Fashion doyenne Gillian Hung speaks about how being a rebel shaped her.

Gillian Hung or Mama G as she is known in the fashion industry, was born in Ipoh, 44 years ago. “I had to strive for what I wanted. To earn money, I had to hang out laundry or run errands!” she shares.

THE HOMECOMING
In 1983, Gillian was the first Malaysian to be enrolled in FIT. She joined the Asean Young Designers’ Competition in Singapore which she won in 1990.Gillian was then offered a position as fashion co-ordinator with Isetan Japan/KL— where she worked her way up to become the Fashion and Design Director.

IN COMES THE TAI-TAI
One day in 1999, she decided to get married and move to the Big Apple. Gillian enjoyed the high life so much, that she lived there until 2003. With the backing of Datuk Vincent Lee, Gillian set up FACT (Fashion Academy of Creative Technology) in 2004. But health problems saw her having to give up the school.

I’LL MAKE IT ANYWHERE…
Gillian who serves as President of MODA (Malaysian Official Designers Association) says, “MODA is an association for designers that serves as a stepping-stone to launch their fashion career. But once successful, be nice, come back and help. When you give, you get.”

A BRAND NEW START
Gillian has recently been appointed creative consultant of new wholesale complex Kenanga Wholesale City. “I’m fortunate to be given an opportunity to be involved in local brands for both the domestic and international market. I may know much about fashion, but not well enough that I’ll stop learning."