MALIBU CELEBRATES THE GREATNESS OF FASHION DESIGNER SUE WONG WITH STUNNING RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION

Introduction by Murray Rosen

Iconic fashion designer Sue Wong, who has overcome all odds in her life to become a creative force, role model, and inspiration to all generations, is being celebrated for her esteemed body of work in a retrospective at the Malibu City Hall which illustrates the true beauty and timelessness of her designs over her legendary 50 year career in fashion.

The opening of the retrospective on Sunday, May 18, 2025 was a momentous event attended by hundreds of Sue Wong’s friends and admirers. Actor-artist Leigh McCloskey introduced Wong, speaking about the exhibit and Wong’s ability to bring “beauty and light everywhere she goes.” Further introductory remarks were made by Abbot Shifu Yeanfan, who described Wong as a warrior in the cause of love and spiritual harmony in the world. Then came a heart-warming inspirational speech by Sue Wong herself in which she detailed her life and works.

For lovers of fashion and art, this is simply a must see retrospective as Sue Wong has displayed some of her signature pieces. 

Fashion reporter Sara Kil filed this report on the proceedings for FVM Global:

“Sue Wong: Glamour & Grace,” a celebration of the well-known high-fashion evening gown designer, will be on display at the Malibu City Gallery from May 19 to June 27, 2025, under the auspices of the City of Malibu Arts Commission.

Ms. Wong’s haute glamour evening gowns, which have been worn by Hollywood celebrities on red carpets at the Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy awards shows, will be on display. Her designs incorporate couture dressmaking from romantic times, including Weimar Berlin, 1930s Shanghai, pre-code Hollywood, and Manhattan’s opulent Jazz Age, as well as old-Hollywood beauty with a modern twist. She is the owner of the Los Angeles-based Sue Wong Universe.

“Sue Wong’s artistry elevates fashion to fine art,” said Mayor Marianne Riggins. “Her intricate designs and timeless elegance reflect Malibu’s creative spirit, and we are honored to share her vision with residents and visitors alike.” 

Wong is indeed a world-renowned fashion designer, visionary, and icon. Her mantra “BEAUTY-MAGIC-TRANSFORMATION” calls for the awakening of one’s inner essence and the embracing of a higher state of self, and she incorporates this mantra in her designs. Her romantic, elaborately decorated gowns, influenced by 1920’s and 1930’s styles, pay homage to the goddess force, allowing women to transcend space and time. This Old Hollywood glam style of Wong’s is a timeless aesthetic that blends luxury and sophistication, combining striking hues, high-end textiles, and simple designs.

Most notably, Wong is known as the Every Woman’s Couturier, having revolutionized the industry with her affordable haute couture styles. Her collections are available in 27 countries, including high-end retailers like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. Her designs have been worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Anne Hathaway, Kim Kardashian, and Minnie Driver.

Wong’s rise is a Hollywood tale in itself. Born in China, she migrated to the US with her mother, who bribed a border guard with her wedding jewels in exchange for freedom into Hong Kong. A year later, mother and daughter journeyed to the United States to reunite with Wong’s father, who had earlier come to Los Angeles.

This child of impoverished immigrants early on refused to give in to her circumstances and began creating toys and sewing clothes at age nine. Her creative talents in the field of fashion were recognized early and she was selected to join the prestigious May Company Teen Board. She went on to become a highly successful company fashion designer in her early twenties and eventually established her own line which encompassed her unique design style and increasingly ornate evening wear. In the process, Wong had to overcome setbacks in her personal and professional life, but, undaunted, Wong emerged triumphant in all her pursuits.

At the opening ceremonies of the retrospective at Malibu City Hall on May 18, 2025, Wong spoke to several hundred admirers about her future aspirations, including the Sue Wong Fashion Museum, her biopic “Red Lotus,” various book projects including the Sue Wong coffee table fashion book and her autobiography, and her dream of designing a tropical retreat in Hawaii. Additionally, she noted that she has just finished the initial reel for the Sue Wong Fashion Immersive, an international project she is collaborating on with Larry Namer, the founder of E! Entertainment.

In the course of her 50 year career, Sue Wong has received over 100 awards and recognitions, including the Visionary Award, the LA County Superintendent’s Award, the LA Fashion Week Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Women’s Inspiration Award at the International Women’s Day Gala.

From growing up as a little girl in Maoist China where she faced poverty and near starvation to reaching the highest levels of fashion design, Wong’s life illustrates how having great dreams can inspire one to develop the tenacity and resilience needed to overcome seemingly insuperable obstacles and hardships. On numerous occasions, Sue Wong has risen from the ashes of failure like a phoenix to achieve greatness.

As Napoleon Hill has said, “Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” Sue Wong is living proof of that! She has never let go of her highest dreams and the manifestations of her herculean creative efforts in that regard are on display at the Malibu retrospective.