SUCCESS STORIES - Venie Tee

Fine Artist

Fashion design graduate Venie Tee took an unusual route in her studies that has shown how the evolvement of artistic impulses can bring a girl much further in the fashion world.

After completing a Fine Art BA at Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in London, Venie decided to take up an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design at RafflesDesign Institute. Having concentrated largely on concepts and theories of art, the fashion course introduced her to a different, more practical side of creative expression. “We started from very basic levels – learning figure drawing, designing and producing a garment from start to finish which includes sewing, drafting, draping, and putting finishing touches,” she explains.

“The fashion design advanced diploma at Raffles was really about making up a whole dress. And that movement from the initial design to making the whole garment really excites me.” The hard work that must go in is huge and the multitasking required of individuals in the fashion industry even larger. Venie elaborates: “On top of the conceptual stuff, we also go through the business side of the industry like fashion PR, marketing, merchandising.

After completing her studies, Venie went on to work at a fashion house, handling a Malay suburban brand Ladylike, and later, as brand executive for every girl's fashion haven, MNG. “It's definitely not as glamourous as people think. There is hard work, both mentally and physically because you have to constantly think up new ideas and do the hands-on work to bring it to life,” she reflects.

The work has paid off and she's since fostered expanding horizons and artistic visions, culminating in winning the Most Promising Designer Award at the Malaysian International Fashion Award last year.

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