Asia’s Most Stylish 2023: Meet the 10 stylish Malaysians who made the cut

Director of food & beverages, Valiram Group

Roshan Valiram emphasises the importance of dressing uniquely rather than conforming to basic attire, believing clothing should “wow” on special occasions. Growing up in the Philippines, where custom-made clothing is a tradition, she developed a love for fashion when she designed a dress with her mother for her eighth birthday. She continues collaborating with designers, especially Filipinos like Mark Bumgarner and Patty Ang, appreciating their expertise in texture and fabric.

Besides her passion for fashion, Roshan has a deep love for food. She directs the Valiram Group’s food and beverage division, infusing it with new culinary ideas and flavours. The group is launching Bacha Coffee in KLCC, offering creative coffee and delicious food in a Marrakech-inspired ambience, catering to Malaysian tastes.

See also: Elegance Personified: The style journey of Roshan Valiram

Senior associate consultant

Terimunite Chandran, the eldest son of designer Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran, comes from a fashion-oriented family. He views fashion as a means of personal expression and intentional dressing. Terimunite believes that dressing appropriately for an occasion is a form of respect for the event’s host, demonstrating a genuine desire to meet and value their time. His style is described as classic with a modern twist, and he aims to subtly stand out. He draws inspiration from Gianni Agnelli’s sprezzatura, characterized by studied effortlessness and breaking conventional fashion rules in quirky ways. For Terimunite, style is a fluid and ever-changing form of self-expression, allowing him to evolve and reflect on his life journey.

Consultant

Trunan Chandran, the second son of renowned designer Dato Seri Bernard Chandran, has had fashion intertwined with his life. His father, one of his style icons, has taught him the art of pushing fashion boundaries and developing a personal style. Trunan's casual chic style typically revolves around T-shirts, jeans, and well-groomed hair, with his true expression lying in his jewellery, especially rings and necklaces, many of which hold sentimental value and family stories.

His unique and uninhibited style makes him a captivating personality, as evidenced by his active social life. Trunan is a rare kind of gentleman who is confident enough to wear women's shirts if he likes the print, epitomising a healthy masculinity. For him, style encompasses not just clothing but also attitude, and he believes that how you present yourself reflects your values, adhering to the adage that “how you do anything is how you do everything.”

Actor, host, entrepreneur

Awal Ashaari’s journey in the entertainment industry began with his passion for performing, from volunteering for school activities to entering singing competitions and model searches. His dream of becoming a television host came true when he became the charismatic host of shows like Malaysian Idol and One in a Million. Alongside his successful acting career in hit TV series and films, he has also gained recognition as one of Malaysia's most stylish celebrities, with David Beckham as his style icon. Awal and his wife, Scha Alyahya, are often compared to The Beckhams for their impressive collective style, and they have become a celebrity power couple known as “SchAwal”. In 2023, Awal expand his horizons by entering the F&B industry with The Great Coffee Club in Shah Alam, offering a welcoming space for people to relax and hang out.

Don’t miss: Glamour, Grit, and Gentlemanly Grace: The Chandran brothers’ fashion odyssey

Founder/CEO, Loob Holding

Bryan Loo, the entrepreneur behind Tealive and other successful ventures, is known for his business acumen and distinct style, which he describes as a blend of contemporary sophistication with an eclectic touch. He has grown Tealive into an internationally recognised brand in just six years, expanding to 10 countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. Loo’s style philosophy involves pushing boundaries by mixing formal attire with casual elements like shorts or sneakers, influenced by his love for streetwear. He believes fashion choices are an extension of one’s brand, conveying professionalism and confidence. Loo draws inspiration from various sources, including art, travel, culture, and personal experiences, and is frequently seen at high-profile events with his wife Sally Quah, recently attending the global launch event of Louis XIII Rare Cask 42.1 in Venice, which left him inspired and eager for more adventures.

Financial controller, Loob Holding

Sally Quah, known for her cheerful disposition and deep love for fashion, approaches style with a fun and lighthearted attitude. She enjoys sharing fashion adventures with her Instagram followers and regularly trips to fashion capitals. Coco Chanel is her style icon due to the timeless and iconic nature of Chanel's fashion. For Quah, fashion is not just a passion; it’s a way to connect with her loved ones, mirroring the bond she shared with her mother. She takes joy in passing on her love to her children and instilling core values in them. Quah’s wardrobe boasts designer labels, but she values bags and watches with sentimental value, hoping to pass them down as heirlooms. She seeks out unique and unusual pieces, such as limited-edition Chanel minaudières, to add an artistic touch to her style. Beyond fashion, her true measure of success is the unconditional love and strong family bonds she cultivates.

Director; vice president of leisure and hospitality, Dream Cruises; Genting Group

Loui Lim, the director of Dream Cruises and executive vice president of new ship designs for Genting Group, has a multifaceted role within the family-owned conglomerate. As the youngest son of Malaysian billionaire Lim Kok Thay and the grandson of gaming magnate Lim Goh Tong, Loui is instrumental in guiding Genting Group’s diversification into areas like entertainment and wellness. He is also known for his jet-setting lifestyle and impeccable wardrobe, which he considers a source of confidence and self-expression. Loui describes his style as laid-back, sophisticated, and timeless, blending vintage elements into his casual wear and opting for well-tailored suits and elegant accessories for formal occasions. Beyond fashion, he is working on introducing unique F&B concepts, including immersive dining experiences, to Malaysia.

Skylar Raymond-Foo, a six-year-old fashion sensation with over 26,000 Instagram followers, has captured hearts with charm and infectious smile. Curated by her parents, Kim Raymond and Keith Foo, Skylar’s whimsical posts and adorable antics offer a glimpse into her fashion-forward life intertwined with cherished family moments. Her mother, an Asia’s Most Stylish honouree in 2021, serves as her style icon, and Skylar dreams of becoming a fashion designer when she grows up. Her style is a fusion of cuteness and coolness, reflecting her vibrant personality, and she dresses according to her ever-changing moods. Skylar and her mother share a strong bond and love shopping, often handpicking outfits and mixing and matching ensembles. Skylar’s emergence as a style influencer at such a young age shows that age is no barrier to making a mark in the fashion world.

See also: Asia’s Most Stylish 2023: The best-dressed individuals defining fashion’s standard

Founder, creative director and stylist, MCD Creative

Mughni Che Din, a creative director, stylist, and former fashion editor, found fashion as a safe space to express himself as a child, especially since he didn’t conform to conventional beauty standards due to his dark skin and curly hair. He has explored various style eras, from emo and goth-punk to preppy and streetwear, and now leans towards easy, resort aesthetics to cope with the Malaysian heat. He describes his style as ever-evolving and reflective of his life’s different phases. Mughni treasures a Bulgari B.zero1 ring, and Tag Heuer Carrera watches, both gifts from his mother, which hold sentimental value. As the chief creative officer and founder of MCD Creative, his work is rooted in authenticity and helping individuals discover their true selves. He aims to foster a collaborative environment in the creative community, acknowledging the importance of everyone, including make-up artists, photographers, hair stylists, and copywriters, who contribute to the industry’s success.

Model

Carla Soong, a prominent model in Malaysia, had her first experience on the runway at a friend's birthday party in Ipoh when she was just 14, sparking a passion for modelling. Her impressive career has seen her grace the runways and pages of top fashion publications across Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, collaborating with renowned designers like Khoon Hooi, UnitedWood, Brian Khoo, and international fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior. Beyond her professional modelling career, Soong possesses an innate elegance and sophistication that shines outside the fashion world, making her a standout in social circles. While her family is her top priority today, she still values style, emphasising comfort, self-expression, and a positive impact on self-esteem in her clothing choices. Her favourite fashion moment of the year was at the Tatler Ball 2022, where she exuded ’50s Hollywood glam in a black Brian Khoo corset dress.

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