Beatrice Looi's evening wear is a crowd pleaser

WITH more than a decade of experience in fashion, Beatrice Looi is a true-blue maven when it comes to designing. Aware that the fashion world is not all glamour but hard work, Looi maintains a low profile, preferring to let her designs speak for themselves. 

"I am in this line because it allows me to express my creativity, not because I am attracted to fame,'' says the 34-year-old mother of one. Down-to-earth and chatty, Looi exudes enthuasiasm when talking about her latest collection showcased at a luncheon in Istana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, recently. 

Using lots of soft, stretchable fabrics, Looi designs crowd-pleasing outfits that are feminine and wearable. 

A twist to conventioanl evening wear. Dresses come in crinkled form, complemented by pleated details.

"For this collection, I incorporated material like velvet, matte jersey and tafetta,'' she explains. The velvet evening dresses with lace embroidery and elegantly-pleated and crinkled apparel was eye-catching. 

While Looi claims she is not influenced by overseas trends, she does adapt some of the looks off international catwalks into her designs. "For instance, off-shoulder and low V-neck styles are popular at the moment so I feature them in my collection, enhanced with my own ideas.'' 

Besides designing her own line, Looi co-manages Gordon Apparel, a family-run wholesale business. Her sister Melinda is also a well-known fashion designer. 

Asked what she enjoys most about designing, Looi responds:"When I see my designs being worn on the streets.'' Looi's clientele are mostly affluent women above the age of 25, who want to wear unique evening dresses to special events. 

Being in fashion also allow Looi to enjoy the company of her artistic peers such as designers Lester Wong, Villiam Ooi and Eric Choong. Says Wong of Looi's work: "Beatrice's designs are feminine and elegant, and always wearable.'' 

On her favourite couturiers, Looi says:"I prefer designers who are into simplicity, like Calvin Klein and Tom Ford.'' 

Although her forte is in wearable evening wear, Looi is not beyond experimenting with the unusual. She plans to unleash avant garde designs at an upcoming fashion event."Whatever's on show won't be for sale. I just want to do something that is totally not me.'' 

Beatrice Looi will be showcasing her designs with Lester Wong, Villiam Ooi and Donna Cheng at Ristorante Bologna in Istana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, during lunchtime on March 28. For reservations, call 03-241 9988. 

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