INTRODUCING: WENGKO MOLE

Wéngko Molé is a London-based company that specializes in fine silk resort wear. Digitally printed in the UK, crafted in the finest silk and finished with signature hand-stitched belts and intricate details from materials sourced throughout the world, Wéngko Molé pieces are inspired by the sarong, an essential component of Eastern cultures fashion. Founded and helmed by Christina Pistofidou, and run in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team of creatives, the brand is growing season after season, with their collection including sarong-inspired garments, namely skirts, oversized trousers and tops today. We sat down with Christina to discuss the creative and business side of her company in an in-depth interview.

Please introduce yourselves to our readers.

Wéngko Molé is a silk resort wear brand that proposes a concept evolving from the nature of the sarong. The elegant character of our oriental-inspired designs complements the vibrant, bold prints that decorate the surface of the fine silk textiles printed in the UK, and places importance on intricacy, including handmade details sourced in every corner of the world. Shape and color work together to exude a sense of the exotic and faraway, and inspire our audience to be individual and find a sense of freedom from the routine.
Founded by myself (Christina Pistofidou) the team that has worked to build this concept-based brand includes many disciplines — from graphic and jewelry designers to our action photographer Alex Grymanis who has translated the ethereal nature of our silk into beautiful stills that unravel our story each year.

How did you step into the industry?

With a background in theatre sets and performance costume, I have always prioritized movement and comfort in my work, and have frequently designed for dance performances, exploring the relationship between skin, fabric and surface. My passion for layered prints has become a tool for celebrating movement through design, and led to the development of digitally printed silks to build unique silhouettes and an intimate, comfortable experience. I’ve previously worked in opera and dance, including the Royal Opera House and Scottish Opera, and stepped into fashion in 2013.

How did you begin designing sarongs? What was it that drew you to that particular item of clothing?

Our name Wéngko Molé describes the action of wrapping the sarong around the wearer as a means of protection, when the day fades away into the evening. The term originates from Indonesia, and defines the ethos and essence of the brand.
The first collection (“Layers,” Summer 2015) involved many sarong skirts as an introduction of the concept around which the brand has developed. We started with such a minimal shape to allow focus to be placed on the bold prints that decorate silk. Our sarongs and dresses were both one size and accompanied by handmade belts in various colors, that brought the garment down to the wearer’s size. The next summer collection maintains its one-size character, but introduces various new shapes, such as oversized trousers and tops.

What is the inspiration behind your prints?

As our collections progress, we introduce a new range of prints, and variations are released between seasons. The inspiration for these prints changes every year, but always aims to highlight the deep layering technique that makes the fabric exude color in a fresh and original way.

Why were you particularly drawn to the digital printing technique?

I first came across digital printing at university, using it as a replacement technique for traditional screen-printing on a multilayered costume for performance. That particular costume included digital prints inspired by heavy 17th century brocades in warm colors, then overlapped by a felt structure that showed glimpses of red and terracotta shine through. I soon realized the doors this new technique opened. The final result was beautiful, and urged me to explore digital printing further, as a method that works with fabric to complement the movement of the body.

Tell us about your philosophy on developing your products.

Inspired by the meaning of the sarong in Eastern cultures and lifestyle, our brand aims to bring its qualities to a Western audience. The sarong has been described as one of the most comfortable items of clothing for hot weather. It has belonged to the collections of most natives in hot Eastern countries who enjoy its qualities in any event and circumstance, from elegant ceremonies and celebrations to agricultural activities and working.
With this in mind, we propose a niche product that has evolved through the exploration of the sarong in selected Asian countries, and is produced with the finest materials sourced in Europe.

Is there an interesting story to share behind any of your designs?

Our prints are all designed around a unique concept, but all have an individual tale to tell. The story behind our designs will be revealed through our new “Prints Blog” found on our website, which will be out soon.

Are you involved in every aspect of your brand? What is the most rewarding part of running your business?

I manage the company, but a big part of the brand image is the result of teamwork with other artists and designers. I think that some of the most rewarding times are when the outcome of a collaboration shows perfect communication between members of the group; where every designer’s strength (color, white space, narrative, lighting, handcrafted detail) shines through the brand’s story without stealing from the main concept and purpose.

What can we expect from your next collection?

Inspired by Henri Matisse’s paper cutouts, our Summer 2016 collection looks into his early dreams and inspirations that set base for the colors born in his studio. From Oceanic art to Islamic tiles and textiles, our prints take us on a world tour of exoticism and color, for the ultimate experience of escape and freedom.
Our shapes have evolved, and now feature open-back dresses and one-size trousers in various lengths, accompanied by a selection of two brightly colored signature belts that tailor them to the wearer’s body.

Are you looking to expand your brand into other accessories?

There is room to expand the prints onto various fields, including winter collections and menswear, but, for now, we are only focusing on summer collections and a one-size concept, which we may soon expand to non-European markets.

www.wengkomole.com
Images © Wéngko Molé

Interview by Alexandra Zografou

This post originally appeared on lesassorties.com.

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Originally published at lesassorties.com on January 18, 2016.