Local designer brings new and quirky twist to fashion scene

Hup Seng is one of the country’s iconic brands. Here’s a new take on the packaging. (WAn’s Homemade pic )

PETALING JAYA: Pretty much every Malaysian would have eaten the buttery Hup Seng cream crackers and soft, fluffy Gardenia bread when they were growing up. After all, what goes better with a hot cup of Milo or coffee than these two snacks?

Now a Malaysian designer has come up with a brilliant way to repurpose the plastic packaging of Malaysia’s favourite snacks by turning it into eye-catching, trendy bags.

Wong Liwan, the talented, 31-year-old designer and founder of WAn’s Handmade, told FMT that she learnt sewing at a young age. In fact, her whole family was involved in the textile manufacturing industry.

The country’s favourite biscuit packet now comes as a handbag. (WAn’s Homemade pic)

She went on to study fashion merchandising and marketing before going to work as a fashion designer in Singapore.

In 2014, she set up her own brand, WAn’s Handmade and has been coming up with her own creations since.

Wong, who prefers to be called Wan, said she was inspired by a “Plastic Reborn Workshop” organised by theatre group Blackroom Illustration and Theatre in Johor Baru in 2017.

She had been invited to conduct a plastic upcycling workshop to educate schoolchildren on the concept of reuse and recycling. Subsequently, she began designing clasp pouches and bags using plastic materials.

Give Gardenia some love with this crossbody bag. (WAn’s Homemade pic)

“I have a fondness for classic and vintage styles and what is more classic than Hup Seng and Gardenia? After all, these two foods hold dear memories for every Malaysian and still taste so good,” said Wan.

Wan has named her latest collection, Anastasia, which means resurrection in Greek.

The Hup Seng collection consists of a bag with removable straps so it can be used as a clutch, handbag or crossbody bag while the adorable, mini messenger Hup Seng bag can even be used to store some biscuits.

Not in the mood for biscuits? Try out the Gardenia waist pouch and crossbody bag.

Feeling chippy? Wan’s previous plastic packaging creations. (WAn’s Homemade pic)

Previously, Wan dabbled in plastic packaging bags with her Mister Potato and Lays designs.

“The support and love I have been receiving is amazing. I am so grateful to everyone,” said a delighted Wan.

Keep an eye out as this innovative designer has more creations coming up and, if a Hup Seng bag is on the list of must-have accessories, Wan is opening her first boutique next month in Batu Pahat.

Who said food is just for eating?

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