The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion
The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion |
| Welcome to Melinda Looi's world Posted: 26 May 2011 02:38 AM PDT A new column offering opinions on fashion and other matters, from a designer's point of view. SO, celebrations are in order. I have finally joined the ranks of designers with a lyrical purpose. While I am no award-winning columnist or even an aspiring writer, this column will be the perfect opportunity to express my ideas and thoughts on all things fashion ... and beyond. My name is Melinda Looi and I am a fashion designer. They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. In terms of my connection with fashion, I was practically born into it. My family's source of income came from tailoring and fashion manufacturing. My earliest childhood memories were that of my siblings and me running around the factory floor amidst sewing machines and rolls of cloth. But even with my keen connection to fashion, I was leaning more towards the fine arts. When I hinted to my parents that I wanted to pursue an education in that field, they shot the idea down. They had a biased perception that I would either starve to death (from not being able to make a living as an artist) or only get famous when I am deceased. So truth be told, the options were not really desirable. It didn't come to anyone's surprise that my parents were supportive when I brought up the idea of fashion designing. After a whirlwind romance with the arts, I finally found my true calling and accepted a scholarship in Montreal, Canada. That set the ball rolling. Fast forward 10 years and I am now older and wiser with three children. I have three fashion brands (Melinda Looi Couture, Melinda Looi Pret-A-Porter, Mell Basics) and Mell Eyewear. I am blessed with many loyal supporters of my fashion including international celebrities and real women the world over. I am busy running a business and travelling to all corners of the world to be inspired. You may think I have come a long way, but I like to say that I have learnt life lessons the hard way. I learnt that success doesn't come easy, there are no easy shortcuts and there will be trials and tribulations. Along the bumpy paths, you'll meet wonderful people, get pats on the back and be provided support. And that is what makes it all worthwhile. I will never forget my first customer, or the first person who gave me my first big break or my first runway show. Likewise, I will never forget today which marks my very first column; it's humbling and memorable. I look forward to all the learning curves, as well as your questions and feedback. I sincerely hope my readers will embark on this new chapter of my life with me as Melinda Looi, the fashion/lifestyle columnist. > Award-winning fashion designer Melinda Looi tries to marry consumerism and materialism with environmental consciousness, and believes her greatest creations are her children. Follow her on Facebook or write in to star2@thestar.com.my. Mel's Place will appear fortnightly on Thursdays, alternating with Sense Of Style. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
| Posted: 26 May 2011 12:54 AM PDT Fashion brands reinforce their commitment to support recovery efforts in Japan. IT is always fashionable to be kind. The earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March continues to inspire people all over the world to lend a helping hand. Fortunately, fashion houses have also come forward to do their part. Now's your chance to help in some small way and look trendy at the same time. Star quality In an effort to support the disaster relief in Japan, A|X Armani Exchange has organised a fund-raising event this Saturday (May 28). Scheduled as a meet and greet session with celebrities, it is held at A/X Armani Exchange store on level two of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from 3pm to 5pm. Fans get to purchase an exclusive "A|X Loves Japan" T-shirt and get the stars to sign on it. Celebrities at the event include Amy Search, Belinda Chee, Owen Yap, William San, Atilia, IZ, Ryzal, Lynn Lim, Jojo Goh, Carmen Soo, Dennis Lau, Xandria Ooi, Bittersweet, Tracy Cheong, Karena Teo and Joanne Yew. The limited edition tee in white is retailed at RM120. That's not all, you can take a picture with your favourite celebrity and donate any amount. Proceeds from the sale of this T-shirt and photography session with the stars will be channeled to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and subsequently to Red Cross Society in Japan. Wrist wonder Luxury fashion house Gucci has created a limited edition charity bracelet to support earthquake relief efforts in Japan. All proceeds from the bracelet's sales will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society to support victims of the devastating Higashi Nihon Dai-Shinsai earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March. Featuring a white-red-white web that recalls the colors of the Japanese flag, the bracelet carries a medal with a message that reads "Gucci loves you." Detailing includes non-allergenic white calf leather on the lining and Italian brand's iconic horsebit. The one-size bracelet offers three adjustable sizes. The charity bracelet made its debut at Gucci stores in Japan shortly after the earthquake, followed by worldwide distribution in Gucci flagship stores across the United States, Europe and Asia including Malaysia. Priced at RM430, the bracelet is sold at Gucci boutiques in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Suria KLCC. Flaunt this tee A brand designed for men, Show Off carries a range of casual wear inspired by the street and runway. The British brand believes that fashion should be made available to just about anyone who wants to flaunt his body. To express support and love for Japan, Show Off has created a series of fund-raising T-shirts. Motifs on the tees are colourful and quirky, ranging from samurai elements to prints illustrating the crane (bird with thin long neck and legs). The tees are priced at RM99 each and sold at Mooks outlets in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Suria KLCC; 50% of the profits will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross via Red Crescent Society Malaysia. – William K.C. Kee Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
| Posted: 26 May 2011 12:24 AM PDT SOME of the biggest challenges faced by fashion designers include getting exposure for their products and marketing them. Thankfully in the Malaysian fashion scene, there are many avenues to getting one's brand out there. Recently, Malaysian International Fashion Alliance (Mifa) and Maxis Berhad opened The Twelve, a fashion concept store at Fahrenheit 88 in Kuala Lumpur. The store is a physical extension of Maxis' fashion portal (www.fashionista.my), which was launched last November. "Maxis is keen on providing services beyond telecommunication; that was one of the reasons we launched fashionista.my. The website has been doing very well since it began, so we decided to take it a step further and collaborated with Mifa to open The Twelve," explained T. Kugan, vice president of product, device and innovation for Maxis. The Twelve essentially serves as a platform for selected local designers to showcase their products to a large urban market. The concept store stocks products from 12 designers, whose merchandise are also available on the fashion portal. The brands were chosen based on the commercial viability of their designs. The designers must be able to produce enough items not just for the store, but also to meet export demands should the opportunity arise. The featured couturiers and labels are TAS Iman by Tom Abang Saufi, Zero To Ten, PU3, Radzuan Radziwill, Key Ng, Sasha Rowena, Benson Chen, Shinju Pearls and JKhan. There are also selected designers who showcase their work under the Bumiputra Designers Association (BDA) and Young Designers' Arena (YODA) banner. At the same time, The Twelve has a space dedicated to uREKA, a collective group of artists helmed by Lucas Blim that create art-inspired products like stationery, handmade dolls, paintings and more. Several in-store events, including monthly fashion shows by the labels, will be held throughout the year. You can look out for updates on www.fashionista.my. – Melody L. Goh > The Twelve is located at Lot G21 & G22, Fahrenheit 88, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan