Bowie Wong
Encyclopedia
Bowie Wong is a Hong Kong
-born Australian fashion and stage designer.
As a teenager, he studied Pure Design in Japan and went on to further his studies in Canada, where he learned the art of Stage and Costume Design.
This exposure and understanding of life, language and cultures formed the foundation of Bowie’s creative outlook and continues to stretch his depth of inspiration.
His career turning point came in 1997 with his move to Sydney, Australia where he spent three years exploring the Australian way of life. It was during this period that Bowie decided it was the right time to focus on his passion for fashion itself, as he explains, “[Fashion] is a romantic roller-coaster ride and I wanted to be a part of that excitement – [but] on my own terms, so I would not have to compromise”.
Bowie has an established workshop in Sydney where design and sampling through all stages of production takes place, from the development of ready-to-wear collections, to the creation of custom-made garments. Having received interest from international buyers, Bowie now also exports his collections overseas to Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Europe and soon to be launching in the United States.
Bowie continues to keep constantly busy, with a variety of design projects underway and in development at both individual and collaborative levels. He says, “I enjoy the freedom of creativity… I have no desire to conform to the mainstream. Instead, I wish to take a unique and controlled approach, so as to maintain satisfaction in what I am doing.”
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
-born Australian fashion and stage designer.
Early life
Bowie Wong was born in Hong Kong, China in 1969. As the son of a Chinese opera singer, Bowie spent his childhood surrounded by his mother’s elaborate costumes, which sparked his interest in design and fashion at an early age.As a teenager, he studied Pure Design in Japan and went on to further his studies in Canada, where he learned the art of Stage and Costume Design.
This exposure and understanding of life, language and cultures formed the foundation of Bowie’s creative outlook and continues to stretch his depth of inspiration.
Early career
It was whilst finishing his degree in Canada that Bowie was offered contracts on major theatre productions and international shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Paul McCartney’s World Tour and Les Misérables. These experiences both furthered his professional training and developed his focus to work with the combined elements of design, flair and function.His career turning point came in 1997 with his move to Sydney, Australia where he spent three years exploring the Australian way of life. It was during this period that Bowie decided it was the right time to focus on his passion for fashion itself, as he explains, “[Fashion] is a romantic roller-coaster ride and I wanted to be a part of that excitement – [but] on my own terms, so I would not have to compromise”.
BOWIE the brand
In the year 2000, Bowie launched his first complete collection. Gathering positive reviews and constant media attention from his initial collections, he began to establish himself as a local Australian brand. Since 2005 Bowie has evolved as a reputed designer and go-to choice for local style-savvy celebs Delta Goodrem, The Veronicas, Rogue Traders, Jet, Jessica Mauboy, Miranda Otto and Teresa Palmer. He has also gained high profile exposure through his custom made approach for international talent including George Michael, Good Charlotte, the Pussycat Dolls, Beyonce, Pink and Kylie Minogue.Bowie has an established workshop in Sydney where design and sampling through all stages of production takes place, from the development of ready-to-wear collections, to the creation of custom-made garments. Having received interest from international buyers, Bowie now also exports his collections overseas to Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Europe and soon to be launching in the United States.
In collaboration
In 2008, Bowie was invited by Porters Paints to design an exclusive, personalised wallpaper collection for them and became the first Australian designer to do so.Bowie continues to keep constantly busy, with a variety of design projects underway and in development at both individual and collaborative levels. He says, “I enjoy the freedom of creativity… I have no desire to conform to the mainstream. Instead, I wish to take a unique and controlled approach, so as to maintain satisfaction in what I am doing.”