Meet Kenneth Wong of Oriental Silk Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Wong.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My parents opened for business in November of 1972 after retiring from having a Chinese hand laundry for 25 years. We were one of the first American companies to import silk fabrics and other goods from the mainland China. Our calling card over the years is our large color selection and wide variety of silk fabrics. One of our early customers was costume designer Bob Mackie when he was making costumes for the Carol Burnett Show and the Sonny and Cher Show. We also supplied silks for costumes for Nolan Miller and the shows that he was designing for such as Dynasty. We still provide silk fabrics for many commercials, movies, and TV projects. We have provided silks to many designers over the years – Richard Tyler, Gustave Tassel, James Galanos, Rick Owens, Bill Whitten, Katayone Adeli, etc.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We were a very successful business in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. However, we suffered like everyone else after the 2008 collapse. Also, the business has changed over the years. When we first opened a lot of our customers were the home sewers. No one sews anymore. We use to sell silks to a lot of bridal boutiques and that business has been replaced by ready-made weddings gowns from China. Our business has been impacted greatly by low cost imported silk garments from China. Also the movie and TV business has changed greatly – there is a lot more use of off-the-rack garments as opposed to making custom garments. A lot of TV and film production is no longer done in Los Angeles or California. Studios now are run by corporations which don’t understand that making a movie is an art form.

Oriental Silk Company – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are one of the first American importers of silk fabrics from China and have one of the largest color selections available in a wide variety of silk fabrics. We supply silk fabrics to various clothing designers and interior decorators as well as the TV and movie industry. We are the source of silk fabrics for lampshade makers and picture framers in Los Angeles.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
We have had a very successful business for almost 45 years. Our customers are very loyal and appreciate our product. We have multiple generations using our silks. We have sold wedding fabrics to many brides over the years. Now we are supplying wedding fabrics to their daughters. Children of our customers now shop with us.

Contact Info:

• Address: 8377 Beverly Blvd.
  Los Angeles, CA 90048
• Website: www.orientalsilk.com
• Phone: (323) 651-2323
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Betty Wong

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