A self-taught fashion accessories designer from Kuching started her own brand in 2020. Despite having no formal training in design and no means to pursue a course in jewellery making, this woman remains undeterred in pursuing her dream.
Often spotted with her short bangs hairstyle and looking tall and stylish, Pici Pamg is a Bidayuh mixed media artist and accessories designer. Here, she shares with us how she began her journey in this field, which is earning her some attention, especially in Kuala Lumpur.
Coming from a humble background, Pici shared, “I only completed Form 6 for my education and then worked in retail services until I was promoted to manager. However, finding it stressful and feeling somewhat burned out, I quit my retail job to search for something else to do.”
She reached out to Haus Kuching by renting a space in their building and turning it into a studio for four months to try out some creative work on her own. She did find what she was looking for.
Pici started her brand, Scars by Raci, in 2020 with her friend Razor Ovager.
“I was experimenting with wires and unintentionally crafted an earcuff just for fun, which I then uploaded onto my social media. To my surprise, my friend Razor saw great potential in the design, believing it could develop into something more. We brainstormed the design together and came out with our first batch of bold and statement-making accessories. I am thankful to Razor for believing in me and supporting me throughout this ‘Scars by Raci’ journey,” she said, adding that since she was young, she has been aware of being a creative child, distinct in interests from her siblings, as her mother often says.
Their designs were initially available online through Instagram. However, over time, their project evolved, transitioning from local photoshoots to eventually being featured in a magazine in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Several celebrities and singers have worn their designs, including pieces worn by the talented sape player Alena Murang for her shoot.
Most of her accessories carry a slight weight due to the use of high-quality beads. The bralette, in particular, which hangs over the chest and shoulders, can have some heft to it, occasionally causing the bead pattern to leave a temporary impression on the wearer’s skin.
It is akin to creating a fleeting mark on the wearer, which actually serves as the inspiration for the designs, according to Pici, who has been told she looks like a northern Thai indigenous person.
Pici’s work explores the links between the form of objects and the body. She considers the relationship between the body and jewellery as an important partnership that represents both the personality of the wearer and the effects of wearing it.
“Deep down, I want so much to create something different from normal jewellery, as I consider the relationship between the body and jewellery an important partnership. We have been accessorising ourselves since our ancestors’ days, and our rich indigenous crafts have also influenced my art in some ways,” explained Pici, who wore a beautiful piece around her neck — a high collar metal piece combined with pearls. (See picture of her wearing it).
Her focus on modernist expression has created art that is characteristic of her work. The result is simply a daring line of accessories suitable for all genders and anyone in between!
Pici is also a freelancer in the film industry, working in the art and wardrobe departments. Additionally, she curates art exhibitions and handles backstage operations for fashion shows.
