Cover Experience sustainable urban mobility with the all-electric Volvo EX30
Experience sustainable urban mobility with the all-electric Volvo EX30
1 / 1
Tatler+
Creative director and storyteller Mandy Gioh is the visionary behind some of KL’s most exciting young brands. She explores how the sleek new Volvo EX30 can elevate her busy lifestyle
In the vibrant ecosystem of Kuala Lumpur, Mandy Gioh is making her creative mark. Known for her distinctive aesthetic vision and entrepreneurial acumen, Gioh has built an impressive portfolio that spans fashion, hospitality, and brand development.
As Creative Director for Chuck's, she has transformed what began as a modest footwear concept into one of Malaysia's most recognisable lifestyle brands. Her distinctive visual direction—characterised by clean lines, fun details, and a blend of contemporary and nostalgic elements—has earned the brand a devoted following across Southeast Asia.
What distinguishes Gioh in Kuala Lumpur's creative scene is her ability to move between different creative disciplines while maintaining a consistent vision. Whether directing a photoshoot, conceptualising a store layout, or developing brand guidelines, there's always a recognisable sensibility that's unmistakably hers.
A creative day in the life
A typical day for Gioh reflects the multifaceted nature of her career. Mornings might begin with a strategy session for Chuck's upcoming beauty collection, followed by reviewing marketing materials for Motherchuckers’ newest launch. Afternoons often involve client meetings, collaborator check-ins, or site visits to locations for upcoming projects or events.
This perpetual motion between creative spaces across Kuala Lumpur requires both agility and efficiency—qualities Gioh values not just in her work approach but in her choice of vehicle. The Volvo EX30, the brand's most compact electric SUV, has become her mobile companion navigating the city's creative landscape.
Above Featuring a minimalist Scandinavian design, the Volvo EX30 is built for the city
Above The Volvo EX30 has the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date
Featuring a minimalist Scandinavian design, the Volvo EX30 is built for the city
1 / 2
Style in motion
For someone whose professional identity is built around visual precision and aesthetic coherence, transportation choices are never merely practical considerations. The EX30s minimalist Scandinavian design philosophy—with its emphasis on uncluttered spaces and thoughtfully integrated technology—mirrors the design principles evident in Gioh's own creative output.
The vehicle's interior serves as a natural extension of her workspace. The cabin's use of sustainable materials including recycled denim and reclaimed plastics aligns with the growing emphasis on responsible consumption that influences her brand decisions.
Creative connectivity
Between overseeing multiple brands and maintaining her position at the forefront of KL's creative scene, Gioh's schedule demands seamless transitions between different roles and responsibilities. The EX30's integrated technology suite—featuring a Google-built infotainment system displayed on a central 12.3-inch touchscreen—transforms commute time into productive moments.
This integration of creativity and mobility represents a new paradigm for urban professionals in Asia's design capitals. For creatives like Gioh, who operate at the intersection of commerce, culture, and innovation, the boundaries between work environments, creative spaces, and transit moments have increasingly blurred.
Above The Volvo EX30: a small SUV packed with advanced safety features and smart technology
The Volvo EX30: a small SUV packed with advanced safety features and smart technology
1 / 1
Looking forward
As Kuala Lumpur solidifies its position as a creative hub in Southeast Asia, figures like Gioh continue to define what it means to be a modern creative entrepreneur in the region. Her ability to maintain a distinct creative vision while successfully navigating commercial imperatives sets a template for emerging talents.
The Volvo EX30, with its balance of functionality, design consciousness, and environmental consideration, complements this approach to creative entrepreneurship—proving that thoughtful design and practical performance are complementary rather than contradictory values, whether in fashion, hospitality, or automotive design.
