This is the second in a series talking to queer fashion designers about their queer inspirations and the ways in which their relationship with queerness shapes their work; inspired by Aotearoa’s first Queer History Month. Read about creative Angela Kong here.
As Aotearoa celebrates its first Queer History Month – Pūmahara Ia Te Wā, Cecilia Kang is thinking about the legacy she wants to leave behind. The Auckland-based creative has already made history as the first openly transgender designer to be featured at New Zealand Fashion Week, and she has been a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ visibility in the fashion industry.
Today, Cecilia is fiercely confronting the challenges of living with PTSD and anxiety. But that hasn’t stopped her doing what she loves: contributing to a “more inclusive and compassionate society where more LGBTQIA+ individuals feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.”
For Cecilia, being queer was pivotal in her journey to become a designer. From her early memories of twirling in tulle skirts in South Korea to witnessing the glamorous performances of NZ’s drag queens, Cecilia says she has always been inspired by “flamboyant costumes” and “intricate details”.
“As a young child in the 1990s, I was captivated by the vibrant colours and delicate fabrics of clothing,” she says. “The first time I encountered tulle skirts, long dresses, flare skirts and anything that felt dressy… I felt a magnetic pull towards these garments because they resonated deeply with my inner sense of femininity.”
It was in these moments that Cecilia says she realised she could express herself more authentically through women's clothing, a revelation that was “pivotal” in shaping her understanding of her identity as a transgender woman.
“Through clothing, I discovered the transformative power of embracing femininity as a form of self-expression and self-acceptance.”
As an adult, it was the fashion of Aotearoa’s LGBTQIA+ community that captured Cecilia’s imagination – particularly that of the drag queen scene. Carmen Rupe, Miss Ribena, Buckwheat NZ, Kita Mean and Anita Wigl'it stand out as inspirations, icons of an era who have had a profound impact both on Cecilia’s life and on the wider fashion industry.
“Witnessing how they used clothing and style to embody their personas and connect with their audience ignited a passion for designing within me,” she says.
For Cecilia, being queer has not only influenced her chosen career path, but has fostered a particular passion for designs that are “inclusive, expressive, and empowering to others.” Drag queens remain a driving source of inspiration for her couture label, with a strong emphasis on expressing identity and celebrating diversity.
“I believe fashion has the power to unite people from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their origins, gender, or social status. Through my designs, I aim to celebrate and embrace all forms of identity, challenging norms with unconventional materials, vibrant colour palettes, and unique silhouettes or structures.”
It’s clear that at the root of Cecilia’s work is a goal to empower other people to express themselves authentically, as she has learned to do in what she calls an “ongoing journey of self-discovery”.
If you thought that being comfortable meant lounging in your sweat pants, Cecilia has some hard-won wisdom for you: “True comfort lies in authentically embodying who you are.”
She knows from her own experience that what we wear has a profound impact on both our physical and emotional wellbeing, and she loves finding ways of expressing feelings and memories through her clothes.
“By incorporating meaning and symbolism into my designs, I strive to provoke thought, spark conversations, and foster greater understanding and acceptance within the broader community. It's fulfilling to see how people can recognise and relate to their personal experiences through the stories embedded in my garments.”
In celebrating Queer History Month, Cecilia says it’s crucial that we honour those who have paved the way for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility in Aotearoa. She is still inspired by the courage of queer activists like Carmen Rupe who have fought for equality and acceptance, and she knows the power of fashion as a tool for social change.
Reflecting on her own role in queer history, Cecilia wants to be remembered as someone who “leaves a lasting legacy of kindness, care, love, sincerity and honesty”. Judging by our conversation, this is certainly reflective of the way she lives today.
Looking to the future, Cecilia says she hopes to see a thriving community of queer creatives who are “unafraid to experiment, collaborate, and inspire one another.” She wants to see more young people empowered to contribute their skills to NZ’s fashion industry, not just to create clothing, but to enhance our collective experience of art, culture and diversity.
“Ultimately, my vision for queer fashion in Aotearoa is one where creativity knows no bounds, where artistic expression flourishes, and where fashion becomes a powerful vehicle for cultural exploration and celebration.”
