Cris Yong for Martell

Wed, 18/06/08 - 18:04PM Filed in People by tongueinchic | Comments: 0

Tags: cris yong,malaysia,martell,stylist

By: Joyce

Small in stature, Cris Yong’s physical size should not mislead you into thinking his talent is of the same par. Having styled numerous commercials and campaigns (Melium Group, Digi and KFC), as well as working the pages of magazines to life (Female, Her World, Men’s Folio, NewMan, Oxygen), Yong was nominated as “Stylist of the Year” for two years running (2003 and 2004) at the Malaysian International Fashion Awards (MIFA).
He was among the list of recipients for the Martell Rising Personalities Award - an annual event recognising the achievements of individuals who’ve prospered in their respective fields be it publishing, directing, hosting, etc. At the finale dinner which was held three weeks ago, Yong showcased his edgy creations that wowed guests and caused their food to go cold as they admired his work, jaws agape.

Tongue in Chic took some of the stylist’s precious time to press him for answers to our nosey questions.

When did you start freelance styling and whom did you learn under?

I started in 2001 under Victor Goh.

What’s the most satisfactory job you’ve done so far?

The Martell show.

Haha, but you just did that show. Are you sure?

Every job or project that is the most current will be the most satisfying to me ‘cos every time I try to put up the best that I can. Of course I’m happy with other shows, but I cannot be too happy or else I wont improve and there will always be room for improvement.

Since we’re on the topic, in regards to your show at Martell, what inspired you to put that together? It’s out of this world.

The theme was regarding birds from the Amazon river, representing something powerful and beautiful. I wanted nature implemented into the show because I feel Martell is an evergreen company, and I wanted the show to be organic and original to reflect the brand’s image. It’s a more soft approach, compared to the other things I’ve done which is more edgy and hard. This time it’s more elegant and body conscious - not that I’ve not appreciated the female curve before! - but I’ve started to recognise and showcase long legs, bust, waist and hips, basically highlight the female form more than before.

Who/what are your fashion influences?

Kate Moss is cool. I like 80s remix music, and too many DJs to name. As for movies, I like Atonement and La Vien Rose, it’s very sad.

You’ve styled for dozens of publications, fashion shows and TV productions. What’s your favourite type to work on and why?

I love to do shows, they’re exciting! They allow the audience to travel to another place, a created fantasy world, in a short 15 minutes.

What do responsibilities as official stylist for MIFA entail?

Last year I oversaw the creative output, provided ideas and came up with the campaign shoot for them. I’m not sure whether I’m involved this year yet.

Where’s your dream place to travel to and why?
New York is a place for dreams to come true… the city that never sleeps, according to Sex and the City!

Where do you source your items from?
From all over - China, New York, Tokyo, Bangkok, Sungei Wang (Kuala Lumpur). Sourcing is not difficult, taking every piece apart and putting them together to make a new and relevant look is hard work.

I noticed you’ve been donning bow ties, your friends too. What’s with that?

A bow tie is presentable but not too serious. It’s fun, romantic, sentimental and respectable.

And what can we expect to look forward from you this year?
The MIFA show in November!

All images courtesy of Cris Yong and Martell.

Bookmark or share with your friends via E-mail, Facebook, Myspace, Digg and more.