In collaboration with PASSIONS, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in PASSIONS Volume 46 in 2012, we present this story on Amir Luqman, Jovian Mandagie and Sony San, as they share their thoughts on the models who inspire them.
In Ancient Greek mythology, the Muses were goddesses who inspired the creation of the arts, literature, music and poetry. Similarly to the Greeks, the talents of fashion designers and couturiers have long been magnified by their muses, women whose innate charms and strong personalities help elevate their work to another level.
Hubert de Givenchy’s legacy is perpetually bonded with that of his muse Audrey Hepburn, Valentino’s style immediately brings Jackie-O to mind and Yves Saint Laurent’s fashion is practically synonymous with Catherine Deneuve. So where do the top Malaysian fashion designers find their inspiration? Join PASSIONS as we introduce you to the country’s top designers and their exquisite muses, in order to discover what it is that sparks their creativity.
The Muse, Kimberley Leggett
“Amir Luqman meshes iconic Malaysian style with modern fashion, translating into designs that are both classic and sexy. His traditional meets contemporary approach to fashion is definitely working!”
Kimberley Leggett, the stunning 18-year-old Miss Malaysia Universe 2012, views style as something that everyone can play with – using clothes and accessories as a means to showing their unique personality. A few months ago, Leggett was merely a high school student living in Penang whose wardrobe consisted mainly of shorts, slippers and a t-shirt, but since winning the title of Miss Malaysia Universe, this has changed owing to the responsibility of looking polished and put together on every occasion, Kimberley’s relationship with fashion has positively evolved. For her, Amir Luqman’s collections represent the best in local design and his talent is a force pushing Malaysian fashion forward.
The Designer, Amir Luqman
“I find inspiration in many places, but most of all I try to figure out for myself what I believe needs to be showcased to the public. I enjoy setting trends, not following them. For me, being a fashion designer is not only about dressing people, but also educating society.”
Amir Luqman is riding high on the tides of fashion, having been acclaimed as a major talent in Malaysian design since participating in important design competitions in 2004 and 2005. He has consistently produced magnificent collections, with his signature style being very ladylike and sexy, while also maintaining minimalistic silhouettes and clean lines. Amir’s link to the Miss Malaysia Universe pageant is also strong, and he has designed the traditional national costume for the past two years, Kimberley Leggett the 2012 winner’s statuesque figure and well-cut features, as well as her intelligence and character, make her the perfect muse for Amir, as she can carry off his designs with confidence and poise.
The Muse, Ning Baizura
“Jovian Mandagie is an innovator and a risk taker when it comes to fashion: he always delivers me the perfect mix of edginess and elegance, incorporating traditional and avant-garde elements consistently putting his own spin on every garment.”
Ning Baizura, a globally renowned singer and actress, defines her personal style as instinctual. Jovian Mandagie is her choice designer in Malaysia, and she believes the secret to their successful collaboration is that he understands her body well and designs dresses that adjust perfectly to her curves – bringing out the comfort, fun and sensuality she looks for in everyday wear, as well as the over-the-top, glamorous statement pieces she prefers to sport when performing on stage.
The Designer, Jovian Mandagie
“I believe that the muse makes the garment. When I look at my muse, I am instantly inspired – it is almost like love at first sight – and then millions of ideas pop into my head. That’s the way fashion should be.”
Hailed as one of the most gifted fashion designers in Malaysia, Jovian Mandagie’s garments exude character, blending inimitable style with both a traditional demure quality and an utterly lavish elegance. His muse, Ning Baizura, was one of the first people he worked with when he first launched his fashion career five years ago, and their collaboration has grown into a close friendship. Jovian is inspired by Ning’s personality and uniqueness, declaring that she understands his style, appreciates his work and knows exactly how to carry his garments.
The Muse, Gillian Hung
“Sonny San is not an haute couture or an individual designer. He designs for real women. It is all about the character of the clothes, though the design may not be so complex. I think his style represents what every contemporary woman would like to portray: a chic and sophisticated vibe with a bit of an edge.”
Gillian Hung, President of the Malaysian Official Designers’ Association (MODA), has acquired an inimitable sense of style throughout her years in the fashion industry, and describes herself as a chameleon. Sonny San and she have been good friends for over two decades, and she has admiringly followed his fashion evolution since that time. She believes that his style suits her character perfectly, with garments that are simple and sleek in a way, and at the same time bold and in-your-face, taking her from day to night whatever the occasion may be.
The Designer, Sonny San
“I don’t design for a specific woman. I want to see women interpreting my garments in their own personal ways. What I do is make sure that they are alluring, magnetic and commanding attention, no matter their style.”
With more than twenty years of experience in the fashion industry, Sonny San – the man behind the famed Malaysian brand Eclipse – is celebrated for his ready-to-wear designs, which perfectly mesh effortless and sleek silhouettes with touches of conspicuous femininity and sensuality. Gillian Hung, his muse, is a source of continuous inspiration to him due to her fearless personality and distinctive style, coupled with her confidence and audacity to experiment when it comes to fashion.
