‘ODE TO SPRING’ BY KEITH KEE, MALAYSIA'S BEST CHINESE DESIGNER!
For this Lunar New Year or Spring Festival or simply Chinese New Year, Keith Kee showcased his first collection for 2018 at Ruyi & Lyn at Bangsar Shopping Centre at 7.00pm.
“Last year I visited Iceland and was so fascinated by its wintry wonderland I named my collection ‘Iceland Snow White’. Now I am inspired by birds and flowers as they are so beautiful, singing happily on the trees and adding flashes of colours as they fly from branch to branch and the floral fragrance of blooming flowers!"
As usual, Keith Kee’s masterly cheongsams for which he is justly famous will feature both traditional touches like frog buttons, mandarin high collars, side slits on top and bottom on lush fabrics. Some will incorporate western sensibilities like coatees, spencer jackets and capes while others will flaunt both east and west elements.
One can buy a simple, straightforward cheongsam in night markets but a Keith Kee cheongsam for Chinese New Year is to be treasured, worn and even passed on as heirlooms. The cheongsam-styled dresses come as 1-piece or 2 and even 3 separate pieces so you mix and match with existing pieces during the festive season.
The colours are predominantly pastel, fresh and pretty, from pink to salmon to rose and tones of blue or yellow.
Taking centrestage are sprigs of blossoming prunus or plum flowers. The sight of plum trees starting to bloom signify the end of winter and arrival of spring, in time to celebrate Chinese New Year. Never mind if we live in permanent summer all year long!
Other flowering plants fertilised in Keith Kee’s imaginative mind include roses and peony. Perching daintily or flying with outstretched wings are the prettiest little birds imaginable!
Some are embroidered fantasies that include kingfisher (symbol of endless supply of food since this is the king of fishing birds), oriole (for joy and music), magpie (bringer of good news) and mandarin ducks (lasting marriage as mandarin ducks mate for life and should one die, the other will remain single!).
Other feathered friends are pheasant (virtuous behaviour), paradise flycatcher (promotion and income increment) and sun bird.
Occasionally you may spot butterflies, dragonflies and bees all handmade in his atelier. “I have made 50 pieces for this show of which 10 are Haute Couture which will not feature any birds or plants but flowers, patterns and specific cuts,” explains Keith Kee.
“I love Chinese classical paintings of flowers and birds so I try to re-create such lovely, lucky paintings onto my dresses. Rather than turn every dress into a botanical garden, I am more restrained in my palette.
"If the designs are top-heavy then the skirt will be plain and vice versa. Sprigs of flowering branches adorn just one side of most outfits so there is no over-kill.”
Malaysia’s top supermodel Amber Chia will lead the show and wear the most important outfit.
Other celebrity models and beauty queens include; 1; Amber Chia (super model) 2; Chris Tong (Actress) 3; Goh Liu Ying (Olympic mixed silver Medalist) 4; Desmond Tey (TV producer & Host) 5; Brynn Lovette (Ms Msia World 2015 – winner) 6; Benjamin Toong (Msia Catwalk Guru) 7; Samantha Katie (Ms Universe 2018 – winner) 8; Kelly Jagan (Ms Universe 2015 – 2 nd Runner up) 9; Jason Phang (DJ, Host and Actor) 10; Dato Lewre Lew (Founder of LEWRE) 11; Datin Winne Loo (Founder of A Cut Above)
Keith Kee is Malaysia’s foremost couturier in cheongsam and evening wear and recently won Mercedes-Benz Stylo AsiaFashion Festival Fashion Oscars Winner 2017 Other awards include; 1; Mercedes-Benz Stylo AsiaFashion Festival Best Showcase Designer of the Year 2016
PRESENTER---Aspen Group
SPONSORS---F&N Beverages, Runway Productions, A Cut Above, Backstage Make-up, Le Jardin Jewellery, 2-Minute Cocktails.
Keith Kee offers exclusive consultation for both individual and corporate clients, and provides design solutions with custom make wedding gowns, couture dresses, evening gowns, party and cocktail dresses, cheongsams, men’s suits, samfu, tuxedos, as well as uniforms for all ages.
Tel: 03 – 2202 0215 Email: info@keithkee.com Address: 215, Jalan Maarof, Taman Bangsar 59200 Kuala Lumpur
SUPER MODEL AMBER CHIA AND SUPER BLOGGER DATO KEE HUA CHEE IN KEITH KEE KOUTURE
DESIGNER AND HIS MUSE
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