Multi-Award Winning Malaysian Designer Melinda Looi Wows Audience with "Lost in the Forest" Couture Collection at Bangkok International Fashion Week (BIFW) 2013

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, December 01, 2013 --(PR.com)-- The show was attended by Malaysian Trade Commissioner in Bangkok, Mr. Niqman Rafaee M. Sahar, and his wife Tengku Eliza Ibrahim. Also present was Ms. Nordiana Zin Zawaw, second secretary at the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok.

Melinda Looi’s latest Couture collection was inspired by and named after a poem, Lost in the Forest by renowned Chilean, Pablo Neruda.

“The words in Neruda’s poem evoke a time and place that is sensuously beautiful and serene. I love the forest. I love its secrets, its powerful mystery. The forest holds within it an intangible and innocent wisdom, with many layers, from the subterranean to the ground, the level of trunks and branches and then the canopy, each rich with wondrous wildlife,” she said.

"Lost in the Forest" is an expression of Melinda’s personal perspective of the multi-layered depth and natural beauty of the forest. It emits the designer’s “eclectic vintage” style, with plenty of intricate detailing and elaborate embellishments. She combined a variety of materials, colours, and detailing to reflect these layers - there was tulle, to create interesting three dimensional effects; French lace, to represent the secrets of the forest; velvet and duchess satin to reflect the richness of mother nature; soft chiffon, to flow like the wind between the trees; while heavy embroidery over double faced linen transformed the woods, bringing it to life with a burst of flowers and colours. In keeping with the theme, "Lost in the Forest" sticks to a palette of earthy hues - black, forest greens, olive, browns, nudes, beige, reds, grey and teal.

An up close inspection of the collection revealed surprising and delightful details – three dimensional embroidered insects such as dragonflies, beetles, and ants (which, when viewed from afar, took on the appearance of conventional embroidered motifs) adorned dresses, corsets, and sleeves. Also present was Melinda’s signature touch of using printed fabrics as lining for the garments. To complete the look, models were sent down the runway wearing antennae headpieces and real insect jewelry. The resulting atmosphere was dramatic, ethereal, and fairy-like.

“I wanted my models to resemble warriors of the forest. My collections always celebrate strong women,” stated the designer.

This storytelling, artistic approach to couture and whimsical, unexpected touches bears testament to Melinda Looi’s renowned ability to combine fiction with function and fashion. When asked about her plans for the next collection, the designer replied with a cheeky smile, “I like to keep people guessing and looking forward to my next collection, just like how they look forward to the next chapter in a book, or the next instalment of their favourite movie.”

See photos of the show and the collection here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rey526kmaa7ixuv/zWxniu8saZ

For further information or any other enquiries please contact:

Ms. Justina Seow
Marketing Manager
Tel: +603-2093 2279
Fax: +603-2201 2099
E-mail: press@melindalooi.com / justina@melindalooi.com