Text by Dian Pasquinal Kaur
Renowned creative director and food stylist Trisha Toh’s journey into F&B evolved from her passion for design and storytelling. “Food is more than taste, it’s culture, art and emotion. It’s about the full sensory experience.” For the 32-year-old, food styling is telling a story, crafting visuals that evoke emotion and connection. Finding her footing meant refining her artistry, developing a voice that honours tradition while embracing modernity.
“I dabbled in styling and photography while still in university. That early start allowed me to learn and grow through trial and error.” What began as a simple passion for capturing beautifully styled photos of her meals and sharing them on Instagram soon evolved into something much bigger. Her keen eye for aesthetics and storytelling caught the attention of friends and followers, eventually leading to paid gigs.
Trisha’s work is nothing short of whimsical. More than just visually striking, her ability to bring food to life in the most unexpected ways is worthy of applause. From ingredients seemingly suspended in midair to drinks caught in fluid motion, every shot tells a story of movement and magic.
One of her biggest challenges was balancing creativity with practicality in an industry where food is highly volatile. Its appearance changes quickly under different lighting, temperatures and handling, demanding quick thinking and precision. “Another challenge was managing expectations. I overcame these by focusing on clear communication with chefs, brands and photographers and staying adaptable.”
Staying ahead in a creative field demands a constant curiosity and willingness to explore beyond the familiar, she observes. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places – travel, literature, brushstrokes in paintings or cinematography of a thought-provoking film – offering fresh perspectives and new ideas.
“Equally important is the power of collaboration. I always say it takes a village to make the dream work!” Trisha believes in giving 110% to everything she does, whether it’s a small detail or a large project.
“One of the most rewarding is working on print. It’s always exciting to see my designs come to life in print materials, proving that it is far from dead. Another milestone has been stepping into more art direction, particularly in collaborating with bars on their new menu designs. This has been a great way to blend creativity with strategy,” she shares excitedly.
Trisha is eagerly counting down to Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week (April 22-27), where she will take the lead as art director. For her, shaping the creative vision of such a dynamic event in her home country is more than a career milestone, it’s a chance to showcase Malaysia’s talent and elevate local artistry on a global stage.
Looking ahead, she aspires to expand her creative horizons and explore new opportunities both locally and internationally. With a passion for pushing boundaries, she is focused on evolving her work in photography, art direction and design, seeking projects that challenge her creativity and spark fresh perspectives.
“I’m also passionate about fostering collaboration and supporting emerging talent within the industry, especially here in Malaysia. I see this journey as a constant evolution and I’m excited to embrace new challenges, adapt to industry changes and remain a part of the creative conversation on a larger scale.”
This article was first published in The Peak Malaysia’s April 2025 issue.
