Bremen Wong is well known in the fashion world for creating unique and handmade headpieces, hats, and headwear. Sharuna Segaren learns how his intricate and creative work is a combination of art and fashion design.

Originally from Sabah, Bremen Wong is a fashion designer who has carved a niche for himself in the industry. Millinery, or better known to the layman as ‘hat design’, is still very new to Malaysian fashion, and Bremen is one of the few locals who have made it his passion.

His work is unique and versatile, each piece varies from the next, ranging from avant garde pieces to culturally expressive works. While many of his designs are made ready to wear, some are meant to be displayed only on the runway or as the fine pieces of art they are. Currently, some of Bremen’s most magnificent pieces are being exhibited at the Saindera Gallery, National Textile Museum.

His millinery has attracted a number of high-profile clients and elites such as Dato’ Sri Nurhaliza, Nasha Aziz, Yuna, Fasha Sandha, and Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng, to name a few. His work has also been featured internationally and locally, as he was featured in ‘Paris at the Who’s Next Premiere Clase 2015’, Taipei Instyle 2013, Hatters Hub in Beijing, Soho Shop, and in Narcissus in Japan.

Sitting in a cosy café on the ground level of the National Textiles Museum, Bremen tells me about his journey in fashion design and hat designing. “When I was 18, I came to KL from Sabah. I worked in marketing. My last job before I ventured out on my own was as a textile business development manager for Carrefour. It was totally different from what I am doing now.”

“Around my mid-30s, something told me I should go out on my own. So I quit my job and started selling DIY headbands, hair clips, clothes, and accessories in bazaars and flea markets around Kuala Lumpur. My clothes weren’t doing so well, but my hairpieces were a hit. I was living my dream. Although I didn’t have a stable income like I did before, it was my own business.”

“For three years I worked hard and frequented the bazaars. Slowly, word of mouth about my business spread. My big break came when Stylo International Grand Prix invited me to showcase my work on the runway in 2009. I also worked with Project Runway Malaysia alumnus Alexander Yeoh. Soon after, many other designers and clients started coming to me to design individual headpieces and hats.”

“Now, I’m in my early 40s, and this is my first solo exhibition in Malaysia, as well as my first collaboration with the government. It feels good to be recognised by a government body to contribute to the community. I am also interested in sharing my work further with students in the industry. I’m working with universities and academies on holding classes, workshops, and talks where I teach and educate students on millinery in the very near future.”

As a self-taught milliner, Bremen has his own way of making the intricate pieces with its detailed designs. He has been asked to share his methods for a television show, but so far he’s keeping it under wraps. It is the secret to his success, after all! All he can say is that it is hard work and a careful method, which is why he is careful not to overburden himself with too many orders.

On his inspiration, Bremen says, “I get asked this question a lot. Most think that I am inspired by the current fashion trends or what’s going on in the fashion industry. But the truth is, I draw my inspiration and creativity from my personal experiences and what is going on around me. There are some political elements, too, as I have many strong feelings about my country.”

“When I was younger, it didn’t affect me so much. But at this age, perhaps I am getting older, I am more attached to my country. So whatever is going on around me and to my beloved country affects me emotionally. I also love to read and listen to other people’s stories, and this also manifests itself in my work. I’ve been through a lot in life, and have been involved with both bad and good people.

All these experiences taught me a lot and made me the person I am today. My personality has changed over the years, and my outlook has also changed, thus influencing my work and attributing to its growth. To sum up, my inspiration is based on whatever I experience, in the past and present, and my overall outlook and feelings towards life in general.”

Bremen is also inspired by the works of the British hat designers Philip Treacy and Stephen Jones, pioneers and masters of the art, and hopes to help the trend grow in Malaysia. He said, “Their work is seen on celebrities like Lady Gaga, very big names and their work are truly masterpieces. In Asia, millinery is still new. There are probably only 20 or so milliners in Asia, and I am the only one in Malaysia. But the hat trend is becoming so big here. Due to international collaborations and influences, it’s becoming more popular among the couture and fashion industry. Which is good, or else I would be out of a job!”

He concluded, “Why I love what I do is because I can personally see my achievements and successes growing each year, and also because it’s all handmade. I love handmade design due to the originality and uniqueness. There are certain things you just can’t do with a machine or computer. This is my dream and passion. My family and friends at first couldn’t understand why I am doing this, but now they support me as they’ve seen me grow. It was not easy, it still isn’t, but it’s closely connected to my heart.”

This article was originally published in Senses of Malaysia (July/August 2016) which is available in print here.