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WL Awards: Designer of the Year 2022
2022.09.07

WL Awards: Designer of the Year 2022

When Western Living named me Fashion Designer of the Year 2022, I was deeply honoured. To be recognized alongside other remarkable Canadian creatives felt surreal. But more than anything, it reminded me why I started Vestige in the first place: to tell stories through clothing.

Most people might not see an obvious path from studying English Literature to becoming a slow fashion designer, but to me, the connection was always clear. As I shared in my interview with Western Living, “Clothing is very telling of our culture, who we are and where we’re from. With my literature background, I naturally have always loved stories—and I view clothing as an extension of our identity.”

“The poetic value of Vestige’s products and the method of make is beautifully interwoven around minimal beauty and the gravity of storytelling.” -Judge Katie Becker, Chief Creative Officer at Arc’teryx

Every Vestige design begins as a quiet narrative. Sometimes inspired by memory, sometimes by craft, and often by a search for harmony between the old and the new. When I look at the five pieces that represented Vestige for the award, I see a timeline of thought, each one reflecting a moment of introspection and cultural connection.

[ KINDRED TOP ] Inspired by the yin and yang symbol, this top pays homage to my Asian roots and the universal idea of balance. I wanted to create a piece that celebrates the merging of opposites: soft and structured, black and white, modern and traditional.[ KINDRED TOP ] Inspired by the yin and yang symbol, this top pays homage to my Asian roots and the universal idea of balance. I wanted to create a piece that celebrates the merging of opposites: soft and structured, black and white, modern and traditional.
[ KINDRED TOP ] As I mentioned in the interview, “Yin and yang is the merging of two different forces and how two forces can live in harmony. That concept can be applied anywhere in the world—not just in Asia.”[ KINDRED TOP ] As I mentioned in the interview, “Yin and yang is the merging of two different forces and how two forces can live in harmony. That concept can be applied anywhere in the world—not just in Asia.”
[ DIM SUM TOTE ] The Dim Sum Tote was born from nostalgia. Its shape was inspired by the delicate folds of har gow, the translucent shrimp dumplings I grew up eating in Hong Kong. Depending on how the strap is tied, the bag can either hang open or cinch closed, reflecting both functionality and play.[ DIM SUM TOTE ] The Dim Sum Tote was born from nostalgia. Its shape was inspired by the delicate folds of har gow, the translucent shrimp dumplings I grew up eating in Hong Kong. Depending on how the strap is tied, the bag can either hang open or cinch closed, reflecting both functionality and play.
[ DIM SUM TOTE ] “What I want to do with this design is celebrate the people of Hong Kong,” I shared. “I once saw Hong Kongers as too fast-paced, and somewhat rude. But now I see them as efficient, diligent people with a deeply rooted, rich culture.”[ DIM SUM TOTE ] “What I want to do with this design is celebrate the people of Hong Kong,” I shared. “I once saw Hong Kongers as too fast-paced, and somewhat rude. But now I see them as efficient, diligent people with a deeply rooted, rich culture.”
[ HYLE TOP ] The Hyle Top embodies what slow fashion means to me: versatility, comfort, and inclusivity.[ HYLE TOP ] The Hyle Top embodies what slow fashion means to me: versatility, comfort, and inclusivity.
[ HYLE TOP ] It’s front-back reversibleand offers two distinct looks in one. A garment that adapts to the wearer’s mood and day-to-day rhythm feels like a small act of sustainability in itself.[ HYLE TOP ] It’s front-back reversibleand offers two distinct looks in one. A garment that adapts to the wearer’s mood and day-to-day rhythm feels like a small act of sustainability in itself.
[ CAESURA COAT ] The Caesura Coat is a study in form. When my pattern maker and I first draped the fabric, it felt as if we were sculpting rather than sewing—shaping cloth into architecture.[ CAESURA COAT ] The Caesura Coat is a study in form. When my pattern maker and I first draped the fabric, it felt as if we were sculpting rather than sewing—shaping cloth into architecture.
[ CAESURA COAT ] It’s a piece that celebrates Canadian craftsmanship and the quiet sophistication that often defines our landscape and design ethos.[ CAESURA COAT ] It’s a piece that celebrates Canadian craftsmanship and the quiet sophistication that often defines our landscape and design ethos.
[ IAMB SCARF ] Perhaps the most poetic of all, the Iamb Scarf takes its name from a unit of rhythm in poetry. Dyed with used tea leaves from Paragon Tea Room, the natural colouring exudes a soft, antique hue.[ IAMB SCARF ] Perhaps the most poetic of all, the Iamb Scarf takes its name from a unit of rhythm in poetry. Dyed with used tea leaves from Paragon Tea Room, the natural colouring exudes a soft, antique hue.
[ IAMB SCARF ] As I told Western Living, “When I first dyed the scarf I thought, this looks like pages of old books. I was delighted — it’s so Vestige.” It was a revelation: sustainability could be gentle, tactile, and beautiful.[ IAMB SCARF ] As I told Western Living, “When I first dyed the scarf I thought, this looks like pages of old books. I was delighted — it’s so Vestige.” It was a revelation: sustainability could be gentle, tactile, and beautiful.
As an immigrant, I’ve always wanted my work to find beauty in difference, to celebrate the diverse individuals who enrich our communities. For me, slow fashion isn’t exclusive; it should be made for everyone.As an immigrant, I’ve always wanted my work to find beauty in difference, to celebrate the diverse individuals who enrich our communities. For me, slow fashion isn’t exclusive; it should be made for everyone.
Winning this award affirmed that intention. It reminded me that the path from literature to fashion wasn’t a detour. It was a continuation of the same story.Winning this award affirmed that intention. It reminded me that the path from literature to fashion wasn’t a detour. It was a continuation of the same story.