More than a glance

ALTHOUGH venturing into the creative industry is inviting less frowns these days, the pursuer is still expected to obtain a tertiary education in the necessary field. After all, how is one supposed to succeed sans academic qualification? Or that's the way how many people think.
There are, however, individuals who went against this traditional mindset, took the road less travelled, and went on to achieve a successful career.
One inspirational story is of Zera Ng who, without having a college certification to limit her options, tried her hand in various occupations — namely hairstylist, online retail owner, marketing executive and translator — before using her street-smart acumen to steer her fashion label to global success.
"I don't have an excellent educational background as I did not go to college. Instead, I started my first beauty business when I was 18 years old and from there, I worked in different industries across Macau, China and Hong Kong," said the self taught designer in an email interview.
Prior to being a contemporary fashion label based in Hong Kong, Glancez was a multi-label online store that she started as a side job in 2009. The brand then went through a metamorphosis in Sep 2015, when Ng decided to fully immerse herself in the fashion industry by launching the first fashion and art designer collection.
Now, Glancez is a proud holder of two internationally acclaimed honours: the A' Design Award Winner for Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design
Category 2016 (Italy), and the winner of Moda Aesthetics, Summer School Competition 2016 (Netherlands).
TRANSCENDING TRENDS
Glancez hits the right spot with its wearable pieces that are dreamy, playful yet exude a hint of sophistication.
Targeted at women aged 25 to 40 years old, it caters to a niche market comprising stylish professionals and women with higher household income.
"I believe first impression counts. Most women want to look attractive and sexy, to stand out in the crowd and to leave a good impression. To do so, you need an outstanding and presentable outfit," explained the 27-year-old on the conceptualisation of her brand.
As such, Glancez "illuminates life with vibrant colour and positive attitude, focuses on radiance, ignores the dull and invites a sense of imagination and spirit". There is also an underlying dynamic within the label that echoes art, culture and beauty.
"I draw inspiration from everywhere that I've been to and everything that I have seen. But my muse mainly comes from art pieces, such as the Russian watercolour artwork which can be found in two of my series."
With four collections under her name, Ng quipped that each is different from the next because it took her some time to figure out what is in demand. And as for the future, she'll continue creating more exciting designs with a distinct concept for every collection.

FOREIGN FREEDOM
This affable beauty, who hails from the southern state of Peninsular Malaysia, began her business in Johor, but to no avail as it received a lukewarm reception.
"There wasn't many opportunities for indie designers in Malaysia, so I decided to move back to Hong Kong. The latter is where east meets the west, thus there are plenty of chances for artists to flourish.
People over here are on top of the self-actualisation pursuit, therefore allowing them to have an appreciation for art," she elaborated. While her career has taken off relatively well at Pearl of the Orient, she cautioned novices that it's a whole new ball game for them.
"It was alright for me because I lived in Hong Kong and China for five years, hence I have had some connections before I started Glancez. It is different for newcomers since the lifestyle and communication here are dissimilar to other places.
Hong Kong is famous for being fast-paced, straightforward but also highly efficient."
A shrewd businesswoman who knows the value in keeping her options open, she expressed that it is always within her plan to expand Glancez back to Malaysia someday.
On top of that, she is aiming for a broader international appeal too.
"I'd love to present my brand at fashion week in London, New York and more. Considering how I've received several invitations from the fashion community in New York and Paris, I may be there in another six to 12 months," added Ng.
For a brand that got its namesake from a combination of wordplay and the desire for people "to take several glance(s) at the eye catching designs", this is definitely a label that you have to be on the lookout for.