DESIGNER IN FOCUS: ONG-OAJ PAIRAM
Posted on by Cameron Tewson
Womenswear Designer Ong-Oaj Pairam developed a love of fashion at an early age, falling for the glamour of hey-day Hollywood and the great couturiers. Pairam went onto successfully complete a BA (Hons) Degree at Brighton University and began his profession career working for New York power house, Proenza Schouler and later joined Roland Mouret in Paris and within both roles worked on the technical skills one needed to know. The launch of the eponymous label soon followed in 2012. The key to the business is a defined focus on creating luxury Womenswear.
It’s proven in the archives of Pairam’s previous collections that he incredibly passionate about craftsmanship, fine materials and quality of finish, all key ascetics of which can be found in his collections that transcend seasons, not to mention his latest vision for Autumn Winter 2017. The collection labeled ‘Force Brute’ draws inspiration from the exuberant world of boxing, with this, Ong creates pieces that elegantly float like a butterfly yet sting like a bee.
A blur of Muay Thai memories flood Ong’s design board of inspiration from layers of torn ring-side posters, battered ring floors, fighters tattoos and bruises. All 13 looks pay a hommage to the bold DNA of the brand. The collection’s shapes offers key refreshed silhouettes, prints, colours and beautiful various intricate embroidery details adding a new sense of direction.
The boxing robe has been redefined in various forms; from a short evening blazer, wrap dress and tuxedo jumpsuit, to an extravagant opera coat with a cascading embroidered train. The intricate embroideries are a nod towards boxing iconography with silhouettes of mad March Hares that box in the moon light and graphical ‘Esher-esque’ falling stars that bleed into bees on silk evening dresses.
From the more minimal evening pieces to the very opulent, the AW17 collection has been designed for impact with every piece designed ready to pack the punch.
Ong’s final blow, a bruised red evening gown created from hundreds of hand cut tulle circles, individually folded and sewn to create a flowing honeycomb gown. With out a doubt, these will turn heads on any red carpet.
All images below are captured by Robert Bellamy.