Fire Bird: A Mythical Inspiration Turned Wearable Art

A Stage Costume Designed by Kelly Ng Hiew Mui

The Fire Bird dress is a testament to the designer's personal journey of overcoming grief and finding solace through the creative process. Living far away from her home country, Ng Hiew Mui experienced the loss of her beloved grandfather and was unable to attend his funeral. The creation of the Fire Bird dress became a cathartic experience, symbolizing the idea of resilience and the possibility of rebirth.

What sets the Fire Bird dress apart is its meticulously crafted wings, which are a result of extensive research in biological sciences and mechanics. Ng Hiew Mui studied the structure and movement of bird wings, and through a combination of tailoring techniques and innovative materials, she successfully translated these characteristics into wearable wings. By understanding the limitations of the human arm and incorporating them into the design, she has created the first-ever wearable wings that allow the wearer to move their arms like a bird.

The realization of the Fire Bird dress involved a complex process that combined traditional tailoring techniques with cutting-edge research. Wire modeling, smocking, feather making, sewing, and pattern design were all employed to bring this visionary design to life. The materials used, including satin, silk, organza, bamboo sticks, and resin sticks, were carefully chosen to ensure both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

With its technical specifications of size FR36, GB8, USA4, the Fire Bird dress is a testament to Ng Hiew Mui's attention to detail and commitment to excellence. This design was the centerpiece of her graduate fashion show in Tokyo in 2012, after six months of dedicated work and experimentation.

The Fire Bird dress not only showcases Ng Hiew Mui's creative prowess but also highlights her extensive research into the differences between bird wings and the human arm. By pushing the boundaries of design and incorporating elements of mythology, she has created a truly unique and captivating piece of wearable art.

Recognized for its ingenuity and creativity, the Fire Bird dress was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Performing Arts, Stage, Style, and Scenery Design category in 2016. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that demonstrate technical skill, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Through the Fire Bird dress, Ng Hiew Mui has not only created a visually stunning stage costume but also a symbol of resilience and the power of transformation. This wearable art piece serves as a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, we have the strength within us to rise from the ashes and be reborn.