Fashion for a Cause
Founder of kimono label Rosie on Fire, Angeline Khoo gives back to a cause that strikes a chord in her heart, writes Sabrina Loh
For australian-born, Canadian-raised Angeline Khoo, fashion is something that runs in her blood. Despite having read law and pursued a masters in science, she always knew that she would return to her roots and find her calling in the fashion retail industry. Her label Rosie on Fire was founded in 2015, which not only produces stylish kimonos, but also has a benevolent aspect to its business. Khoo has loved wearing kimonos from a young age because they’re versatile and stylish. “I’ve worn them since before they were cool!” she laughs. Thus, Rosie on Fire began, creating signature kimonos that are designed to flatter all shapes and sizes. Plus the company has a remarkable initiative with the goal of helping the marginalised— particularly women, low-income families and autistic individuals to gain a meaningful income and greater opportunity. “This is a cause that is close to my heart because my little brother is autistic and my mother has always been involved with marginalised women,” says Khoo. A portion of the garments from Rosie on Fire are made by single mothers or by women from low-income families, while autistic individuals are also involved in the quality checking process. On why she chose to launch the business in Malaysia, Khoo revealed that there was a strong connection to returning to her roots, as her parents are both Malaysian. “Another reason is that when I came back here after a decade abroad, I noticed that there weren’t as many autistic facilities available here as there are in London and America, where you have autistic communities, schools and programmes,” she says before adding, “I realised that the quality of my brother’s life would have been so different if we were raised here because he wouldn’t have had access to these resources. I saw the need here and I knew that I could help. That’s why I established it here.” Working with marginalised and autistic people is a fundamental part of Rosie on Fire. Having a close relationship with her brother, Khoo knows firsthand, how people with autism can flourish if given the right opportunities. “Autistic people have a different way of processing information and it’s understanding how they do so, that enables everybody to work together. For us it’s a trade relationship.” A portion of the sales from Rosie on Fire goes to sponsoring children who come from areas of extreme poverty and who are at a high risk of neglect, abuse and sexual exploitation. “These children are living in graveyards and bathing in sewage. I don’t think there’s any human who can hear that and not be affected by it. Sponsoring a child means they get weekly visits from a care worker and they’re provided with food, clothing and education, which reduces the risk of exploitation,” she says passionately. They currently sponsor two children from Kenya and the Philippines and Khoo hopes to meet them in person soon!