Searching for a Hong Kong clothing brand that is stylish and made for a female figure can be quite a task. However, the women’s clothing line Rollercoaster takes a body positive approach to designing stylishly size inclusive collections. Here’s what designer VALENTINA MONZONI has to say about her business.
What’s your background in women’s clothing?
I’ve always been passionate about fashion, but I never had a budget to buy what I wanted. I don’t come from a wealthy family. My parents separated when I was six, and my mother, my brother and I moved in with my grandmother and aunt. I never lacked for anything – I grew up in an environment full of love and was raised by strong women who made immense sacrifices, but attending university was not an accessible option.
At 15, I started working after school in a women’s clothing store in my town. It wasn’t easy; I had to wear heels and always be dressed well. My evenings were dedicated to study to keep my grades high. After graduating from school, I started working for one of the trendiest stores in Varese. It was exciting because the owner involved me in the business decisions. I learned so much.
Everything I create is a product of the experience I’ve gained working in this industry, through research, mistakes, my love for art and drawing and, above all, a great passion.
How did you get your Hong Kong clothing brand idea?
One evening, after a family dinner, my daughter and I started sketching clothes we would love to wear. As a shopping enthusiast, I’ve always struggled to find quality clothes in this amazing city, due to the lack of size inclusivity, and very few options between low-cost labels and high-end brands.
Driven by the desire to create something inclusive for every woman and to be a role model for my daughter in helping her accept her body – she has been the target of vicious body shaming at school – I started designing my first body positive collection.
The name Rollercoaster came naturally as I often tell my daughter that life is like a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs and terrifying twists. When you hit rock bottom, the only way is up. And we’ve hit that bottom several times in recent years! We’ve lost beloved family members, and I underwent multiple surgeries for skin cancer and survived a uterine cancer diagnosis. We know how precious and short life is.
Why is a body positive perspective important to you?
My collections are designed with inclusivity, comfort and style in mind. Most of the garments I design feature soft lines and high waists. Some are one size and can be worn by women with different body shapes. Others come in specific sizes, but the design is always created with the intention of making every woman feel comfortable in her own body. Since each individual is different, I also enjoy working on custom-made pieces. This gives my clients the opportunity to choose their preferred fabric and print.
Inclusivity is paramount; women of all types are central to my brand. This is why, for my photoshoots, I choose not to use traditional models. Instead, I feature women I meet on the street, friends, mothers and community members of Women of Hong Kong. This body positive approach celebrates real beauty and diversity, making my designs relatable and authentic.
How does Rollercoaster embrace slow fashion?
Firstly, in the timeless designs – I try to create pieces that remain stylish beyond trends and that are adaptable, encouraging long-term investment. I also personally source high-quality, sustainable fabrics that are durable and eco-friendly to reduce waste and promote longevity, and the pieces are produced in small batches to ensure fair labour practices. Leftover fabrics are used to create headbands.
What’s coming up for the brand?
The next women’s clothing collection will be available from mid-October, featuring exciting new styles. Last year, as I faced my daughter’s struggles with body shaming and her loss of confidence, I began sharing my experiences. This led to beautiful connections with women who had experienced similar circumstances. Together, we’re now collaborating on an exciting project to challenge how people in HK view unattainable beauty standards. I can’t say too much, but watch this space! I want the new generation to understand that each body is beautiful in its own way. We are defined by our stories, emotions, actions and dreams, not our appearances.
Check out this Hong Kong clothing brand at rollercoaster-vm.com and get updates about their new women’s clothing collection on Instagram at @rollercoaster.vm.
This article about the Hong Kong clothing brand Rollercoaster first appeared in the Autumn 2024 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue!
