2019-10-01 Singapore Tatler

Uma Wang with Li Yintong at Esee Model Management

Photographed in her Shanghai studio by Erik Ho; Words by Karen Wang

Since Uma Wang started her independent design career
in 2009, she has become known for her experimental
approach to garment creation and fabric sourcing. She was
steeped in fashion early as her mother was a tailor. The
young Wang would come up with her own ideas for her. “I
would tell her I don’t like loose sleeves and I want it to be
tighter, also I want bell-bottoms.” In middle school, Wang
knew how to make and match classmates’ costumes, fi rst

drawing up her ideas on paper. She eventually studied at

fashion school in the 1990s.

Wang’s designs are inspired by her travels and include

such divergent subjects as Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, ballet

and Morocco. She specialises in ready-to-wear though loves

creating haute couture, and is a pioneer in experimenting

with different fabrics. The fabric comes before the design

in her creative process. “I don’t want to stick to the look of HAIR

AND

MAKE-UP:

SHARON

XU

172 singapore tatler. october 2019