Huawei presents 12 questions with designer Christy Ng

Tell us a little bit about your brand and how it all began?

Never in a million years would I have ever dreamt to have a brand to call my own. I was just an ordinary girl who had a deep passion for shoes, who started it all in my mother’s living room.

In 2012, I took that leap of faith when I decided to quit myfull-timee job at a Swiss Pharmaceutical company to pursue my love for shoes.

2018 was a big year for you, especially with your recent collaboration with Yuna. What was your biggest achievement in 2018?

I have always been a fan of Yuna and her music. I was scrolling through her Instagram feed when an idea to collaborate with her struck my mind. Without putting in any high expectations, I dropped her a DM on Instagram and lo behold, she actually replied!

Apart from Yuna, one of the most memorable things to look back on is relocating our office to a much bigger space in Jalan Tandang. From a living room to our very own 3-storey building, now that is what I would call an achievement.

How was your experience working with Yuna?

She is one of the most passionate artists I have seen in my life and it shows when she participates in every step of the journey to make this collaboration a reality.

Who is the Christy Ng woman? Who are your shoes made for?

I often hear stories about women not being able to find the right pair of shoes – whether it is caused by a lack of interesting designs or not finding the right size. I want to change that notion. The Christy Ng brand is not meant for just one type of woman – it is designed to be worn by women from all walks of life.

Whether it is to wear to work or to head to a party, I want the Christy Ng shoes to make ordinary women feel and look extraordinary.

Who do you look up to in the fashion industry?

I am a huge fan of FIZIWOO. Their collections have been nothing short of impressive and in my opinion, they are possibly the best thing to happen in the local fashion scene in recent years.

How do you see the current market for local designers and how can one stand out in competing with international labels?

When it comes to local designers, there is no denying that the local fashion scene is booming with talent. Alia Bustamam, FIZIWOO, Nurita Harith, Melinda Looi and Jimmy Choo are all prime examples of local designers who have made a mark in the international fashion scene.

I firmly believe that local designers have got the it-factor to stand tall alongside international brands, given that they have faith in themselves and constantly strive for innovation.

Let's get personal now. What are the must-have items in your bag?

Oh, that’s easy. My power bank, credit cards and definitely skincare items for my dry skin. Got to prevent wrinkles at an early age you know! [laughs]

What silhouette is your favourite to wear when it comes to shoes?

I absolutely love my 4-inch pointy Charlize heels. I wear them all the time! One might say I am addicted to them. They make your legs look miles long and definitely helps add a little colour when you’re wearing a toned down outfit.

What makes a comfortable pair of heels?

A comfortable pair of heels have well-made insoles which provide sufficient cushioning to your feet. A good pair of shoes also protect your feet and is made with the correct amount of toe spring, right arch level and good outsoles for a secured grip.

You are currently an ambassador for the HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro. Why did you choose to work with HUAWEI?

When I was approached to work with HUAWEI, I must say, I did not have much knowledge of the brand. However, when they introduced the HUAWEI Mate 20 Series to me, I was deeply intrigued.

With all the key features embedded in the smartphone to assist my day-to-day schedule, it really is a smartphone worth having. Whether it is the Leica Triple Camera (perfect for me to update my social media platforms) or the HiVision feature that helps me live a healthier lifestyle, the HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro has become a vital part of my life – helping me go through my tight schedule each day with ease.

What are the top features you love about Mate 20 pro?

I absolutely adore how the HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro is designed. Like all works of art, the HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro’s lines and features are symmetrical in harmony. The slim design makes the phone size a pleasure to look at and touch.

Another feature that I love and find super useful is the HUAWEI SuperCharge. In just 30 minutes, you can refuel the battery up to 70%. This comes in super handy, especially when I have to attend back-to-back meetings and only have a small window to charge my phone.

Being an active person on social media platforms, especially Instagram, the phone’s Leica Triple Camera allows me to capture great detail in everyday photos, while giving me the opportunity to capture an imposingly wide perspective with the Leica Ultra Wide Angle Lens. 

Can you share some examples of how technology has changed your lifestyle or business?

Technology became a vital part of allowing my business to expand. When Christy Ng first took off, we had no sufficient funds to open up a physical shop. Hence, we took to the Internet to create noise and awareness about our brand.

Over the years, technology has seamlessly integrated itself into our day-to-day business management; whether it is account tabulation, procurement, manufacturing, design, marketing and distribution, it has helped us significantly to ensure the smoothness of our business and provided a great shopping experience for our customers.