Meet the region's leading fashion designers
Chinese designer Lee Khoon Hooi was born and raised in Malaysia. Inspired by his tailor grandmother, he studied fashion design at the Malaysian Institute of Art. After graduating in 1993, he worked as an assistant designer for a manufacturing company. Six years later, he set up his own ready-to-wear label, Khoon Hooi. This was followed by a line called Inspire in 2004. His designs are feminine and fresh, and feature layers of soft fabrics such as silk and chiffon.
Have you always wanted to be a designer?
Yes, ever since I was young. My grandmother didn't teach me the trade, but she inspired me to become a designer.
How did you set up the company?
After several years in the trade, I decided to set up on my own. Initially, it was slow, but with exposure and recognition from the press, my labels grew.
