By Sarah Shafni
Originally published in 2018. Refreshed and re-edited as part of The Designer Edit.
Before the red carpets, celebrity clients and international recognition, there was a young designer in Tokyo learning to turn creativity into couture.
Kelly Ng’s creative journey began even before fashion. As a teenager, she was a professional calligrapher and had already exhibited her work across Asia. Fashion eventually became another way to combine her love of art, colour, fabric and craftsmanship.
She went on to study fashion design in Japan at Bunka, developing a background that combined fashion with film and stage costume design. After graduating, she moved to Toronto and established Kelly NG Couture, a label specialising in made-to-order couture and gowns.
When I first spoke to Kelly in 2018, the brand was still in its early years. She described herself as a newcomer to the industry, spoke about exploring the US, Middle East and London markets, and shared her ambitions for international recognition.
Since then, Kelly NG Couture has developed a much wider international profile, with the brand’s work appearing on red carpets and being worn by figures including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Wong, Giuliana Rancic and Meg Donnelly.
Looking back at that original conversation today offers something quite special: a glimpse of a designer at the beginning of a journey that would continue to unfold internationally.
FROM ART TO FASHION
Your creative journey began with calligraphy. What drew you from the world of art towards fashion?
When I was 13 years old, I was a professional calligrapher, and I had my very first Asian tour exhibition.
Then, when I grew older, I felt calligraphy wasn’t practical. Yes, it would be ideal for artworks such as hanging on the walls, but I wasn’t going anywhere with it.
I then found a new interest in fashion, where not only was it practical for me, but it was interesting and glamorous.
As a creative person who appreciates art, fashion was a newfound passion where I could combine different colours and different fabrics to create something beautiful.
It was also something that wasn’t very time-consuming compared to other fields. It doesn’t take forever to create an outfit. Even if the outfit was haute couture, it could be designed in a matter of months.
This was definitely something I had a strong passion for.
THE EDUCATION BEHIND THE CRAFT
How did your education at Bunka shape your approach to fashion design?
I studied fashion designing in one of the prestigious institutions at Bunka University in Tokyo, which is one of the top 4 fashion universities in the world.
I was one of the top students with a GPA of 4. After my first year at the university, I got a scholarship for five years until I graduated.
BUILDING A COUTURE LABEL
When Kelly NG Couture was established, what did those early days look like?
My brand was established in 2017. I’m a newbie in the industry and still trying to learn and better myself, and I aim to get my brand noticed and recognized internationally.
How did you continue developing your eye for craftsmanship after launching your label?
Honestly, I like to keep pushing myself and keep learning.
Whilst I was at university, I would always like to visit high-end stores, try on their outfits, study the cuts, and feel the fabric. Also, in the fitting room, I would see how they sew and the craftsmanship so I could improve myself and get to that level of professionalism.
DESIGNING FOR THE WORLD
Even in the early days, you were looking beyond one market. Where did you hope to take the brand?
We are trying to explore markets in the US, the Middle East, and London.
We actually have an online store in the US, and Hollywood celebrities such as Allison Janney had originally wanted to wear my design for the Golden Globes and also for the Oscars.
Unfortunately, due to the time constraints and fitting issues for one of the Swarovski gowns, we didn’t have enough time to complete the outfit.
So yes, my brand is also known by Hollywood celebs.
WHERE INSPIRATION BEGINS
Nature has been an important influence in your work. How does that inspiration translate into a finished garment?
Most of my designs are inspired by nature, whether floral prints and styles, and my latest collection is inspired by starry nights, where you will see the use of sequins inspired by the stars in the sky.
THE LESSONS BEHIND THE LABEL
What has building your own brand taught you about the realities of fashion?
No matter what hardship I went through, I always keep pushing myself, keep pushing through barriers, and never stop.
Since I’m a newbie, there is still a lot for me to learn, and I believe all mistakes made are lessons learned.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BRAND
You have spoken about the importance of your team. What do you value most when building a creative team?
Always stay humble.
When I tried to hire people in Toronto, I met a couple of fashion graduates who thought they were superior to others, praising themselves, etc. But when you see their work, it’s nothing as great as they say it to be.
So my advice is: please be humble, be down to earth. Just because you’re a fashion designer does not mean you need to be arrogant or rude to people.
Let your work speak for itself.
What I love about my team is the support and how much we all want to keep learning and grow together.
THE FINAL WORD
What is the philosophy that continues to guide you?
Everything is possible; nothing is impossible in life.
Once you set your mind and heart to your goal, you can achieve anything in life.
ABOUT KELLY NG COUTURE
Kelly NG Couture is a couture fashion label founded by designer Kelly Ng. The designer studied fashion design in Japan and later established her namesake label in Toronto, focusing on made-to-order couture and gowns. Her work has since been associated with international celebrity dressing and red-carpet appearances.
Discover Kelly NG Couture: kellyng.com
This interview was originally conducted by Sarah Shafni in 2018 and has been refreshed editorially as part of The Designer Edit archive. The interview responses remain from the original conversation.
