To date, gender-neutral garments shown on the runway have multiplied. With more options, queer people have regained their confidence through their clothing purchases. Gone are the days of worrying about gender conformity as designers now create garments with their customers in mind. Labels are now more open about the creation of clothes pertaining to LBGTQ+ customers, allowing them a platform to showcase their authentic sense of style.
Enter Malaysian brand Motoguo, founded by designer Moto Guo alongside co founders Jay Perry Ang and Kinder Eng. The label, to date, has created dazzling pieces regardless of gender, with the hopes of paving the way for the queer folk in Asia. A standout amongst Southeast Asian names, this quirky label is all about venturing into the unknown, the beauty in the grotesque, and the fascination with perfection.
At a Motoguo show, one can expect models in unpredictable and stunning pieces. Models are seen strutting down the runway in bold, campy garments with an effeminate twist as well as in sharp, intricate suits. A mastermind in prints and colours, this blooming label’s pieces have been featured on the hit teen show, Euphoria and has also officially been inducted into Asia’s Forbes 30-under-30 list. Flying the Malaysian flag high, there is no telling how much further this brand can soar and push boundaries in the future. Here, the designers behind Motoguo tell all about their design process to the ethos and heart of the brand.
How would you describe yourselves as designers?
We would describe ourselves as designers who slow dance in nostalgia and are users of humour and sarcasm to narrate a story.
What are your inspirations when it comes to brainstorming for a new season/campaign?
All our inspirations stem from our personal life experiences. Naturally, we would have an introspective dive every season to extract a voice for the collection.
Do you have a favourite collection or look thus far?
Our spring/summer 2017 collection, Picnic in the Society. It was when the inspiration behind our collections took a positive turn for the very first time and we began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Before that, our collections were all about the struggles we faced in this industry and it was this collection that gave us a sigh of relief as we finally found a solution to all these aforementioned obstacles. This paradigm shift helped us in seeing our hardships in a positive light and has earned a special place in our hearts ever since.
Can you tell us more about the evolution of Motoguo since starting out in 2015?
We are now less concerned about the idea of failing. We find our purpose and fulfilment in doing what we enjoy.
“Ever since we started, we wanted to be seen as a young force to be reckoned with, challenging the industry in a nonconventional way.”
The theme of gender-swapping clothes on models has been ongoing in your collections. Tell us more.
We find it fascinating to swap details in garments that are generally associated with one specific gender. Think of it as breaking down any preconceived notion.
When can we expect Motoguo’s autumn/winter 2022 collection? And what can you tell us about it?
Motoguo’s The Greatest Hits will hit the shelves sometime around August. We are re-introducing our veteran pieces by presenting a fertile period that gave birth to some of the label’s most definitive work.This remastered edition of our past collections aims to rekindle the love of enthusiasts and give newcomers a chance to embrace the label’s journey together.
What’s next?
We are slowly expanding our horizons by exploring different mediums of expression. All we can say is expect the unexpected, we don’t want to ruin the fun for you.
