In 2002, I featured Katherine Ong Cheng, a former opera singer turned fashion designer, in the September issue of People Asia. I decided to feature her because I admired her guts in putting up a retail business in which she had no experience but managed to succeed.
I met Katherine because I wanted to buy a bracelet from her store but only if they could change the colors of the stones. The saleslady called Katherine and informed her of my request. We met the following day. I expected to see a mature storeowner and was surprised to see somebody so young, like a schoolgirl. After we discussed my bracelet, Katherine told me that her boutique, K and Company, was her first business venture.
She was actually trained as an opera singer and was a graduate the UP Conservatory of Music, majoring in voice. Being an opera singer was her childhood dream so during her studies, she joined the Philippine Madrigal Singers and toured the US and Asia as one of the group’s lead singers.
But when she was not on tour or performing, she indulged in another passion, another dream she wanted to fulfill — designing clothes. She would retreat to her mother’s attic, which was her haven, and spend hours honing her creativity, translating her favorite ideas into classic designs. Her taste was so different from young ladies in their 20s who mostly liked trendy, avant-garde fashion.
Immediately after graduation, Katherine started K and Company but did not open a store just yet. She tested the waters by consigning her creations to some boutique owners. They sold very well and this encouraged her to open her own store but this was momentarily put on hold because of marriage and motherhood.
Immediately after daughter Danielle Alexis was born, husband Stanly Cheng helped Katherine put up her first boutique at Rockwell Power Plant mall. Her boutique sells simple, well-cut classical lines and accessories to embellish the clothes.
Katherine has one-of-a-kind beaded bags, bracelets, necklaces, and lariats that can be used as belts or necklaces. Semi-precious stones and crystal beads are set on sterling silver. All the items in her store are very affordable and that must be the secret of Katherine’s appeal to budget-conscious shoppers.
Today, seven years after her first boutique opened, K and Company has expanded and is found in Rockwell Power Plant, Glorietta 3, and Edsa Shangri-La Plaza.
Katherine has found the right recipe for success. Her classic, elegant designs are a big hit with busy career women who are always on the go. During the holiday season, when dressy lunches, office Christmas parties, cocktail parties, product launches are going on the whole month, most women have no time to go back home and change outfits. A classic dress from K and Company is a staple in a career woman’s wardrobe. The store’s loyal clients claim that her clothes are cut well and fit well, which are the main focus of Katherine when she is creating her designs.
“I want my clothes to be like second skin to the wearer,” Katherine enthuses.
For the holidays, she has new designs in attractive colors. They are also in materials that don’t show a hint of crease even after use. She discovered a kind of coated linen that has a sheen and does not crumple.
Katherine also uses satin-backed crepe that does not look tired after so many uses. Aside from her elegant classic clothes, she also has created a leisurewear line of dresses in cotton knit and jersey.
If you are looking for your all-day dress, whether for casual wear or dressy occasions, go to K and Company. You will get value for your money because you can use your dress time and time again.