Life & Work with Tony Ng

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Ng.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a Los Angeles-based fashion designer specializing in technical design across various sectors of the industry. My creative vision draws inspiration from the realms of sports, anime, and technology, seamlessly blending these influences into my garments. What excites me the most are garments with hidden functions and surprises that unfold when discovered firsthand.

My journey into the world of fashion was paved by numerous catalysts, each opening doors to the realm of creativity. It began with a fascination for the stylish attire showcased in cartoons, anime, and movies, which made me yearn to embody the characters’ universes through fashion. In high school, my friends inspired me to experiment with stencils and spray paint, igniting my passion for creating my own unique shirts. Along the way, I became infatuated with shoes, falling in love with their captivating silhouettes. Witnessing idols breaking boundaries with their jaw-dropping fashion further fueled my desire to design my own outfits.

Yet, the path of a designer, and the creative field in general, is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, perpetually filled with uncertainty. As a first-generation American born to parents who are from China from rural villages in pursuit of a better life, I have always felt the weight of their sacrifices. The pressure to succeed and prove that their sacrifices were worthwhile has been a driving force in my journey. Although fashion design or any creative pursuit may not have been their initial aspirations, deep within me, I knew I could never fully conform to their expectations. I craved a career that aligned with my creative instincts, and fashion became the conduit for my dreams. After exploring two other majors, business and graphic design, I found my way to fashion—an all-encompassing realm that allowed me to design, witness the creation process, shape the final product, generate ideas, curate collections, and even interact with celebrities. It was the perfect fit, breathing life into my aspirations and paving the way for a genuine dream come true. With unwavering determination, I resolved to do whatever it took to break into the industry.

Coming from a small town in Washington, where the fashion scene was virtually non-existent, I sought inspiration from my peers and the vast realm of the internet. Music videos became a window into captivating outfits, while the rise of Instagram introduced me to a broader range of fashion influences. As a fan, I found myself in close proximity to my favorite artists, yearning to create remarkable outfits for their performances. I knew deep within that I needed to immerse myself in an environment that nurtured this very idea.

This journey has bestowed upon me invaluable lessons and growth, propelling me to where I stand today. It has been a continuous process of learning, with victories and defeats shaping my path. I have come to understand the importance of not resting on past achievements but instead acknowledging them as milestones of growth. Failures have become opportunities to learn from mistakes, dust myself off, and move forward to embrace the next project. I have learned the power of not holding back and defying the fear of showcasing my creations. As a great basketball player once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” and I strive to live by that mantra. Yet, I am reminded of my idol, Kobe Bryant, who once said, “I don’t want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant.” In the same vein, I aspire to be the truest version of myself, carving my own unique path as a designer rather than trying to emulate others.

As I continue to evolve and grow, there is so much more to explore and learn. Each step forward unveils new horizons, propelling me toward the extraordinary. The story of my beginnings and the journey to where I stand today is an ongoing narrative, one that I am eager to unfold with passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to my artistic vision.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“Yet, the path of a designer, and the creative field in general, is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, perpetually filled with uncertainty. As a first-generation American born to parents who are from China from rural villages in pursuit of a better life, I have always felt the weight of their sacrifices. The pressure to succeed and prove that their sacrifices were worthwhile has been a driving force in my journey. Although fashion design or any creative pursuit may not have been their initial aspirations, deep within me, I knew I could never fully conform to their expectations. I craved a career that aligned with my creative instincts, and fashion became the conduit for my dreams. After exploring two other majors, business and graphic design, I found my way to fashion—an all-encompassing realm that allowed me to design, witness the creation process, shape the final product, generate ideas, curate collections, and even interact with celebrities. It was the perfect fit, breathing life into my aspirations and paving the way for a genuine dream come true. With unwavering determination, I resolved to do whatever it took to break into the industry.”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have done a lot in the fashion industry and got a taste of a lot of aspects of the industry, but the driving factor to my career has to be designing and my technical work. My work is deeply influenced by the captivating world of anime. Drawing inspiration from its vibrant visuals and imaginative storytelling, I create Avant-garde clothing that pushes the boundaries of conventional fashion. While specializing in various genres, two of my primary focuses are Techwear and sportswear, with subtle anime-inspired touches. Techwear allows me to explore unconventional design elements and futuristic aesthetics reminiscent of the captivating worlds often seen in anime. I incorporate unique silhouettes, metallic accents, and experimental materials to create garments that evoke a sense of wonder and embrace the spirit of innovation.

In the realm of sportswear, I infuse anime-inspired elements that capture the energy and dynamism of the medium. Vibrant color palettes, graphic motifs, and dynamic design lines become the visual language of my sportswear creations. These garments not only reflect the expressive nature of anime but also provide functional features to enhance athletic performance.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to seamlessly blend Avant-garde fashion with the imaginative world of anime. I strive to evoke the essence of anime through carefully curated details and subtle references, allowing wearers to embrace their love for the medium while maintaining a fashion-forward sensibility. By infusing anime-inspired elements into my designs, I create garments that stand out in terms of their visual impact, storytelling potential, and ability to connect with like-minded individuals.

I take great pride in creating designs that allow individuals to express their passion for anime in a unique and fashionable way. Witnessing the joy and excitement in the eyes of anime enthusiasts as they wear my creations is truly gratifying. It is my commitment to artistic expression, innovative design, and the infusion of anime-inspired ideas that fuel my desire to push the boundaries of fashion.

What I am most proud of is the opportunity to create garments that inspire wearers to embrace their individuality and connect with the anime culture they love. By offering a bridge between fashion and the world of anime, I aim to empower individuals to express their unique identities and immerse themselves in a style that reflects their passions.
In summary, as a fashion designer, I specialize in creating Avant-garde clothing with subtle anime-inspired touches, particularly within the realms of Techwear and sportswear. By infusing elements of anime into my designs, I offer individuals a chance to express their love for the medium in their everyday style while also embracing innovation and pushing the boundaries of fashion.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I had a vibrant and curious personality that fueled my interests and shaped who I am today. From a young age, I displayed a creative and imaginative spirit that led me to explore various artistic outlets. I was constantly drawing, painting, and crafting, finding joy in expressing myself through visual mediums.

My fascination with fashion started to develop during my formative years. I was drawn to the world of clothing and style, always intrigued by how garments could convey emotions and make a statement. This interest evolved as I immersed myself in different sources of inspiration, including cartoons, movies, and anime. These mediums sparked my imagination and instilled in me a deep appreciation for storytelling and the power of visual aesthetics.

As a child, I was also captivated by technology and its rapid advancements. The fusion of fashion and technology became an area of fascination for me, driving my curiosity to explore how innovative materials and design concepts could enhance our daily lives. This passion for merging creativity and technology laid the foundation for my specialization in Techwear, where I blend cutting-edge elements with fashion-forward aesthetics.

In addition to my artistic pursuits, I was an avid sports enthusiast. The energy and dedication displayed by athletes resonated with me, inspiring me to explore sportswear and its ability to fuse performance with style. I was captivated by the dynamic movements and the sense of empowerment that sports conveyed, and it became a significant influence on my design journey.

Overall, my upbringing nurtured a personality that was characterized by creativity, curiosity, and a passion for self-expression. This combination of interests and influences shaped my trajectory as a fashion designer, driving me to merge my love for art, technology, and sports into a unique and compelling vision. Today, I am grateful for the experiences and influences that shaped me, as they continue to fuel my creativity and drive to push the boundaries of fashion.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Designedbytony.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedbytony/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/designedbytony/