Hermione Chan
Following the ongoing displays of “Brand Story – Macao Original Fashion Exhibition IV”, local designer Yaya Tam Nga Teng’s (譚雅婷) fashion brand “PUI” graces the Macao Fashion Gallery (MFG) as part of its Brand Story series, which was first launched in 2017 in conjunction with the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) and the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM).
In a statement by the gallery, the Brand Story series dedicates itself to “driving forward the development of the clothing industry.” Fashion designers, described as “pioneers shaping styles” through their ability to “give new meaning to fashion and offer avant-garde interpretations” are offered proper exposure to propel their creative designs to the general public, raising awareness for the undervalued art of fashion.
The exhibition consists of eight phases, all of which display one brand. These comprise Nega C., Lexx Moda, ANIFA, Common Comma, PUI, Demi*D, NO.42, and C/W COLLECTIVE; the exhibition currently features local brand “PUI” as its fifth and most current instalment.
Having harboured an interest in design during her school years, “PUI” creator Tam received an invitation to join the “CPTTM Fashion Conference Plan (MaConsef)” upon graduating from the “Diploma in Fashion Design & Manufacture” programme organised by CPTTM when she conceived the brand “PUI”, the statement underlined.
According to the gallery’s statement, the brand prides itself on “distinguishing customers from other women with a chic and tasteful style.” Made of “high-quality, comfortable cotton” to achieve the status of a “long-lasting essential in customers’ wardrobes,” “PUI” is the eponymous compilation of Tam’s best work, named after her daughter’s Portuguese name in an effort to cultivate the same attitude of seriousness in the brand as she has for her child. “Only the most satisfying products will hit the shelves,” Tam commented, aiming to “provide quality and fashionable leisure wear for women, so as to demonstrate their unique characters and taste.”
The sleek, dark apparel that defines the concept of “PUI” resonates with its theme: “Lack of Water in the Five Elements” (五行欠水). Devoid of the bright colours commonly associated with water, the chic pieces in Tam’s clothing line are instead shrouded in black, and radiate an earthy, soulful energy while remaining consistent with its mature image. The articles in the “PUI” fashion line are simultaneously unique yet practical, “valuing both comfortable fabrics and stylish tailoring and design,” Tam is quoted by the statement as saying. In the future, she said, she “wishes to grow with the brand” and “further improve the quality of local original works”, according to the statement from the gallery.
The exhibition runs until August 29 at the gallery on 47 Rua de S. Roque, S. Lázaro district. It opens from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (except Mondays). Admission is free.
As part of the government’s COVID-19 pandemic prevention measures, all visitors entering the venue must wear a facemask, have their temperature checked and present a valid Macau Health Code.
For enquiries, please call 2835 3341 or visit the website https://Macaofashiongallery.com/en/.
Photos: Hermione Chan and Camy Tam
