SEEING half-naked models walking around with nothing on except underwear has become part and parcel of lingerie designer Liang Min Lee's job.
Liang admits that she did feel a little uneasy and embarrassed when she had to help models with fittings.
However, it did not take her long to overcome the initial awkwardness.
Even at the age of 18, Liang was already showing an interest in undergarments.
Her interest increased after watching the Hong Kong movie, La Brassiere (Chuet Sai Hou Bra), which tells the story of two male designers hired to design the “ultimate brassiere” for a Japanese company.
“Before watching the movie, I never knew how much effort and time went into creating a good bra,” says Liang.
Coincidentally, she had just completed her diploma in fashion and textile design at that time and decided to join the lingerie industry.
For Liang, being associated with ladies' lingerie is nothing to be ashamed of.
“A lot of people seem to think that lingerie is something private that's not talked about. However, over the years, lingerie has moved from being an undergarment to a fashion statement which can be worn both inside or outside,” she says.
Liang strives to make sure that her designs cater for women's needs.
“Most importantly, they should be comfortable and trendy.
“I want to create something for women which will make them feel attractive and confident,” says the designer for Xixili
Intima.
Liang is able to tell if a woman is wearing the right bra, just at a glance.
“Maybe it comes with my job,” she laughs.
My job involves ...
As a designer, I will sit down with the
marketing and production teams to examine market needs and come up with a business plan.
Besides that, I conduct market surveys and visit local and international trade shows to research fashion trends. Meeting with fabric and material suppliers to source for new materials and technologies is also part of my job.
I will then come up with a design concept and sketches together with prototype samples, as well as a cost estimate. I have to consider the construction of the bra as well as the proportions of our customers.
After a selection has been made, I will then hand over the designs to a pattern maker for development. I oversee the development process, from fitting right up to production.
When there is a fashion show organised by my company, I am responsible for how the models look on the runaway, including their hair, make-up and accessories.
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LIANG MIN LEE: “I want to create something for women to wear and make them look attractive and confident.” – VICTOR K.K. NG/ The
Star |
... handling and solving issues that crop up during the development process. I also work with merchandisers to tackle costing issues, and the technical department, to solve production difficulties.
To qualify, you need ...
... to have a fashion or lingerie design qualification. However, I don't think lingerie design is offered by any local institution in Malaysia. Most junior designers usually start off as pattern makers or sketching assistants for more experienced designers before moving up the ladder. Fashion sense and creativity, coupled with practice, can make you a good designer.
The best person for this job ...
... is female. (laughs) However, there are male designers working in the lingerie industry overseas. The best person should be someone who likes fashion and design, and understands what women need and want.
Prospects for the future ...
The competition overseas is tougher because there are many brands. In Malaysia, there are only a few. However, there is always demand for designers in the industry.
I love my job because ...
... for me, this is not only a job. It is about arts and life. I always have the feeling that I am not only earning a living. I am creating and developing something new and exciting to enrich a woman's life.
What I dislike most ...
... when I have “designer's block” and am under pressure to produce quality work.
Will I be a millionaire by 30?
Your remuneration will commensurate with your experience and the hard work you put in.
