Hitchbird Exclusives: The Designer Behind "Crazy Rich Asians".

1.     Tell us about “Crazy Rich Asians”. How did you get involved in the project?

I was not present at our boutique store when we first got the call sometime in November 2017 – at the time, we were located at the Pullman Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. To be fair I didn’t really pay any attention to the call thinking it was a request for sponsorship. However, to my surprise, I heard that the team who walked in had brought a few gowns from us.

The following day we got another call and was told that the team filming “Crazy Rich Asians”, a Hollywood movie in the making, wanted me to tailor a customized jumpsuit for one of the actresses.

2.     What was it like designing dresses for a Hollywood movie?  

It was challenging, especially because I was overwhelmed with requests in a very short period. My first assignment was to work on a jumpsuit that was going to be used by Araminta at her bachelorette. I was given her measurements, which were taken in the US, and only a picture of her to base my design. I finished the jumpsuit within a week, and I think it impressed them because it was a perfect fit for Araminta (played by Sonoya Mizuno).

3.     Which one is your favourite dress in the movie?

Bridal gown definitely, because we put in so much hard work.

4.     Araminta's gown is probably one of the most iconic looks in the movie. Tell us what it was like working with Mary Vogt.  

Mary Vogt is a veteran in the industry and was amazing to work with. She knew exactly what she wanted and what looked good on camera. I learned so many things like the use of colours, silhouette, and lighting for movies.

5.     How do you feel about other Asian designers like you, Michael Cinco, Elie Saab, Khoon Hoi, Naeem Khan etc, who are slowly embraced by Hollywood?

I think there’s a lot of creative talent in Asia. It’s a little harder for filmmakers to reach out to us because we’re not easily accessible so to speak. Overall, for me, it was interesting, challenging, yet fulfilling to watch my work come out on the big screen - Sonoya was very sweet about the final outcome of the wedding gown. The positive and encouraging feedback from the team made me feel happy to have worked on the gown.

6.     Did Crazy Rich Asians help you with your business at all? If yes, how? 

Yes, it did, it helped in terms of branding with a lot of social media buzz, particularly on Instagram. In fact, I will be having guests over from New York soon because a client wanted to have her wedding gown made just like the one I did for CRA!

I also have had a few invites to Hollywood movie premieres, which mentioned possible collaborations in the future!

7.     The sequel for Crazy Rich Asians is in the works, "China Rich Girlfriend".  Will we be seeing your work there as well? 

I wasn’t aware of this, but should the opportunity arise, I don’t see why not.

8.     Are there any other designs you wish to share with our readers?  

I also customise bridesmaids’ outfits based on body types and even personality. It helps everyone look their best while staying true to the bridesmaid theme.

Apart from couture, bridal and evening gowns, I also have a line of ready-to-wear casual outfits that are being carried in stores like Parkson, Metrojaya and Sogo. You can find them in malls like Pavilion, Mid Valley, 1Utama & Central i-City here in Kuala Lumpur.

Marry like a crazy rich asian! Here's a notable location that appeared in the movie which can be used as a fantastic wedding venue!

You can also check out wedding packages in all across Malaysia here.