Melinda Looi MELINDA LOOI

Melinda Looi Born Kuala Lumpur Nationality Malaysian Education La Salle School of Fashion, Montreal Occupation Fashion designer Awards Designer of the Year 2004, 2006, 2009 (Malaysian International Fashion Awards & Mercedes Benz STYLO Fashion Awards]) Labels MELINDA LOOI COUTURE, MELINDA LOOI, MELL, MELL BASICS

Melinda Looi (born as Looi Lai Yee in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is an award-winning fashion designer. She has won the title Designer of the Year three times, twice at the Malaysian International Fashion Awards Malaysian International Fashion Week and latest in 2009 at Mercedes Benz Stylo Fashion Awards. Three distinct brands to her name: Melinda Looi Couture, Melinda Looi Prêt-à-Porter and MELL, & MELL BASICS (basics made from certified Organic Cotton) involved in numerous and very diverse collaborations reaching from charities and eco-friendly events to art projects as well as collaborations with brands such as L'Oreal, Levi's, Swatch, etc

Education and Early Years Melinda Looi was born into a family where her mother was an Cheong Sam tailor. She studied at the La Salle Institute of Design in Kuala Lumpur before winning the title of Malaysia Young Designer Award in 1995. The prize was a scholarship to study at the La Salle School of Fashion in Montreal, Canada. In 1998, Melinda returned to Malaysia and worked for her parents’ business for a year before venturing out on her own. Within the short span of her ten years of creating unique story-telling 'art pieces', the designer's prêt-a-porter wear and couture line have won an international clientele from all over the world and Malaysia. Her clients range from socialites to the working professionals, and royalty to celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Britney Spears and Mena Suvari.

Her passion for culture, theatrics and costume culture is reflected in her designs - the gothic tradition of 'avant-garde' is her signature, and eclectic vintage is her handwriting. The designer has confessed her love for chiffon which she finds sexy and classy, as predominantly used in most of her creations. Melinda’s favourite designer is Jean Paul Gaultier for his ever changing bold and adventurous style that dares to be different. One of her dreams is to establish a museum in Malaysia dedicated to the Malaysian fashion industry and the history of fashion.

Fashion Business Mellooi Creation was formed in the year 2000 to take the designer’s creations to greater horizons while also strengthening the brands. Today, a private limited status has been formulated and Mellooi Creation Sdn. Bhd. was created to further develop business opportunities for Melinda Looi Couture, Melinda Looi Prêt-a-Porter, and MELL in local and international markets. Lately, she has been participating in the Islamic Fashion Festivals in Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, venturing into a new and booming market, with her creations that were traditional yet modern.

Brands Melinda Looi Couture Melinda Looi Couture is the designer’s top of the line collection under the brand. It is made to measure exclusive clothes with the usage of the finest quality materials such as French laces and silk-chiffons. The line is also extended to sophisticated bridal gowns with rich fabrics and luxurious details. The Melinda Looi Couture Showroom is located in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur where the couture collections can be found and the designer herself welcomes local and international clientele.

Awards · World Fashion Week, Malaysian Representative, Paris · Designer of the Year 2009, Mercedes Benz STYLO Fashion Awards, Kuala Lumpur · Designer of the Year 2006, MIFW, Kuala Lumpur · Designer of the Year 2004, MIFW, Kuala Lumpur · Most Dynamic Designer 2003, MIFA, Kuala Lumpur · Asia Pacifica Young Designer Award 2000, Hong Kong · Winter Wedding Dress Contest 1997, Canada · White Creation Award 1997, Canada · ASEAN Designer Award 1995, Singapore · Cotton Award 1995, Japan · Malaysia Young Designer Award 1995, Kuala Lumpur