Cover Chopard L’Heure du Diamant necklace and watch; Mark Bumgarner custom gown
Chopard L’Heure du Diamant necklace and watch; Mark Bumgarner custom gown
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An embodiment of individuality and self-expression, Roshan Valiram reminds us that style is something that can’t be bought, only finessed with time
We are inside Roshan Valiram’s walk-in wardrobe in her residence at the St Regis, selecting clothes for her Asia’s Most Stylish photo shoot. “Sorry, my wardrobe here is sparse—it’s just occasion wear. My main wardrobe is [in Singapore],” she explains apologetically.
She pulls out several outfits to show them off—a pink Brian Khoo jumpsuit with sequinned cut-outs on the side, a cropped Patty Ang top with a wide, encompassing bow edged with pearls—but stops as she excitedly unzips a garment bag to reveal a gorgeous black and white creation decorated with an elaborate three-dimensional rose fold. “I wore this gown for a friend’s anniversary party in Oman; it’s by a Filipino designer named Mark Bumgarner. I have to wear this!”
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While her vibe is a mixture of interesting statement pieces that can be paired with fast-fashion items, there’s nothing basic about Valiram’s aesthetic leanings. Her focus is always on the detail and effort that go into the garment, with emphasis on being “unique”—a word that she brings up several times throughout our conversation. Always impeccably chic whether she’s on the go or out on the town gracing brand events or glittering soirées, she says that while “I dress according to my mood, there are certain aspects that remain constant such as a uniqueness in the pieces I wear.”
Her style philosophy stems from her mother, whose counsel has remained with her. “My mom told me there’s no point dressing up in basic clothes. If you’re going to dress up, you must be able to wow,” she says, “and so I’ve always made sure that each piece that I wear—not on a daily basis but on special occasions—has that effect. It’s always unique or different, or it’s a different pop of colour or texture. This is why I am the way I am; there’s no point just wearing ‘normal’ things.” Her comment brings to mind the exquisite green lehenga she wore for last year’s Valiram Deepavali party. Custom-designed by Amit Aggarwal, a Delhi-based couturier known for his modern aesthetic towards traditional wear, the one-of-a-kind sequinned creation was reminiscent of lush peacock feathers and came with its own cape.
My mom [always] told me, if you’re going to dress up, you must be able to wow. This is why I am the way I am; there’s no point just wearing ‘normal’ things
Born in the Philippines, Valiram grew up in the bustling historic city that is Manila. Being exposed to a deep-rooted Filipino tradition in which people prefer to have almost all of their clothes tailor-made, even casual wear, left an indelible impression on young Roshan. She explains, a faint hint of a Filipino accent coming through, “I was surrounded with so much passion for design from our talented local designers. Since I was little, my mom would bring me along with her to create dresses for various occasions. [Since] my first birthday, instead of buying, she always made my dresses—and that’s the culture I grew up in.”
Valiram first experienced making her own style dreams a reality when she had a dress made for her eighth birthday. “My mom and I designed it together and I really enjoyed the process,” she says fondly. “The finished product was just magic—made even more special because of the effort that went into it. She showed me that my fashion choices were a canvas for me to express myself and my creativity. That’s when I fell in love with fashion.”
Above Chopard Happy Diamonds Planet necklace, earrings,
bracelet; Rony Kobo dress
Chopard Happy Diamonds Planet necklace, earrings, bracelet; Rony Kobo dress
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To this day, she loves to collaborate with designers to create unique masterpieces that articulate her vision and individuality. Naturally, she has a soft spot for Filipino designers such as Bumgarner and Ang, particularly appreciating their skilful use of texture and fabric which result in exceptional pieces. “So whenever I make a gown from the Philippines, I [have the utmost faith in their] speciality. I love their creativity and how the whole gown becomes something that no one has ever seen. It’s unique,” she says.
One of her favourite fashion moments of the year was the custom gown by Rizman Ruzaini for the Tatler Ball last December. “My white gown was made in three days and fit perfectly like a glove without any trials! It was luxe and ultra chic,” she says, beaming.
See also: Tatler Ball 2022: Style Report
There’s one thing that rivals her love for fashion: “I love food more!” Valiram had harboured desires of becoming a chef since she was little but when she told her mother she wanted to take up culinary classes in Switzerland, the answer was a resolute no. “At the time,” she told Tatler in a previous interview, “it wasn’t cool to be [a chef].” Though she ended taking up marketing instead, she worked in a restaurant for a while, and would take short cooking courses when she had time. After finishing her masters, she came to Malaysia and met Mukhesh Valiram, who later became her husband. Soon two became four, with the addition of sons Aarav and Rivaan.
Today she directs the Valiram Group’s food and beverage arm, where her passion for culinary arts shines through by bringing in new ideas and flavours to their food brands. As well as an exciting new development from Quivo, their Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar in Pavilion KL, the Valiram Group will soon be introducing a new coffee brand, Bacha Coffee, which is set to open in KLCC. With creative coffees and delectable food served in a setting that draws inspiration from the intricate artistry of Marrakech, Valiram anticipates that “Malaysians will really enjoy the experience.”
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Above Chopard Happy Diamonds Planet earrings; Ice Cube rings; Patty Ang bow top
Chopard Happy Diamonds Planet earrings; Ice Cube rings; Patty Ang bow top
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Between work, family and social responsibilities, Valiram has a lot on her plate, but she handles them all with grace and composure. Whatever she does, she believes in giving her all. “My mother taught me the meaning of sacrifice and being willing to put in the work,” she tells Tatler. “I was told it wasn’t about the end goal; it’s the personal growth you experience that you value. Patience, resilience, empathy and selflessness—those were the lessons that life gave me.”
Keeping fit is also part of her routine as it’s integral to her well-being. “I try to do one form of exercise a day, whether it be weights or Pilates,” she says. “I think it’s important because you feel very good about yourself. It’s not just being thin; it’s also being strong and fit. On a daily basis, there’s so much [for me to do]. If you’re not strong, with the kids and everything, it’s impossible.”
As our conversation with Valiram draws to a close, it has become evident that style is not limited to clothing alone. It extends to include polished manners that radiate sophistication and charm—qualities she possesses abundantly. She is the manifestation of Asia’s Most Stylish; her embodiment of style, spanning from her fashion choices to her impeccable demeanour, serves as an inspiring reminder that true elegance emanates from both appearance and character.
Credits
Photography: Xerxes Lee
Styling: Mughni Che Din
Hair: Mei Choi
Make-Up: KF Bong
Elizabeth Soong is the managing editor of Malaysia Tatler. She loves a good laugh, but is serious when it comes to work, and gets a high from dancing, cats purring, plus enjoys musicals or binge-watching a good TV series. Continually inspired by the people she meets, edits and writes about, you're welcome to see what she's up to on her Instagram @lizsoong.
