Hong Kong fashion designer Pacino Wan (right) has been working flat out over the past couple of months to reinterpret Playboy's legendary costume for its Asia-based bunnies. He says it's been a daunting task given that the outfit is such an iconic representation of American culture: it was the first uniform to be issued a trademark registration in the United States. Wan's four shortlisted designs (below) were unveiled prior to a fashion show of vintage and modern bunny costumes at the Sands Macau in October, and the winning costume is currently being selected at Playboy HQ.
'I had to keep the bunny ears, cottontail, bow tie and cuffs, so it was more about working with details to give an Asian feel,' Wan says. 'Two of the final designs combine the bow tie with a Mandarin collar and I've also incorporated the butterfly buttons of the cheongsam, plus Chinese motifs on the fabric. As for colour, I've relied on red a lot, as it's so important within Chinese culture. All the designs are still very sexy.'
Wan also needed to consider the differences between Western and Eastern silhouettes while working on his designs.
'Asian women are generally more in proportion and have more delicate frames than those in the West, so I've opted for a very fitted look.'
While the uniforms may still fit like a glove, stretchable fabric ensures they are far more comfortable than those that debuted in the 1960s, which were constructed from a 'merry widow' boned corset.
