Plus-size fashion brand founder and designer on how Korean-Australian musician DPR Ian helped her get her strength back
- Makayla Ng, Hong Kong fashion designer and founder of Fashion Corner Plus, discovered DPR Ian in 2021 when she was struggling with criticism of her work
- DPR Ian’s music, which explores the mental-health challenges he has faced, reminded Ng of what she was doing with her label and why she was doing it
Moodswings in This Order (2021), the debut release from Korean-Australian musician DPR Ian, marries pop, R&B and hip hop with introspective lyrics exploring the various mental-health challenges that the singer has faced, using characters including the manic Mr Insanity and the depressed Mito.
Makayla Ng Sze-nga, Hong Kong fashion designer and founder of plus-size label Fashion Corner Plus, tells Richard Lord how it changed her life.
I came to his music in 2021 – this was his first release. I was just randomly looking on YouTube – I saw the video and it attracted me to plug in and listen. The music was good and the video was very attractive, so I researched the story behind the album.
It’s based on his own experiences. He has bipolar disorder, and he expresses that through this album, including all his negative thoughts. The most important thing is that he tells people to accept who they are and live with themselves.
When I discovered this album, I was at my lowest point; I had lost my passion for everything. When I listened to it, it reminded me of what I was doing, and why I was doing it.
I wanted to provide something that allowed plus-size girls in Hong Kong to be who they are. It can be hard, going out and trying to find clothes that fit – people judge you.
