I first heard of fashion designer Hannah Kong when I spotted her store at The Podium a few years back. The windows had mannequins dressed in bridal gowns with decadent embellishments and delicate lace. They were enchanting and whimsical—fitting for brides who have always dreamt of stepping into a fairy-tale world.
Going into ready-to-wear
My next encounter with her label was earlier this month when she officially opened her very first ready-to-wear (RTW) pop-up at SM Aura. “A few years after we opened our bridal store, I felt I was ready to go back to RTW with a renewed focus on creating easy-to-wear pieces that are suitable for various occasions,” she explained.
Not all fashion designers go through the same journey, and Kong reflected on her own path, “It’s a fun challenge for a designer like me who’s been doing custom orders for years now, but it’s really a rewarding experience seeing our ideas come to life.”
It’s all in the details
Entering the store felt like passing through another realm, where everything was bathed in soft hues and sprinkled with pixie dust. Like a little girl being welcomed into a fairyland, I was in awe of the exquisite beadwork, craftsmanship, and her choice of accents and fabrics.
It was then that I learned of the designer’s background. After graduating with a fashion design degree from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, she pursued further studies in Paris, France. “I took up a couture embroidery course at Ecole Lesage, which is the education arm of Maison Lesage that continues to create embroidery works for Chanel, Valentino, and others.” Kong has, indeed, applied the meticulous details and techniques she mastered in Paris to her designs, blending tried-and-tested craftsmanship with modern elegance to create truly breathtaking pieces.
“Our work can be defined as feminine and dainty with hints of beadwork. We use a lot of floral details and pastel colors,” Kong said. “I tend to gravitate toward more feminine elements and I really like working with different textures. I love laces and light fabrics, too!”
Shopping expectations
What I love about purchasing RTW pieces from designers is that they cost a fraction of the custom-made garments. This does come with the possibility of encountering someone wearing the same outfit, but Kong reassures that they produce in very limited quantities. “Typically, we make just three pieces per style, but if the fabric is particularly unique, we might create only two at the most,” she adds, noting that her pieces start at ₱5,000.
I can attest to this as I was fortunate enough to purchase a set of coordinates—a unique bib top and circle skirt in an aquamarine hue—that was the one and only piece available. It was, indeed, a truly lucky find!
Since inventory is very limited, this means that you might find a style you like but not in your size. In this scenario, there are two options: you can have the RTW piece altered or opt for a made-to-order item, which will have a minimum lead time of three weeks.
“I’ve always believed that every woman deserves to feel beautiful, whether she’s walking down the aisle or attending a special event,” Kong said. “With this RTW collection, I wanted to create pieces that embody the same elegance and craftsmanship of my custom designs, but in a way that is more accessible for everyday wear.”
Hannah's RTW collection offers a breath of fresh, whimsical air. Her eye for enchanting details offers accessible luxury and bespoke elegance.
Hannah Kong’s pop-up store runs until Jan. 2025.