On the Map

Meet these Malaysian fashion designers who are making waves around the world with their forward-thinking and innovative designs

-  Zue Wei Leong

KHOON HOOI

Since launching his eponymous label in 1999, Khoon Hooi has become synonymous with luxury and red carpet glamour. “I’ve always known that occasion wear is an extremely niche market, especially in Malaysia,” admits the homegrown fashion designer and couturier. “But I see this as a great opportunity to make luxury couture more accessible here while catering to the huge demand abroad.”

In the last decade, he has become a big hit in the Middle East where social calendars are packed with glamorous private parties, each requiring a unique gown with enough flair and drama to match its extravagant locations in Dubai, Doha and more.

His latest frontier is Hollywood. But the road has not been without its challenges.

In 2019, his signature pieces began appearing on the world’s most recognisable names, such as Mandy Moore, Katy Perry and Ginnifer Goodwin, before the world halted to a stop due to the pandemic. Travel bans and movement restrictions were implemented worldwide, hitting the global fashion industry—particularly, couture and high fashion—the hardest.

“It was a difficult time,” says Khoon Hooi. However, he is fuelled by a determination to regain momentum in North America and his hard work and dedication has paid off. Recently, he has become popular among rising stars in the TV and film industry, such as Quinta Brunson, Tessa Thompson, and Emmy Raver-Lampman.