FVM Global Salutes Sue Wong, Legendary Designer Who Has Created Her Own World!

A Heartfelt Tribute to Sue Wong on Her Birthday

I could spend a year waxing poetic on all your virtues. You are a delight, with a great sense of humor. And your laugh is infectious, along with your smile – a smile that accompanies an ever-active and intelligent mind! 

Your artistic expression and multi-faceted creative abilities in many different fields leaves many speechless and  in awe. I could go on about your artistic talents but suffice it to say you are an artistic genius! 

Your talent was obvious in high school when you were voted best artist and most talented of your graduating class. 

Sue, you would then shine again when you opened your own boutique in Venice, California, catering to the celebrities of the   times such as Goldie Hawn, Bianca Jagger, Victoria Principal, among many others. Then, when you went to work for Arpeja as Vice president of Design, you took them to stratospheric heights —to what would be equivalent to a half a billion in business today in a mere three years. It was a success story unprecedented for the times.

You fulfilled the great American success story by age 25, yet lost it all to divorce when you turn 30! But you rebounded like  the Phoenix you are are, to start your own business.  Most people would have folded and collapsed, but not you. Because of your indomitable spirit, talent, powerful energy and your unconquerable passion, you managed to not only survive, but truly thrive.

In 1999, as the millennium was about to turn, you had a dream which indeed took you to the mountain top. This dream was to make evening gowns and dresses for the millennium celebrations that would occur on New Year’s Eve of that year. 

Your designs were magical because you gave them that extra added Sue Wong flair. You found inspiration for your evening gowns and dresses from the Golden Age of Hollywood, 

designing and delivering a spectacular, unique designer collection of evening gowns with verve, glamour and style. It was in part inspired by your glamorous 1920’s historical Hollywood palazzo, THE CEDARS–which served as host for a constellation of legendary Hollywood stars and musical royalty. You were the first everywoman’s couturier—creating haute couture, but at pret a porter prices, instantly cementing your immediate success . 

Your dream and your determined realizations have made you a household name, and your evening designs were distributed  in twenty seven countries throughout the world.The rest was a success story that made legendary fashion history

Your Timeless clothing clothing has been worn by Taylor Swift, Jane  Seymour , Miley Cyrus, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Biel, Kelly Osbourne, Tyra Banks, Angela Bassett, and a multitude of other celebrities. 

Eventually after more than  40 years as a successful and critically acclaimed designer,  you looked for new creative challenges beyond fashion and, voila, you decided to put your magical artistic touch into designing fabulous SUE WONG signature mansions. In your meticulous designing process, no exterior or interior detail escapes your discerning eye – gardens, lighting, archways, furniture, bedding, even door knobs—all of these fall within your creative purview.. You went on a design/ buying trip to Morocco for authentic furniture, and commissioned artisans to fulfill your artistic expressions; the result was the fabulous Palazzo Marrakesh.

You also co-wrote your biopic for the silver screen and are working on a coffee table book of your iconic fashions. You are also writing an inspirational autobiography, because to inspire and encourage others is a raison d’etre for you. 

You have always thrown legendary parties, which were not just parties but grand pageants replete with magic in which you orchestrated every detail – from theme, food, decor, flowers, to, of course the exciting guest list, which included notable friends and celebrities.

The party you held on April 20, 2024 to celebrate your birthday was a tremendous success, and indeed everyone is still talking about its resplendence. The theme was a Boho chic and Sixties glam rock. 

That event buzzed with the soulful tunes of an All-Star Celebrity Band, featuring the iconic sounds of the 1960’s British Invasion and Psychedelic Rock/Blues. It was impeccably coordinated by Musical Director to the Stars and Musical Producer Robin DiMaggio and featured an eclectic blend of live performances that perfectly captured the spirit and fun of the celebration..

The stellar musical lineup included Steve Cooke, Scarlet Rivera, Jawn Star, Rick Whitfield, Vinny Fazzari, Sean McNabb, Frankie Anne, M’Chell, Zeus, and the legendary Willie Mack Chambers of the Chambers Brothers. In addition, Alex AL, bassist for Michael Jackson, made a guest appearance. A musical highlight of the evening was the performance of “It’s a Sue Wong World” by Jawn Star, which he wrote and delivered as a dedication to the Birthday Girl.

Adding to the visual feast were models adorned in Sue Wong’s classic creations from her hand-painted silk collection who mingled amongst the guests, their stunning outfits enchanting everyone with their elegance and intricate detail.

Celebrity guests included musician Leon Hendrix; Actor/ Aristocrat/ Musician Prince Stash Klossowski de Rola; Actor/Philosopher/Artist Leigh J. McCloskey and his wife and collaborator Carla; Actress Shari Belafonte and her husband actor Sam Behrens; E! Entertainment Co-Founder Larry Namer; LA Magazine Publisher and President Christopher Gialanella; World peacemaker Reverend Patrick McCollum, FOX News Anchor Susan Haruna, former Chairman of BAFTA & Chairman of BritWeek Nigel Daly and his wife Louise Salter, artistic director of The Laboratory Arts Collective; two-time Emmy winner Producer Vincent De Paul; Screenwriter Mick Davis; Musician Chris Pitman of Guns and Roses fame; Actor/Martial Artist Peter Kwong; Miss Asia USA 2024 Tiffany Chang; Fashion Designer Richie Rich; Actor Kevin Kreider and Actress Devon Diep of Bling Empire; acclaimed documentary film director and biographer Alex Rotaru; Grammy Award-winning Musician Dan Farrow; major Hollywood film producer Larry Kasanoff; and Sue Wong Models Dustin Quick, Anna Gupta, and Jazzika Kile. It was an event full of gaiety, akin to an extraordinary tapestry woven with threads of creativity and connection. The guests in attendance were uniformly enthusiastic in their praise, stating that it was one of the most enjoyable and memorable parties they had ever attended.

The event was expertly co-produced by Jackie Lewis and her team at Jackie Lewis Media and Events, all of whom played a pivotal role in bringing together the  PR and sponsors for this spectacular party.

Thanks also to the loving hands of Mary Spencer, her husband Ron Peplinski, Monika Tar, and Maria Flores.

Sue Wong, may you have many happy and healthy years to come! May all of your plans and dreams become reality! 

With love and in enduring friendship, 

Photo Credits: Sheri Determan, Jamie Lim, and CJR Media Photography