Red carpet royalty
Renowned for his intricate embellishments and elegant tailoring, Khoon Hooi is a mainstay in Malaysia’s luxury fashion landscape. His signature aesthetic blends intricate beading, expert tailoring, and timeless silhouettes, worn by the likes of Mindy Kaling, Katy Perry, Sofia Carson, and Zooey Deschanel on red carpets and magazine covers. While his evening gowns are showstoppers, Khoon Hooi also reinvents traditional styles like the qipao with modern flair –perfect for weddings, festivities, and Lunar New Year celebrations.
Avant-garde with purpose
Few designers blend artistry and activism like Melinda Looi. Known for her bold, avant-garde creations, her work stretches beyond the runway, spanning uniform design, Muslimah wear, and even interiors. A pioneer in pushing fashion’s creative boundaries, Melinda also made headlines during the pandemic by collaborating with fellow designers to produce PPE for frontline workers. Her label is more than just about making a statement: she’s proof that fashion can make a difference, too.
Tradition reimagined
Despite being from a conservative Chinese family, Kel Wen, the owner and designer of Behati, has always loved Muslim culture. When he failed to find a baju Melayu that fit when planning a visit to a friend's place, he started researching more about it – and Behati was born. The brand creates garments that blend casual comfort with traditional motifs, aiming to inspire more youths to make traditional wear a daily part of their closet.
Ready-to-wear
Founded by designer sisters Yen and Shirley, Mag Lifestyle is all about a minimalist aesthetic and comfort-driven design. The brand champions wardrobe essentials with a clean silhouette, tailored cuts, and comfort-first fabrics. From workwear to weekend looks – and festive collections for weddings, Chinese New Year, and beyond – the designs focus on effortless style with thoughtful craftsmanship. Mag Lifestyle’s latest runway collection, Aurora SS25, features soft ruffles, playful fringes, and hand-sewn detailing.
Ethereal and effortless
Alia Bastamam’s namesake label embodies sensuality and softness, offering ethereal drapes, fluid lines, and a muted, romantic palette. Since launching in 2010, the designer has presented collections at major fashion weeks across Milan, Shanghai, Dubai, and New York. Her dreamy designs are a favourite for bridalwear and occasion dressing, as seen when actress Scha Alyahya wore Alia Bastamam to the 80th Venice Film Festival, cementing the brand’s international prestige.
