by House of Spy
“ Wong was caught between science and fashion, but decided to ditch her lab coat for fabric and scissors…”[]

If the electronic music scene and fashion were to have a love child, it would be called House of Spy and it would be moulded and designed by Wendy Wong, the biology student turned fashion designer. The solo Canadian designer whose first clothing line started in 2000 has been busy working on her second line that reflects a change in style, just as the sophisticated changes in her life.
After studying at the University of Toronto and working part time as a receptionist at the International Academy of Design and Technology, Wong was caught between science and fashion, but decided to ditch her lab coat for fabric and scissors. The free courses her part time job offered allowed Wong’s passion to transform into a career. House of Spy, Wong’s first line, debuted in 2000, right at the peak of the electronic music scene. “I was heavily involved [in the electronic music scene] and it influenced everything I designed,” said Wong. The mantra of the line was a balance between stylish enough for the streets, but comfortable enough to dance in all night long.
But after the electronic days had come and gone, Wong’s line still stuck around but needed to change, just as she had. “I had been toying with the idea of rebranding the line for a few seasons since the line had been growing and maturing with me and I was going in a much dressier, contemporary direction.” After struggling to say goodbye to House of Spy, the final push Wong needed happened when Barney’s wanted to put House of Spy on the shelves but leave the name behind. “I will always look fondly on House of spy but that label was a reflection of me in my 20’s.” Just as Wong matured into a more polished and sophisticated woman, her next clothing line, Maison, which she considers to be a reflection of herself in her 30’s, came to fruition.

The inspiration for the line often comes from Wong’s travels, as she can be found in North America on Monday and in Europe by Friday. Because she travels so much, Wong is constantly exposed to other cultures, vintage clothing, art and architecture that often are the jump start to an entire collection. When thinking Maison, think the effortless and quirky styles of Chloe Sevigny, Mila Jovovich and Sarah Jessica Parker. “The Maison woman is a confident and self assured person who enjoys creative sophistication with their wardrobe. Someone with a zest for life and that needs a great wardrobe to take her from day to night. She appreciates fabrics and fits and can seamlessly mix old and new without being hung up on what’s trendy.”

Visit Pho Pa, Frock or Independent De Signers Outlet in Toronto for Maison merchandise or
http://www.maisonclothing.com for a complete list of Canadian retailers.