Havana nights

Khoon Hooi’s Spring 2019 Collection embraces a carefree, effortless approach, writes Meera Murugesan

LOOKING good shouldn’t be uncomfortable. It should come easy and feel natural. Veteran designer, Khoon Hooi, has captured this approach well in his Spring 2019 Collection called Havana Nights.

Each design in this collection takes inspiration from a carefree, resort lifestyle.

True to its theme, models ditched the heels and walked the poolside runway in beachy sandals, bejewelled flats and comfy wedges when showcasing the designs.

This collection is all about comfort combined with style and shades that bring to mind the vibrant tropics. Think juicy watermelon, sunny pineapple, blush pink, cool mint and bright tangerine.

Prints are from rich brocades dressed in lush hojas (leaf), rayas (stripes) and cuadrado (squares) motifs in navy, mustard and teal.

Tropical touches are present throughout the collection, and include raffia tassels, sequins in “fruity” clusters and bright jewel-encrusted florals.

And everything, from skirts, pants and dresses are full of volume, but in an enchantingly attractive manner, enabling ease of movement while making a style statement.

These pieces are soiree-ready when dusk falls — from a voluminous midi skirt paired with a tangerine ostrich-feather top and a one-shouldered satin cocktail dress in navy dotted with bauble tassels, to palazzo pants showing off side sculptural ruffles.

A banana-yellow column dress with bow straps sizzles in pailette fabric, while statement-making ball gowns are finished in asymmetrical necklines, perfect to showoff sun-kissed shoulders.

And when the sun rises, unwind in a dreamy tiered skirt of macramé lace or chill out in a laid-back shirt embellished in oversized bejewelled floral buttons.

The Spring 2019 Collection is available at the Khoon Hooi showroom at APW Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, and selected boutiques worldwide.

A floral print strapless dress with a fabric belt to draw attention to the waist. Striking colour combinations add to the collection’s appeal. An easy effortless way to look stylish. Dazzle in an easy, carefree manner. A tropical fairytale comes true in this ball gown. Pairing style with comfort.

A full skirted dress with a belted waist that makes a simple yet striking statement. A casual but chic combination.

A gorgeous dress for an enchanting evening.