Malaysia is anything but short on creativity, when it comes to local fashion designers and their portrayal of Asian glamour. Even the crème de la crème of high society swear by Malaysian designers to execute their head-turning evening attire. Not only does this talented bunch understand the needs and characteristics of our diminutive silhouettes, they consciously build upon trends Malaysians gravitate to. In lieu of #MYTatlerBall2017, we asked 9 red carpet starlets to share the designers they turn to for their Cinderella transformations.

1. <strong>Ung Yiu Lin</strong>

Tatler Asia
Above Photo from Malaysia Tatler Ball 2016

My local designer of choice for red carpet glam isAfiqM.

I love every detail of this designer, from his impeccable clean lines, but sexy slhouettes.

My dream evening gown is… Something simple but edgy, with the focus on textures.

2. <strong>Lyn Siew</strong>

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Lyn Siew at Malaysia Tatler Ball 2016

I am a fan of Keith Kee. He designs eveningwear with fine detailing and texture. My favorites are his convertible evening-to-party dresses, with detachable ball and tulle skirts! 

Keith Kee truly takes the time to acquaint and understand an individual’s style and shape - and he is hands-on at all fittings.

My dream evening gown creates a taller and slimmer illusion, as I am neither both. Keith could design one like that, like the blue dress I wore to last year’s Tatler Ball.  One of my favorites and more to come as my preferences evolve every season according to my body shape.

 

3. <strong>Zaida Ibrahim</strong>

Tatler Asia
Above Photo from Malaysia Tatler Ball 2916

My go-to local designer for gorgeous evening wear is… so hard to answer! There are soo many amazing local designer these days – Jovian Mandagie, Innai Red, Mimpikita, Alia Bastaman and Fiziwoo are some of my favourites.

Each designer has their signature looks, that’s what I like about them. So it depends on the look I want. If I’m going for a more flowy piece, it’s Alia. To achieve a structured look it'll be Fiziwoo and for the drama, I go for Jovian. Innai is all about feminine chic. It’s incredible to have a variety of local designers, now.

I’ve found my dream evening gown. My favourite gown so far was the green Jovian Mandagie dress last year at the Tatler ball. That was very me: Dramatic but classy, at the same time.

4. <strong>Lim May Shen</strong>

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Lim May Jian and Lim May Shen at Malaysia Tatler Ball 2015

Hands down, Michael Ong is my go to local designer for eveningwear.

What I love about his designs are they are beautifully sleek in design, with sharp tailoring. 

Ideally, my perfect evening gown is classic with luxe detailing.

Read also: The 7 Important Instagram Hashtags For #MYTatlerBall2017

5. Datin Alissa Fitri

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Dato' Sufian Majid and Datin Alissa Fitri from Malaysia Tatler Ball 2015

For 30 years, I’ve been going to Irene Khoo. She’s made a lot to keep my style game going strong before she retired. Since she’s retired, I am a bit lost on the local designer scene.

For my next big event, Im going to try a few Nisa Mazbar or Gary T.

My ideal evening dress is a simple gown, but most importantly, completed with the right heels for dancing!

6. <strong>Levy Li</strong>

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Levy Li by Shaffiq Farhan for Style File

There are a range of really talented local designers and my favourite so far are Khoon Hooi, Melinda Looi, Alia Bastamam, Keith Kee, and recently I fell in love with Tsyahmi.

I love designers who dare to design beyond the norm yet still wearable. Something bold yet classic and comfortable – Tsyahmi pulls this off so flawlessly.

My dream evening gown is a design that projects a flair for bold and empowering statements with minimal effort.

7. <strong>Lim Ai Chiin</strong>

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Lim Ai Chiin at Tatler Ball 2016

My go-to designer for the red carpet is Khoon Hooi.

I love that the Khoon Hooi pieces in in my closet have detailed embellishments to complement the design of these dresses really well. Hidden pockets are lovely too and so useful especially when some evening bags are tiny and you can't fit everything in there.

I’m currently eyeing a lot of tulle. Case in point, Delpozo's strapless silk tulle degraded gown and Costarellos illusion one shoulder tulle ball gown.

8. <strong>Melissa Sin</strong>

Tatler Asia
Above Melissa Sin at Malaysia Tatler Ball 2016

For statement eveningwear, I go to Elaine Kwong of Red Lantern Studio. 

I love the flexibility and openness working with Elaine, who always welcomes suggestions. We’ve been working together for close to ten years now and I absolutely love her professionalism and easygoing attitude. We would even study ways and methods to make a design together and that’s always one of the most enjoyable parts of the dress making process.

My ultimate ball gown has to be an embellished, flowy piece with a mid-length train and illusion neckine.

Read also: How 25 Guests Dressed For The Ball, Then Vs. Now

9. <strong>Lim Ai San</strong>

Tatler Asia
Above Lim Ai San at Malaysia Tatler Ball 2016

It’s either Khoon Hooi or Celest Thoi as they are both about classic elegance and comfort. 

Their designs are not over the top, so it focuses on you wearing the dress and not the other way around. 

My dream evening gown is plain and simple, all about classic elegance.

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