Profile: Sai On Leng Hsai – Real Leather Design Competitions

Sai On Leng Hsai

Raffles Design Institute

Hello, my full name is Sai On Leng Hsai, but everyone calls me Leng. I am 20 years old and originally from Keng Tung, Shan State, Myanmar. Currently, I am a second-year student majoring in Fashion Design at Raffles International College Bangkok. Since childhood, I’ve always loved drawing. However, I never imagined that fashion design would one day become my true passion. I believe that behind every passion, there's a story—and mine began during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 and 2021. Like many others, I was stuck at home, learning online and adjusting to a new routine. With more free time on my hands, I began exploring creative outlets. One day, I decided to sew a pair of pajama pants using our old sewing machine. That simple act sparked something in me. After that, I became deeply inspired by watching runway shows from designers like Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. I was fascinated by how garments moved, the details, the textures—and I started cutting fabric by freehand, even if it wasn’t technically correct. I didn’t have formal skills yet, but I had a strong desire to create. That’s how my journey began—through passion, experimentation, and inspiration. Fashion design has now become my voice and my dream, and I’m excited to keep growing and telling my story through every stitch and sketch.

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Category: Apparel

Competitions: Thailand

When I first started thinking about designing garments with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, I wanted to create something that reflected both creativity and consciousness. That’s when the idea of blending fashion, pop art, and music came to me. The thought of combining these elements, especially as it was my first time experimenting with such a concept, made me feel excited and inspired. For the artistic influence, I chose Peter Max, known for his vibrant, psychedelic artwork that is full of life, bold colors, and expressive imagery. His work adds a dynamic and eye-catching element to my designs, helping the garments stand out and communicate a visual message. Each piece incorporates elements of his style to reflect a sense of freedom, imagination, and positivity. In addition to art, I also selected a muse—Conan Gray, a singer-songwriter whose emotional storytelling and distinctive fashion sense align with the mood I want to convey. His style is modern, fluid, and emotionally rich, which perfectly matches the aesthetic direction of my collection. I also drew inspiration from military design, incorporating structured silhouettes, strong lines, and utilitarian elements to contrast and complement the artistic softness. By combining these influences—fashion, art, music, and military style—I aim to create garments that are not only eco-conscious but also meaningful and deeply expressive, offering wearers a way to tell their own story.