Amidst the frenzy of Siti Nurhaliza’s wedding, a local designer was preparing to move into his new boutique. Calvin Thoo’s boutique is now located at Prestige Floor, Lot 10, Jalan Bukit Bintang as befitting his prestigious clientele. Calvin can rightfully boast as a designer for the stars and calls among his regulars, Anita Sarawak or Kak Nita as he fondly calls her. Other stars include Erra Fazira, Sheila Majid, Fasha Sanda, Nurul of Nurul and Ajai, Adibah Noor, Lisdawaty, Nita and well even Siti Nurhaliza herself is a client, and that is just to name a few! Star struck yet?

Anyway, emmagem caught up with Calvin for a quick chat despite his busy schedule. We asked Calvin how he managed to build a name among the stars who are household names in Malaysia.

When did you first started to design commercially and come out with your own line, Calvin ?

In 2004, after the Piala Seri Endon where I had finished as one of the finalists, some of my more regular clients, whom I had served from three years suggested that I start my own line. I was previously working from home and serving customers by appointment only. My first boutique was at Piccolo Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Background: He is a graduate of RMIT, Melbourne Australia with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion in 1995/96. He started his career humbly enough working up the ranks in retail stores like Metrojaya when he first came back from Australia before embarking out and working on his own specializing in wedding dresses. (In fact, he designed the wedding dress and evening gown for my brother’s wife).

Tell us, Calvin how did you manage to get so many stars to be your customers?

Well, I guess, word of mouth is very important. My first celebrity client was Anita Sarawak and I designed an outfit for a Chinese New Year event organized by Rafflesia and I believe she sang the song “Proud Mary” at the event. She was pleased with the outfit, I guess. The media has been really supportive and I also participate in quite a lot of events sponsoring clothes for the stars as a show of support for local artistes. In fact, Siti Nurhaliza was a walked in client, one day she came into the shop and we started from there.

Why do you think the artistes keep coming back for more with you?

Well, I guess it is because my designs are usually very subtle and easy to wear.
My design philosophy is that the cut is very important,must have good fabrication and utmost comfort. As most stars perform in their outfit, I like to think that they can dance comfortably without worry of any slipping of straps.

I also ensure that there is versatility in my clothes for instance a pair of palazzo pants with minor beading can be teamed up with a grand sequined jacket for a performance and then paired down with a kebaya top for a press conference and finally worn casually with a tee-shirt for going out shopping.

I also usually design according to the personality of wearer as each person has her own identity. I may have my own vision of something but I will match that to the wearer’s identity and needs.

So, does your clientele base only consist of celebrities?

No, celebrities are my showcases, but I have a lot of regular people clienteles, who are celebrities in their own lives if not in the public eye. I design a lot of wedding dresses, evening dresses, cocktails and formal “baju kurung”.
People usually recognize my signature from the cut and silhouette of the clothes.

What are some of your favorite materials to work with?

Well, as Calvin Thoo’s designs are known to be very practical, I work mostly with natural fabrics like silk and cotton but generally where creativity is concerned we worked with all sorts of fabric where necessary. But if you observe, I work a lot with silk crepe as it flatters most types of body shapes better.

What are your price points like?

Well, they are very affordable, evening gowns start at RM1000 and up, dresses start from RM700 and wedding gowns start from RM1800.

Can you tell us a little bit about the challenges of being a local designer?

Well not much really, I have a good bunch of staff and colleagues to work with, who are with me to overcome any difficulties and deadlines! And also I have a philosophy that if you come into my boutique, you don’t go away empty handed, if not with a piece of clothing definitely with some knowledge and choices, because I believe in sharing information.

Tell us, how in this industry where it is so difficult to find much less retain good staff, are you able to form such a strong team?

Well, yes, people are surprised too. Take for instance Adibah Noor, the entertainer, she came in one day and asked me if I can design anything for her. I checked with my design team and seamstresses and we concurred we can not only design some flattering pieces for her but actually give her a waistline as well. She was thrilled and is now a regular client, taking on average two outfits per week for her shows.

Well, I treat my team like my colleagues and partners. It is a very flat hierarchy here. I personally believe, the selection process and the interviewing process is very important in hiring people. Teamwork is bred through respect. The team must share a common vision with me and this is stressed during the interview process.
The team has a say in most things and we discuss and share a lot. People who are able to express themselves and be proud of their work, usually make good employees. We share a lot here, even personal and family matters sometimes. We are like a family.

What is your vision for the company at the moment?

Well, the short term vision is to establish myself in the local market. As long as there are people out there who appreciates my work, I am quite happy about it.
Long term, a ready to wear line is in the pipeline, but nothing concrete to share yet.
Build further my relationship with the media, especially the print media who has been extremely supportive.

So , with everything going on, what do you do to relax?

Well, putting in at least 18 hour work days most days, I just like to go home and sleep, alone! And mind you, I am not complaining, I love my work and am thoroughly enjoying myself!

Any plans for a grand opening (can emmagem get some scoop?)

Well, yes, something in the pipeline, but it is a surprise!
(Well, emmagem will wait with bated breath and we wish Calvin, all the very best!)

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