Hong Kong-born fashion designer Ranee Kok Chui-wah, also known as Ranee K, says instilling happiness and joy in her clients are the primary aims of her clothing lines.
"I believe clothes can show a lot about a person," says Ranee K, adding: "Your clothing represents your style and more importantly, it can be used to build your confidence."
The designer returned to Hong Kong in 2000 after having spent time studying and working in New York.
"My time in New York has taught me [a lot about the] fashion industry," she says recalling her stint with international icon Donna Karan.
After that she made several clothing samples and tried selling them in New York's eclectic SoHo area.
"Luckily, [some of the shops in SoHo] immediately made orders and this generated a small momentum and slowly, I began to develop my own brand," she explains.
Upon returning to Hong Kong, she opened her shop in Central.
"I didn't find it hard because I just thought that was the way it was supposed to be done" says Ranee K. "And my philosophy is, you should try and if you don't make it, try again and learn from it."
But there are pitfalls. "I do believe Hong Kong is a very competitive city already, we have design schools in Hong Kong, along with other designers who studied overseas and [many have] come back."
In 2001 the Parsons graduate won the International Young Fashion Designers Competition in
"My work focuses more on dresses, both contemporary and traditional Chinese dresses, qipao," she says.
Other than managing her own store, Ranee K also organizes fashion shows and serves as an image consultant.
Recently she showed her work at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's World Boutique fashion show.
"My parents and my friends have been very supportive of me in my career," she says. "My first customers were also my friends and they really liked my work and that really gave me a lot of confidence."
After earning her undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from the University of British Columbia, Canada, Ranee K didn't want to work in the business world.
"It would have been easier for me to go into the business world but that is not what I enjoyed, and right now, I enjoy being in the fashion business," she says.
The designer tries to incorporate her background, which is a blend of both Western and Eastern cultures, into her designs.
"When I was little, I used to think of Chinese culture as old fashioned, but after spending time abroad I have learned to appreciate my heritage."
Much of Ranee K's work is largely influenced by Chinese arts, "I put in a lot of effort to understand Chinese arts, paintings and literature."
She says she also gets inspiration from Japanese and Western art.
But above all, she likes to keep everything simple.
"My shop's name is very simple, I took it from my English name and my last name," she says. "I had to do everything on my own; from designing the store, the brand, and [attracting big clients]."
She adds: "I like to keep my store small because it is more friendly and personal. I like to focus more on tailor- made clothes."
As for investing the fruits of her success, Ranee K simply does not have the time.
"I don't have time for investment because most of my time is spent on my work. I see a lot of people making money from the stock market but if I did that, I would have to invest my own time to take care of it."
She says she has put some money in mutual funds to be used, if necessary, for a rainy day.
"I make money because it allows me to do what I love to do, makes me happy and helps me fulfill my dreams and desires.
"I want to be able to bring confidence to women from all cultural backgrounds."
Ranee K contributes a lot of her time to the arts and various charities. This year she was a sponsor for Mother's Choice and participated in AIDS Care programs.
"I don't want my emotions to be affected by the [latest] trend. I would rather just focus on my shop and my clients."
Several antique furniture from 1960s can be found in her store.
"I believe collecting art is [a big luxury] but I did buy some inexpensive paintings and I collect antique furniture."
Paris.
