We’re reminded that we all know of someone who’s battled breast cancer every October, a month for creating more awareness and education on early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Through the annual ‘Pink October‘ initiatives seen worldwide by ministries, hospitals, NGOs, and even small home businesses, we’re also reminded that although we might feel helpless, there is plenty we can do whether its for ourselves for someone else — and that is to support the initiatives by helping contribute to funds, as well as to learn more about early detection.
This year, the Malaysian Official Designers Association (MODA) has partnered with Estée Lauder Companies Malaysia for its Breast Cancer Awareness 2020 project. Initiatives include the selling of ‘Pink Merchandise’ at eight vending machines placed at shopping malls including Pavilion KL, Mid Valley MegaMall, Sunway Pyramid, Avenue K, and Mid Valley Southkey in JB. Malaysian designers have created exclusive items like lapels, face masks, scrunchies and a powder puff — designed as tributes or carrying symbolic messages of strength and community.
The designers involved with the project consists of household names like Melinda Looi and Celest Thoi, along with up-and-coming designers Sue Lyn, You Sheng and more. Funds raised from sales will be donated to organisations including the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia, Cancer Research Malaysia, College of Radiology Malaysia and National Cancer Society of Malaysia.
All items are only available for purchase at vending machine locations mentioned in the article.
Images courtesy of MODA.
Ashely@kapas reimagined the fanny pack and scaling it down while appointing various pockets ideal for toting the daily essential such as the face mask, phone and the ubiquitous hand-sanitiser. Made from soft fabric for easy care and cleaning. Feminine, practical and always stylish. Brian Khoo has designed a scarf featuring his brand’s monogram. “It reminds me of the times when I was still studying in Paris, people-watching at cafés and I would see them in colourful scarves. I always felt it is such an elegant accessory that brightens up the whole look; not only it could be worn around the neck, it could also be wrapped around the wrist or the bag handle.” Inspired from the classically whimsical outfits of ballerinas, these pretty upcycled pink organza Scrunchies designed by Celest Thoi signifies strength & perseverance like that of a ballerina trying to dance her way through obstacles of mental and physical difficulties before attaining the taste of sweet success. Double U by Jimmy Wong’s creation for the Rose Petal Brooch Lapel is inspired by how beautiful life even when imperfect. The rose petals are made from silk satin curtains previously used at the brand’s outlets. Each petal is then individually dyed with leftover paint from Double U’s painting workshops. Ellie Lim’s “Pinkhand”, is a multifunctional small tote bag. Made from sustainable and environmental-friendly materials, this creation can be used as a lunch bag or a little handbag. The inspiration is the Pink Ribbon, acting acts as a metaphor to our real daily lives where we as human beings need to be hand in hand. GoCHeeKS turned almost entirely into the production of stylish face masks during the last few months. Residual sequinned net from the production forms part of GoCHeeKS Breast Cancer Awareness lapel pin. A specially designed Kiss embroidered patch is GoCHeeKS’ show of support for ladies who survived breast cancer or are currently undergoing treatment. Keith Kee Couture creates the Lady Pink collection consisting of the Butterfly Embroidery mask, and the Pearl & Rose bouquet mask. Butterflies symbolise endurance, hope, and life. This is to encourage all cancer patients to believe in themselves, as they are stronger than they think. Pearls are known as a feminine jewel: while white rose symbolises a new beginning. This is to remind all cancer patients that they are beautiful, and a wonderful journey awaits them. Key Ng has created both a T-shirt and face mask, We created T-shirt and fabric fashion mask inspired by unconditional love. The heart-shaped ribbon for the t-shirt is placed over our hearts, symbolising our need for love and care. Kit Woo has designed a minimalist faux leather ribbon. Kit Woo translates that idea of gifting, the single-knot ribbon was inspired by the Japanese traditional decoration known as the Mizuhiki. A form of gifting during special occasions. Lue San has created a ‘heart’ pin design with 4 key features: relatability, appreciation, love and empowerment. On one way up, the hand creates the symbol of a mini heart with the thumb and index finger, but when you flip it horizontally, you see a ribbon. Melinda Looi has created the “Pink-ster” brooch and pendant. This little cheeky pink monster that is hidden inside each of us, who is brave, lively, bold and full of spirit. It is there to give us encouragement to fight, to cheer us up and to be brave. It has blue hands like the medical specialists who help to heal us. Melson Kuala Lumpur has created “Sweet Scrunchies” in pink satin and velvet, the colour of love, kindness and harmony in women of walks of life that inspired the designer. Chercher Design have created a “Pink Lolipop” powder puff and accessory. The creation was inspired by designer Stephanie Van Dalen’s late mother-in-law, Sharon Evelyn Rhodes, who had breast cancer. She was beautiful flight attendant and loved to wear makeup for every occasion. Styled by Peter Lum has created the “Pink Hope Tassel”. Fully hand-crafted, only needles, scissors, and pliers are used. Each tassel is individual and no two are exactly alike, like us. The idea was to use a little frivolity of the flirty tassel to whisk away any sadness and gloom, while reminding ourselves to hope with a little “HOPE” charm that hangs on the handbag charm. As a reminder to those of us fortunate to still be here, VARIENTE have created perhaps the most treasured commodity of 2020; a mask. A reminder that we must remember to wear a mask when leaving our own front door or whilst in public in order to care for ourselves. These masks have been designed in pink as a symbol of breast cancer awareness and embellishments are used to adorn the pink ribbon symbolising hope. Hope for those who are fighting the fight, hope for those who have fought the fight, and hope for others to never have to be affected by it. YULEZA by YouSheng have created a versatile accessory that can be worn around the wrist, as belt, or as a handbag charm. The pink colour blends into the galaxy, a tone representing the infinite hope and possibilities.
Read more about the creation and designer
Ashely@kapas reimagined the fanny pack and scaling it down while appointing various pockets ideal for toting the daily essential such as the face mask, phone and the ubiquitous hand-sanitiser. Made from soft fabric for easy care and cleaning. Feminine, practical and always stylish.
Ashley Wong an award-winning designer for womenswear, who adds that in an era of COVID-19, purses are out and fanny packs are in.
Brian Khoo has designed a scarf featuring his brand’s monogram. “It reminds me of the times when I was still
studying in Paris, people-watching at cafés and I would see them in colourful scarves. I always felt it is such an elegant accessory that brightens up the whole look; not only it could be worn around the neck, it could also be wrapped around the wrist or the bag handle.”
Brian Khoo is the Founder and Creative Director of his namesake brand. Originally from Sabah, studied Fashion courses in Australia and France. After working in Christian Dior Paris as a Designer Assistant, he decided to come back and start his own brand in early 2016.
Inspired from the classically whimsical outfits of ballerinas, these pretty upcycled pink organza Scrunchies designed by Celest Thoi signifies strength & perseverance like that of a ballerina trying to dance her way through obstacles of mental and physical difficulties before attaining the taste of sweet success.
Celest Thoi has been dressing brides since 2004 and is best known for her romantic, dreamy, ethereal bespoke bridal and gala gowns as well as custom made-to-measure shoes and pretty accessories.
Celest Thoi has been dressing brides since 2004 and is best known for her romantic, dreamy, ethereal bespoke bridal and gala gowns as well as custom made-to-measure shoes and pretty accessories.
Double U by Jimmy Wong’s creation for the Rose Petal Brooch Lapel is inspired by how beautiful life even when imperfect. The rose petals are made from silk satin curtains previously used at the brand’s outlets. Each petal is then individually dyed with leftover paint from Double U’s painting workshops.
Jimmy Wong is the founder behind Double U, established in 2009 in Sydney. The brand innovates styles for ready-to-wear, accessories, bags and home accessories.
Ellie Lim’s “Pinkhand”, is a multifunctional small tote bag. Made from sustainable and environmental-friendly materials, this creation can be used as a lunch bag or a little handbag. The inspiration is the Pink Ribbon, acting acts as a metaphor to our real daily lives where we as human beings need to be hand in hand.
Ellie Lim’s fascination of sophisticated textures within simple design lines started a decade ago in year 2010, where she trained and went onto becoming an independent Fashion and Textile designer ever since. In year 2013 , Ellie took home the grand prize award at Kronenbourg 1664 L’Aperitif Fashion, winning her an internship with Julien MacDonald in London.
GoCHeeKS turned almost entirely into the production of stylish face masks during the last few months. Residual sequinned net from the production forms part of GoCHeeKS Breast Cancer Awareness lapel pin. A specially designed Kiss embroidered patch is GoCHeeKS’ show of support for ladies who survived breast cancer or are currently undergoing treatment.
Chee is the founder and the sole creative of GoCHeeKS – Wear An ARTitude! The brand began in 2010 when Chee unconsciously turned to the visual art as her main form of meditation.
Keith Kee Couture creates the Lady Pink collection consisting of the Butterfly Embroidery mask, and the Pearl & Rose bouquet mask.
Butterflies symbolise endurance, hope, and life. This is to encourage all cancer patients to believe in themselves, as they are stronger than they think.
Keith Kee Couture (KKC) was founded by couturier Keith Kee in the year 2001 in Penang, which he eventually set up a branch in KL. KKC’s main emphasis is in bridal and couture.
Key Ng has created both a T-shirt and face mask, We created T-shirt and fabric fashion mask inspired by unconditional love. The heart-shaped ribbon for the t-shirt is placed over our hearts, symbolising our need for love and care.
Key Ng is a seasoned fashion designer who has dressed many local artists and celebrities. He has recognised with awards like ASEAN Outstanding Business Award 2016, Best Menswear Designer, Isetan Platinum Alliance and more.
Kit Woo has designed a minimalist faux leather ribbon lapel. Kit Woo translates that idea of gifting, the single-knot ribbon was inspired by the Japanese traditional decoration known as the Mizuhiki. A form of gifting during special occasions.
Established in 2016, Kit Woo is a progressive brand striving to challenge the notion of commercial dressing and traditional labels of gender.
Lue San has created a ‘heart’ pin design with 4 key features: relatability, appreciation, love and empowerment. On one way up, the hand creates the symbol of a mini heart with the thumb and index finger, but when you flip it horizontally, you see a ribbon.
Lyn Sue was founded by Sue Lyn Ong, a quirky artist on a mission to spread love and humour in the form of a fashion designer.
Melinda Looi has created the “Pink-ster” brooch and pendant. This little cheeky pink monster that is hidden inside each of us, who is brave, lively, bold and full of spirit. It is there to give us encouragement to fight, to cheer us up and to be brave. It has blue hands like the medical specialists who help to heal us.
Melinda Looi is the designer and founder of Mellooi Creation Sdn Bhd, and is currently holding the title of President of MODA.
Melinda is one of the country’s top designers and has dressed many celebrities both locally and internationally. Her awards are many, with her first being the Malaysia Young Designer Award in 1995.
Melson Kuala Lumpur has created “Sweet Scrunchies” in pink satin and velvet, the colour of love, kindness and harmony in women of walks of life that inspired the designer.
Mailvin Shah is founder and fashion designer for Atelier Prive Melson and Melson Kuala Lumpur. His creations comprise mostly of ready-to-wear and made-to-measure womenswear with simplicity and elegance.
Chercher Design have created a “Pink Lolipop” powder puff and accessory. The creation was inspired by designer Stephanie Van Dalen’s late mother-in-law, Sharon Evelyn Rhodes, who had breast cancer. She was beautiful flight attendant and loved to wear makeup for every occasion.
Stephanie Van Dalen is a fashion buyer and fashion designer, who expresses her philosophy of life and unique vision through her designs. A global citizen, Stephanie searches the world to bring extraordinary concepts to life.
Since 2018, Stephanie has been creative director for CHERCHER DESIGN and focuses on luxury handbags collections.
Styled by Peter Lum has created the “Pink Hope Tassel”. Fully hand-crafted, only needles, scissors, and pliers are used. Each tassel is individual and no two are exactly alike, like us. The idea was to use a little frivolity of the flirty tassel to whisk away any sadness and gloom, while reminding ourselves to hope with a little “HOPE” charm that hangs on the handbag charm.
Peter Lum started in the fashion world in the late 80’s and left the industry in the mid-90’s to join a department store. His career has led him through from design, to merchandising, to fashion styling and public relations and fashion. Peter makes his comeback to fashion designing with a new label “Styled by Peter Lum”.
As a reminder to those of us fortunate to still be here, VARIENTE have created perhaps the most treasured commodity of 2020; a mask. A reminder that we must remember to wear a mask when leaving our own front door or whilst in public in order to care for ourselves. These masks have been designed in pink as a symbol of breast cancer awareness and embellishments are used to adorn the pink ribbon symbolising hope. Hope for those who are fighting the fight, hope for those who have fought the fight, and hope for others to never have to be affected by it.
Established in 2005, VARIANTE is a Malaysian label reflecting style, sophistication, elegance and glamour. Creative Director Leslie Variyan believes every woman is beautiful in her own way and he uses this belief as inspiration for every design under the VARIANTE and VARIYAN labels.
YULEZA by YouSheng have created a versatile accessory that can be worn around the wrist, as belt, or as a handbag charm. The pink colour blends into the galaxy, a tone representing the infinite hope and possibilities.
YULEZA by YouSheng specialises in made-to-measure bridal gowns and collections, showcasing personalisation, fairy tales and femininity.
Diandra Soliano
Associate Editor, MY
Diandra Soliano is the Associate Editor of Prestige Online Malaysia. In between morning coffees, long lunches (business, of course), and meeting deadlines over sundown cocktails in the city, you can find her at the yoga studio - or at least she hopes.