The Heart Behind - YNG

How did YNG start? 

Over the years of working in costuming in theatre, I met a number of aunties who work from home, doing alterations and sewing for additional income. Eventually I got more into design, and I also got consigned to make personalised wearables. It was from there that I thought, why not start a brand and who better else to create it with me but this team of sewers whom I am familiar with? So I started YNG as a passion brand and that’s where this journey began.

Is there any particular brand or personality that you are most influenced by? In terms of design, branding or values.

I do like Kinfolk. They create a mood that influenced alot of my lifestye from what I wear to the meals I cook, the home products that I use and the overall aesthetics. They have an organic feel to them and a very clean look that inspires what I want YNG to embody. Along that influence, evolving as we move along to be as sustainable and ethical as I can be in my brand values.

You work with a group of aunties that you got to know over the years. How did you start building this community of sewers?

I got to know them while working in theatre. I was working with a number of aunties who did alterations for costumes, and also for their own neighbours and small clientele. Then it was mostly through word of mouth that I got to know the rest of them - this aunty has a friend and that aunty has a friend who also sews at home, and it simply grew from there over the years. Next thing I know, I'm acquainted with quite abit of aunties! 

Community seems to be a big part of your brand, and perhaps a big part of you. You even name your products after your friends! Is community something integral to YNG?

It is! I like the connection and being relatable and approachable, starting from my family and small group of friends. I see how it makes some of them happy when they realise in my launches that I had named pieces after them. It makes me happy when they light up knowing that I named a design after them, and that I had them in mind when creating my products. I often write in my website and insta posts that I would love to connect/say hii, and I do mean it. So come say hi!

Tell us more about your design and sourcing process. How do you go about it? From designing to finding materials.

Initially I started by looking through local markets for deadstock material. Then I would come up with a design that works with those materials. 

However, I also found sustainable materials like Tencel and Modal etc. With those materials, I was able to work on the design first, and eventually created the Black Series - Stan and Lionel tops, a unisex capsule. More recently, I have been upcycling unused materials and turning them into products, giving them new life. YNG also provides design-for-one services, where we create wearables that are personalized and suitable for any occasion. 

In a nutshell, it is about what organically flows and works. I try not to put myself in a box, but be explorative and open.

What inspires you in your creative process?

I take inspiration from the pieces that I wear for the longest time or what I see people wear for the longest time. You know, the type that has some holes and you still refuse to throw. 

1. Comfort 2. Effortless - easy to match 3. Timeless. 4. Genderless (as best I can).

What do you hope to see in the fashion industry?

Less fast fashion. More mindful creations. More awareness.

What's next for Y.NG?

I would like to take Y.NG into the direction of more mindful living on top of clothes or accessories. We have expanded into home products with our eco friendly soft clay trays for your trinkets and upcycled yarn coasters. We want to promote a lifestyle with a simple yet lasting and timeless aesthetic. 

Check out YNG's collection here.

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