You don’t need a degree to design a masterpiece. While aspiring doctors and lawyers spend years buried in textbooks and exams, fashion designers craft their futures with creativity, passion, and practice. Many renowned designers from Paris to Milan have educational backgrounds in fields other than fashion because when it comes to style, vision is just as powerful as a diploma.
Miuccia Prada got her PhD in political science, Donatella Versace studied literature and languages, Giorgio Armani attained a degree in medicine, and Cristóbal Balenciaga – the legendary couturier – never attended fashion school, proving that true mastery is born from passion.
Then, there’s Charmaine Law and Pamela Bong – the dynamic duo behind Missordré. Charmaine is an economics graduate, while Pamela earned her double degree in finance and accounting from the UK. “We never set foot in fashion school – not even close – but our passion for style has been with us since childhood,” Charmaine shares. Today, their brand is proof that talent and determination can outshine traditional paths.
When asked about her journey into fashion, Charmaine shares, “I honed my eye for fashion and styling through shopping. I truly believe that immersing yourself in what’s out there is the best way to break into the industry and understand its ever-evolving landscape.”
As for Pamela, her mother owned a factory in China for many years. “I grew up surrounded by the fashion industry and the production side of things, so it always felt very natural to me,” she shares, “it was something that had been at the back of my mind since I was young.” So when the opportunity came, she decided to dive right in and pursue her passion for fashion.
Besides, Pamela had already made her mark in the local fashion industry before co-founding Missordré. “My first brand, Petit Moi, caters to the mass modest market, while my second venture, Zora Designers, focuses on a younger, fashion-forward modest audience,” she explains.
Their personal styles inspired the making of Missordré
Despite being partners, Charmaine and Pamela have distinct styles. “I prefer timeless pieces but style them in a fun, streetwear-inspired way. I don’t like my outfits to be too formal, so I prefer to pair structured outwear with biker shorts and sneakers,” Charmaine explains.
She adds, “I love Coco Chanel and Azzedine Alaïa – Chanel for its timeless sophistication, and Miu Miu for its unique blend of femininity with strong masculine elements. I also appreciate underwear layering and the fresh, modern touches the brand brings.”
In contrast, Pamela describes her style as playful, layered, and structured. She leans towards a more casual and safe approach, favouring classic colours and comfortable designs. “I appreciate feminine silhouettes, like the elegant bar jacket vibe from Dior,” Pamela says.
She adds that she admires Chanel for its ageless elegance, and loves Ralph Lauren for his consistency as a designer and his signature silhouettes. “His designs have a sleek, effortless appeal that I truly appreciate.”
Nevertheless, their styles collide in the best way possible, seamlessly blending into Missordré – a fusion of their distinct personal aesthetics.
The birth of Missordré
After years of immersing themselves in the world of fashion, Charmaine and Pamela are now boldly embarking on their own journey – ready to redefine style with their unique vision.
“It was a challenging journey,” Charmaine reflects, while Pamela adds, “We pushed ourselves through countless hurdles last November, working tirelessly to launch the brand in time for Chinese New Year 2025.”
The months leading up to Missordré’s launch were intense,” Charmaine recalls. “We spent countless nights researching trends, sketching designs, and refining silhouettes. There were so many shifts in styles because I wanted to ensure that every look is perfect for the Missordré customer.”
She travelled across multiple countries to source the finest materials, including silk, organza, tweed, and organic cotton. “At the same time, we worked with artists to bring our vision to life through sketches,” Pamela explains. “Then came the sampling and development phase – tweaking every detail until we felt it was just right before moving forward.”
Charmaine oversees the design and production processes, ensuring every detail is meticulously crafted. She personally selects fabrics sourced from around the world, ensuring the highest quality for each piece. “Sourcing the right materials is just as important as the design itself. At the same time, I’ll need to watch the pricing for each fabric,” she explains.
The final product is always a joint decision between the two of them. They carefully consider every detail to ensure it aligns with their vision for Missordré. “From the design elements to the custom dustbags, we strive to make the brand feel truly authentic,” Pamela says.
Redefining fashion within reach
The essence of Missordré’s designs is unmistakable – it’s a contemporary tribute to the timeless elegance of Chanel. “I’ve always admired the sophistication of Coco Chanel’s aesthetic,” says Pamela. “But let’s be real – luxury fashion often comes with a price tag that’s out of reach for many. We saw a gap between high-end couture and well-crafted, accessible tweed pieces,” she adds.
That’s how Missordré was born: a brand that blends impeccable craftsmanship with attainable luxury, bringing exquisite tweed designs to those who appreciate quality without compromise. “We want Missordré customers to exude high fashion without the high price tag,” Charmaine says.
While tweed remains the primary fabric, Pamela and Charmaine recognise the importance of considering Malaysia’s warm climate. This inspires them to incorporate lighter, breathable fabrics to ensure their designs remain cool and airy. “We explore the versatility by pairing it with organza and silk, creating a seamless fusion of Eastern and Western influences, accentuated by intricate details like Chinese buttons and collars.”
The collection showcases structured tailoring with a balance of femininity and authority, featuring bold cuts throughout. “We designed the tweed jackets and tops this way to appeal to a wider audience, including men,” Charmaine explains.
There’s more to come for Missordré
Missordre’s customers come from all over, with a strong presence in Malaysia. Currently, their designs are available at a pop-up store in TS Law tower, where a vibrant blend of candy pastel pink and yellow stands out against the surrounding grey and white corporate tones.
“We want to clarify that pink and yellow – or any pastel shades – are not Missordré’s official colours. They were simply chosen as the theme for our first Chinese New Year collection,” Charmaine explains.
“Every collection we create tells a new story. The next one will come in bold colours, dynamic silhouettes, and striking textures to define Missordré. This is more than fashion; it’s a statement. And trust us, the best is yet to come. Stay tuned for what’s next,” Pamela says.
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