A LIST OF TOP 5 MALAYSIAN FASHION DESIGNERS

In this article we will talk about modern day designers who's made Malaysia proud to call them one of our own.

These men and women are pioneers of their industry and have achieved considerable amount of success in their career. With styles ranging from traditional clothing such as baju kurung and kebaya, formal attires such a suits and tuxedos to luxury goods such as shoes and leather goods; they have all succeeded in making a name for their selves both locally and on a global scale. These men and women have come a long way from where they first started and are now enjoying various degrees of success and not to mention the fame and fortune that comes with it.

Lets take a look at each of these candidates and how far they've come and the marks and name they've made for themselves in the modern world.


1 - Bernard Chandran

Dato' Bernard Chandran or better known as Bernard Chandran was born on the 27th of February 1968. He is crowned as Malaysia's "King Of Fashion" for a very good reason. Born to parents of Chinese and Indian heritage, he grew up in a typical Malaysian household in Petaling Jaya. His interest in fashion started when he was 16. He attended a local fashion college in Petaling Jaya called International Fashion Training Centre. In early 1990's, Chandran expanded his knowledge by doing an apprenticeship in Paris, France. His first boutique was located in KL Plaza and there he amassed a clientele of Malaysia's rich and famous. Amongst the people who adores his clothing are royal families of Malaysia and Brunei. He also have several other boutiques around the world, most notably in the one located in Knightsbridge, London. With a long list of awards, there is no doubt that he is our "King of Fashion".

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2- Jimmy Choo

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Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat or better known as Dato' Jimmy Choo was born in George Town, Penang. He is the founder of Jimmy Choo Ltd

which specializes in women's footwear. Dato' Choo's exposure to the industry came early on in his. His family have been in the trade for a long time. At age 11, under the supervision of his father, Jimmy made his first shoes. He attended London College of Fashion (formerly known as Cordwainers Technical College). After college, he went on to open his first boutique in London in the borough of Hackney in 1986. Words of his designs spread fast and he was soon featured in several prominent publications. With the publicity comes new clientele, and amongst them was Diana, the Princess of Wales who helped him gain more popularity within the fashion world. He went on to create successful brands such as Jimmy Choo, Jimmy Choo Couture Line, and Jimmy Choo London Line.

3 - Melinda Looi

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Next up on our is list is the award winning fashion designer Melinda Looi. This three time Designer of The Year award winner was born in Kuala Lumpur to a tailor mother. Her ambition as a youngster was to be an artist but with opposition from her parents, she chose to go into the apparel business. Fans of her design consists of socialites, royalty and celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Mena Suvari and Britney Spears. She started her own brand Mellooi Creation in 2000. Her annual collection of Malaysian traditional clothing for Eid (Hari Raya) named Emel by Melinda Looi consists of Malaysian staples such as baju kurung, baju kebaya, etc. Brands under her management are Melinda Looi Couture, Melinda Looi Prêt-à-Porter, MELL, MELL BASICS, and Emel.

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4 - Jovian Mandangie

Jovian Mandangie was born in Indonesia. His family emigrated to Malaysia when he was young and he's been based here ever since. His creations have adorned the bodies of local celebrities such as many members of the royal family and the rich and famous. In 2015, he partnered up with Johorean Princess, Tunku Tun Aminah to create a collection called Tunku Tun Aminah x Jovian Madgie.
Jovian Mandangie has won many awards and accolades for his creations and is a well known name amongst the know who.
He is known for his Malay inspired pieces such as baju kurung and baju kebaya. For more information on baju kurung, check out our baju kurung page here. For more information on baju kebaya, check out our baju kebaya page here.

5 - Farah Khan

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Farah Khan is well known for her stylish and modern designs. Her brand "Farah Khan" can be found in international locations around the world. She is a Malaysian fashion mogul and is the founder of The Melium Group. The Melium Group owns many upscale retail outlets and distributes big name international brands locally and in Indonesia. It's retail locations can be found in upscale malls in Malaysia and Indonesia such as Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC, The Gardens Mall, FK Malls, and Seminyak Village Shopping Mall. With those accomplishments under leadership, she truly is a mogul.


We are very proud of these individuals for what they have done for the Malaysian fashion industry. With people like these, it is safe to say that the upcoming generation will have people they can look up to. In the future, our aspiring fashionistas won't need to look far for inspiration. In the future, names such as Bernard Chandran, Jimmy Choo, Melinda Looi, Jovian Madgie and Farah Khan will be named alongside titans such as Coco Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.