful the industry will become.

What mark do you hope to leave on the Malaysian fashion scene?

Ultimately, I’d like to be recognised as a person who has contributed my knowledge and experience to my peers. I also make it a point to provide advice to upcoming fashionistas who are interested to excel in this industry.

What does your phone mean to you in your professional and personal lives?

You will agree with me that technology has taken over the new generation. The handphone is as important as a computer today. Despite how much I deplore the thought of being contacted even during my personal time, the handphone has most definitely made my life easier and more efficient. I can get things done at a much faster pace in my professional career. Like I said earlier, the phone to me is NOT just another gadget. As a fashion consultant and designer, I view it as another accessory that should complement my overall image and fashion as I wear it at that particular time.

Which feature or features of the RAZR V3 do you like most and why?

You have to love the camera on the phone! The photos are very sharp and oh so clear! I’m loving it! Another thing that I’ve got to mention is the phone itself, very slick and slim — definitely fits into my lifestyle. I mentioned that it should complement my overall image and fashion as I wear it at that particular time.

What does design mean to you?

Design to me is a creative way of how you look at things. A channel of one’s expression. Some people may like it, others may not. It is very subjective BUT, I have to admit, with the RAZR V3, it blends well in all occasions or fashion, be it rugged, elegant, smart or even simple [with jeans and T-shirt]. That’s the uniqueness of RAZR V3 — it’s perfect for all fashion, anywhere, anytime. Kudos to Motorola for making it right!

Life without my Motorola RAZR V3…

is just inconvenient and incomplete — I must carry it with me wherever I go! Hey, it’s one thing that I wouldn’t mind flaunting! (laughs) -

-- end ---

Gillian Hung Consultants Profile

Gillian Hung Consultants has been building fashion and trend businesses since 2005.

We sell innovation, inspiration and connection with an energetic team dedicated to lifting our fashion, retail and lifestyle clients to the next level.

Boosting media exposure, marketplace profile and client confidence with a customized approach.

Our Services:
Event Planning
Merchandizing
Fashion Forecasting

Fashion Design
Industry Networking
Ideas & Concepts
Fashion Branding
Corporate Grooming
Business Development
Celebrity Affiliations
New Marketing Concepts
Product Placement
Retail Strategy
Sales Representation
Sales Strategy

Gillian Hung Consultants is a close-knit, highly responsive retail communications company, taking your business to the next level. Fashion & lifestyle brands know they can rely on us for a boost off the ground and a productive buzz.

For more inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact
president@moda.com.my or
via fax: +603 - 61416552

Profile of Gillian Hung

(photograph courtesy of: Steve Koh,Studio Rom for Female Magazine)
For any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact thana.ghconsultants@gmail.com

By profession, Gillian Hung (Ms.) is a qualified Fashion Designer, Merchandiser and Grooming Specialist graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York.. Her past professional experiences includes being a Fashion Branding, Merchandising & Forecasting Consultant, the former Creative Director for ARIA International Ltd - Hong Kong, China, the former Fashion / Design Director for Isetan of Japan and currently the President to MODA (Malaysian Official Designers’ Association). Apart from helping corporations in implementing and improving their employees grooming and fashion sense, Gillian has also conducted Beauty Queen and Model Grooming thus promoting Fashion Finesse – the ultimate grooming guide. She is also the Founder for Fashion Academy of Creative Technology (FACT)

A very multi-talented Gillian Hung brings with her 2 decades of experience in the local fashion industry and has personally experienced the bad and good points of the industry. In fact, she has been a designer, a fashion director, a design director, a creative director, a person who worked with people from manufacturing, production, sales, marketing, and advertising.

WORK EXPERIENCE

CEO / Creative Director, Gillian Hung Consultants Sdn Bhd

Jan 2006 - present

Consultant for The Gardens Designer Gallery, MidValley City Gardens Sdn Bhd

June 2007 - present

Principal Consultant, Brownland HResources (MM2H) Sdn Bhd

August 2006 – present

Founder, Fashion Academy of Creative Technology Sdn Bhd

Jan 2004 - present

Fashion Branding, Merchandising & Forecasting Consultant

May 2000 – present

Creative Director, ARIA International Ltd - Hong Kong, China

Sept 2002- Sept 2003
- Branding & design concept right through production

Seasonal Fashion Forecasting Consultant, Isetan of Japan – KL

Feb 2002 – present
- Concept Direction and Merchandising

Designer, Newport News / Spiegel - New York

Jan - April 2001

Designer, TIMES New York

Nov 1999 – Jan 2000

Grooming Consultant, Corporate / Beauty Queen and Model Grooming

Jan 1993 – present

Fashion/Design Director, Isetan of Japan - KL, Malaysia

Feb1990 - Sept 1999
- Seasonal storewide fashion concept & directions.
- In-house brands development and merchandising - ladies, men, kids, shoes and bags

Design and development of Gillian Hung’s label
Planning, seasonal colors, fabrication, design, sampling, fitting, production, sales analysis
Styling and direction of photo shots, catalogue planning, fashion shows
Manage a team of designers, coordinators and merchandisers
Concepts for store visual presentation
Annual fashion show production

Assistant designer, Edmund Ser Fashion

Jan 1989 - Nov 1989
- In-house labels development for department stores

Assistant Designer, New York Grownbeans, New York

Feb 1986 – Sept 1988
– design, pattern design, sampling, production

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Corporate uniform design and production, Shiseido Malaysia

Jan 1994 – Sept 1997

Corporate uniform design and production, ZA Malaysia

Jan 1995 – Dec 1995

Restaurant and corporate uniform, Kapitan’s Club

Jan 1995 ­– 1997

Grooming Consultant – NAGA Group

Feb 2005

Grooming Consultant – Nilai Memorial Park

July 2005

Grooming Consultant – Axis Identity Group

August 2005

Official Events Organizer – Miss Malaysia World 2005 (http://www.mmw.com.my/)

Sept 8th 2005

Speaker – Fashion Branding for Malaysian Textiles Manufacturer Association (MTMA) Nov 2005

Events Organizer – MODA Unity Showcase

March 2006

Fashion Guru/Consultant for Henessy “This is Me Contest” (http://www.thisisme.com.my/) June 2006

Celebrity Stylist for Scholl’s “Urban Collection” held at Hilton KL

August 2006

Grooming Consultant – Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific

Sept 2006

Speaker - Scholl 2006 Urban Collection

Sept 2006

Celebrity Spokesperson for MSD’s “Tell Someone in Style” Campaign

Oct 2006

Organizer of “How to Become a Nordstrom in your Industry” Nov 2006

Event Organizer, MODA Fashion Gateway 2007

April 2007

Ambassador "Tell Someone in Style" Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign, 2007

CONTRIBUTIONS

President of MODA (Malaysian Official Designers’ Association) – http://www.moda.com.my/

2005 – Present

Judge for Pesona Pengantin 2007

February 2007

Judge for Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian

February 2007

Major Collaborator for Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW2006) – www.kualalumpurfashionweek.com

November 2006

Judge for Lancôme Color Design Awards

June 2006

Judge for L’Oreal Professional Color Trophy

July 2006

Judge for Anugerah Pencarian Lelaki MASKULIN

2005

Guest Speaker for Help University College “Biz Council 2005” Open Day

April 2005

Guest Speaker for International Jewelry Festival

2005

Fashion Branding Speaker for Malaysian Textiles Manufacturer Association

2005

Adjunct Professor – Lifestyle Department, Lim Kok Wing University College

2005

Advisor of MODA (Malaysian Official Designers’ Association)

1990 – 2004

Critic for graduating students – Raffles La Salle & Malaysian Institute of Arts (MIA)

2004 - Present

Guest Speaker for The Cutting Edge Technology in Textile and Apparel Design September 2004

Chief Judge for Star KL fashion week

2004

Guest Speaker for Marie Claire “What Women Wants Forum”

2004

One of the panel judges for Miss Malaysia/World

1996, 1997, 2004

One of the panel judges for Miss Continental

1996

ACCOLADES

Malaysia Tatler 15th Anniversary

Most Promising Young Woman 2004

The Malaysia Book of Records 2001

First to win the ASEAN Young Designer Award

Moet & Chandon fashion show 1999

Portrait of Perfectionist -The Peak Malaysia (Dom Perignon)

Asean Designers Showcase

Winner of the Young ASEAN Designers Contest -1989