A Stunning Collection of Couture Inspired by Disney Heroes Has Been Created by 8 Malaysian Designers

Disney has teamed up 8 top designers from Malaysia and Her Highness Princess Zatashah, of Selangor to create an exclusive couture collection that celebrates courage and kindness.

This initiative is part Disney’s Ultimate Princess Collection. Twelve bespoke pieces inspired from Disney Princess Heroines will go up for auction to support Make-A-Wish(r), Malaysia.

Twelve bespoke gowns, jumpsuits, and other garments inspired by Disney heroines have been created by renowned designers in Malaysia, including Alia Bastamam and Celest Thoi, Fiziwoo and Innai Red.

The designers drew inspiration from timeless stories such as Mulan’s courage, Cinderella and Ariel’s optimism, to create this collection. This collection, which reflects their individual interpretations of kindness and courage, is a one-of-a kind.

These collectors’ items will be auctioned in December 2021 with the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Malaysia. This initiative is supported by Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. Over the past 40 years, Disney has partnered with Make-A-Wish to grant more than 145,000 wishes that have changed lives for children living with critical illnesses around the world.

Tengku Zatashah stated that the Ultimate Princess Celebration was close to her heart because “it truly embodies my values: strength in myself, persevering in the face of fear, and kindness in thought, word, and deed.”

“Many of us grew-up with Disney princesses, and they still have a stronghold in Malaysia today. Through my work with Make-A-Wish Malaysia, I have found inspiration from their relatable stories to inspire people of all backgrounds to be authentic and make a difference in the world.”

The Couture Collection of Malaysian Designers Inspired By Disney Heroines:

Melinda Looi, inspired Elsa

Melinda Looi was inspired to design a two-in-one outfit by Queen Elsa, a woman who follows her heart. Melinda Looi let go of her past and decided to venture out into the unknown. She designed a two-in-one ensemble that captures the elegance of Elsa. The couture piece features a large reversible crop jacket in suiting fabric with thread-embroidered snowflakes that resemble the elements Water, Earth and Wind. It can be worn as a day outfit.

The high slit was given a zipper to give it a more versatile look. It can be paired with light blue tights and a belt featuring thread embroidery. The dress’s layers of satin and tulle are filled with sequins, beads embellishments and is reminiscent of snow falling in the wind.

The slit can be fully zip down for a glamorous evening look. Hidden pockets in the sleeves allow for easy access to an ivory tulle cape and soft lace cape. The cape is embellished with Swarovski crystals, beads and sequins. It was inspired by Elsa’s grace and elegance. Elsa’s transformation inspired the transformative look. She bravely faced her fears, and took control of her power.

Melinda Looi, Inspired by Mulan

Melinda Looi created a bold, modern and sophisticated look that was inspired by Mulan’s brave journey to become a legendary warrior. Melinda Looi created a couture outfit that was reminiscent of “armor”, but with a fashion-forward twist.

The contemporary ensemble is made with gunmetal sequins for an armour-like appearance. It’s paired with a reversible, knee-length coat that features a crystal stone embellishment representing the Chinese character Zhong, which means “loyalty.” Mulan is seen in this ensemble with her corset and heavy crepe pants. This symbolises how she steps out of traditional society to blossom in the face of adversity.

Anna inspired Leslie Variyan of  Variante

Anna’s energetic and bubbly personality inspired Leslie Variyan to create a jumpsuit. A couture jumpsuit was his idea. It reflected Anna’s adventurous spirit and is always on the move. The combination of different fabrics creates the jumpsuit. The bodice is beaded with lace and a skin-tone overlay, creating a stunning contrast.

The lace is paired with a well-tailored, cut suiting fabric to complete the jumpsuit. It can be paired with the soft, tulle purple cape for a fun night. This jumpsuit was created to honor Anna’s optimism and confidence, and show us that there is always sunshine in every snowstorm.

Celest Thoi, inspired by Cinderella

Celest Thoi took inspirations from Cinderella sewing and created a 5-in-1 gown with the help of her animal friends. The sweetheart-cut, strapless design is perfect for day wear. It’s topped with an overlay skirt and a cascading lace illusion bodysuit. You can change your look to make it nightwear-friendly by attaching the straps. Optional: A nude tulle illusion bodysuit with lace can be added for a more royal look.

Soft tulle off-shoulder straps can be added to the same dress for a romantic touch. Celest believes that kindness is magic and can transform the world.

Celest Thoi, inspired by Aurora

Celest Thoi was also inspired by Aurora, a good-natured girl who believes there is a bright future if you dream it. Celest designed a stunning dusty pink gown made in silk chiffon to capture Aurora’s natural grace. It features a corset bodice, A-line silhouette tulle skirt, and glittering rose gold stardust. The dress is adorned with exquisite pleats and has layers of beautiful pleats. A sheer cape in soft tulle with crystals at the hem can be added to have a touch of elegance.

The dreamy ensemble is completed with silver flower bags and signature studded flats. This couture piece hopes that it will inspire others to dream big and make their dreams come true.

Inspired by Ariel, Hafizi Radzi Wolf and Izree Ka Haffiz of Fiziwoo

Hafizi Radzi Woo of Fiziwoo was inspired by Ariel’s first landwalk and becoming human. Izree Kai Hafiz created a dress made from heavy cotton linen that resembled her makeshift outfit. The pleating work echos the shell-like lines. This unusual design represents Ariel’s courage. She is willing to do whatever it takes, and she has the strength to explore new worlds.

Moana inspired Izrin Ismail, Innai Red

Moana inspired Izrin Ismail, who is not afraid to take on challenges and sails as far as she can. Izrin created a unique, breezy and flowy look to capture the spirit of this pioneering princess and free-spirited explorer.

The coral and sand tones of lace were applied to a soft nude-tulle dress, which was then pleated with a sunray pattern. The bodice’s upper features a halter-style tulle with turquoise crystal beads embellished outlines. The waistline of the gown is laced in mixed tones, including coral, orange, and sea blue. It has fully beaded 3D floral embellishments. These colours represent Moana’s love of the coast outdoors as well as understated glamour.

Belle inspired Izrin Ismail, Innai Red

Belle is a visionary who sees beauty from new angles and is authentically herself. These timeless qualities inspired Izrin Ismail, a Malaysian-born designer, to incorporate Malaysian elements into her Belle-inspired ensemble. It celebrates how beauty can be displayed in many ways and how Belle’s story is still relevant today.

Izrin added a local touch to the design by using a Kebaya top with a beautiful rose brocade in shades yellow and an embellished rose. A tea-length, tulle-pleated skirt in tea length is paired with the Kebaya top. It forms scallop tiers that are inspired by Belle’s iconic ball gown.

Izrin was also inspired to the enchanted Rose and included a fully embellished rose on the Kebaya Top, capturing the essence Belle’s inner beauty, bravery, fighting for what is right.

Rapunzel inspired Khoon Hooi

Khoon Hooi was inspired by Rapunzel’s escape form her tower to experiment with bold colours and textures. This is a reflection of Rapunzel’s courage in moving beyond her comfort zone to follow her dreams. Khoon Hooi created a simple corset-fitted midi-dress from rich indigo silk satin in lame velvet. It has a buckled Taffeta belt for day wear. It can be transformed into a night-wear look by adding embellished, detachable fringes to the floor.

The fringing is created from a band of Plexi petals, crystal beads and will gently skim your frame before reaching a floor-length end. This artistic piece celebrates Rapunzel’s brave spirit and kindness, as well as Khoon Hooi’s creativity and imagination.

Inspired by Snow White, Khoon Hooi

Khoon Hooi wanted to portray Snow White’s sweet, carefree disposition. His updated version of a classic look was inspired by the introduction of a square neckline, detachable, silk taffeta-brocade dress, which is intricately woven with a plum blossom floral motif.

For a modern look, a midi length front slit taffeta pencil is found underneath the floor-length brocade skirt in sunshine yellow with a signature bow and rhinestone-crimson belt.

Khoon Hooi believes that natural space can foster creativity. This elegant piece is influenced by floriculture, and reflects how everyone, like Snow White has the power to bring sunshine to the world.

Nurul Zulkifli, Mimpikita inspired by Jasmine

Nurul Zulkifli, Mimpikita, was inspired by Jasmine, an independent woman who is able to set her own rules. This design is an exotic turquoise and nude silk crepe pantuit that reflects Jasmine’s strength and compassion for her family.

It is a celebration of Jasmine’s rich experiences. It invokes wonder and a dreamlike quality that is akin discovering a new world.

Pocahontas inspired Alia Bastamam

Alia Bastamam’s couture piece captures Pocahontas’ freedom spirit. It features a flowing two-way look. The ensemble is made from heavy crepe and has a draped, asymmetrical neckline. It’s paired with a soft, corset bodice. The dress’s bottom section features a high, slit that is framed by drapes. It is embellished in aqua, gold, and turquoise crystal tassels, which are inspired by Pocahontas’ iconic necklace.

A bolero in pleated, chiffon georgette completes the look. This piece reminds us of the “Colours of the Wind”, which reminds us that kindness is walking in the shoes of strangers.