Sonia is a Hong Kong-born, London-raised, and internationally-based designer specializing in accessory creation and product development, with over 10 years of experience working with the leading sportswear and luxury industry.
With her love and passion for fashion and accessories, she decided to pursue a degree in accessories design at Central Saint Martin and London College of Fashion. During her time at Vivienne Westwood, Sonia focused on designing men's and women's large leather goods, small leather goods, homeware, and soft accessories for the global line, fashion show, and Japan license collection. She created several signature bags for the house, including the Alex, the Sofia, and the Kelly, and led the development of the "Made in Africa with Love" collection, which focused on sustainability and became one of the company's best-selling collections.
Her work demonstrated her passion for responsible design ethics, creativity, and a tailored approach to fashion and accessories.
In 2019, she joined Anta Sport as the Design Director for Accessories, overseeing the development of both performance and lifestyle collections. As a design lead for Anta, Sonia had the incredible opportunity to design the accessories collection for the national Olympic team at Beijing 2022 Olympic Games. These projects allowed her to apply her skills and expertise in creating designs that were not only visually striking but also functional and comfortable, ensuring that the athletes could perform at their best.
As Design Director, Sonia is involved in all aspects of the creative and design process, from creative directions to developing initial concepts to guiding the final product. Her work in both the leather goods and sports industry is driven by her passion for responsible and sustainable design and her commitment to blending fashion and sports aesthetics to create innovative and stylish accessories that meet the needs of athletes and fashion-conscious consumers alike. Throughout her career, Sonia has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring young designers and cultivating the next generation of talent in the fashion and sportswear industry.
SUSTAINABILITY
ETHICAL FASHION AFRICA
The Vivienne Westwood Africa collection is a collaboration between Vivienne Westwood and the Ethical Fashion Initiative, an organization that connects artisans from Africa to the global fashion industry. The collection was launched in 2011 and features a range of handbags, accessories, and clothing made by local artisans in Nairobi, Kenya. The goal of the collection is to provide employment and sustainable income for marginalized African communities while also creating a high-end fashion line. Each piece is handcrafted using traditional techniques and materials, such as reused roadside banners, and recycle canvas, to reduce waste and environmental impact. The Made in Africa collections feature a wide range of bag styles for both men and women, including unisex rucksacks, totes, patchwork drawstring bags, and Maasai hand-beaded clutches and key rings. In addition to supporting local communities, the Vivienne Westwood Africa collection also aims to raise awareness about issues such as fair trade, sustainable fashion, and the importance of supporting local artisans. The collection has received international recognition and has been showcased at fashion events around the world, helping to promote the Ethical Fashion Initiative's mission and increase the visibility of African fashion in the global fashion industry..