Designer Melinda Looi returns with her second Hari Raya collection, and she’s teaming up with Diana Danielle for a good cause, writes Aznim Ruhana Md Yusup
FASHION designer Melinda Looi has a thing for actresses named Diana. Last year, she collaborated with Diana Amir for her first Hari Raya collection. This year, it’s Diana Danielle.
Looi says Diana, 22, was first on her list when she was thinking about the 2014 festive line. “Diana is not only stylish, she is also beautiful and intelligent. And she’s a mum too. We have a lot in common. And she was really happy to work together when I approached her.”
Diana says she wasn’t expecting to be anyone’s muse but was delighted at the chance of working with Looi. “As an amateur designer, I was scared. But at the same time I knew that Melinda was going to help me. And I learnt so much throughout the process.”
Diana, whose film credits include Magika, Hantu Gangster and Evolusi: KL Drift, adds that the collaboration allowed her to realise a dream. “I’ve always wanted to design and working with a top designer like Melinda is a blessing because it makes everything easier.”
ALHAMBRA ELEMENTS
The result of this partnership is “Diana Danielle x emel”, a capsule collection to Looi’s “emel by Melinda Looi” line.
Looi says the collection is her avenue to give back to the community in the spirit of Ramadan. The name “emel” is a play on the word “amal”, which means good deeds in Malay.
The collection is inspired by the art and architecture of the Alhambra, a Muslim palace-fortress in Andalusia built in 9th Century Spain.
This is reflected through the geometric patterns in many of the clothes. The line also features several exclusively designed prints — softened by floral illustrations — that take their cues from the beautiful tiles at the Alhambra.
Several pieces feature embroidered lace overlaid over bright jewel tone fabric. Lace on the bodice of the baju kurung gives the illusion of a slimmer silhouette. And you can find peplums too, in line with the ruffle trend.
Many of the baju kurung are belted, although the embellished bands can be taken off as the style may not suit everyone. Sparkly sequins are used sparingly for a more restrained look, mostly just adorning the aforementioned belts, shoulders, sleeves and pockets.
The collection features baju kurung in fluid crepe, cotton and linen as well as more structured and formal duchess satin and jacquard.
There are also matching baju Melayu outfits for couples who want to coordinate their Hari Raya looks.
GIVING BACK
A percentage of the sales proceeds from the Hari Raya line will go to a different charity each year. And this year’s recipient, chosen by Diana, is the IJN Foundation, which helps underprivileged patients at Institut Jantung Negara.
“I visited IJN’s paediatric ward and the sight of so many children with cardiovascular condition really tugged at my heartstrings,” says Diana, who has an 11-month-old boy with actor husband Farid Kamil. “Many parents cannot afford to pay for treatment and this is where the IJN Foundation comes in.”
“We did pretty well with the first Raya collection last year,” says Looi. “And the numbers look pretty strong this year too. I hope we can sell everything so we can give more to charity.”
