Hyatt Centric uniforms get the Melinda Looi treatment.
“Uniforms need not be uniform!”, Melinda Looi tells us as she walks us through her latest unveiling. This time around the doyenne of Malaysian fashion is transcending into a new space and segment, which is uniform design. Under the Melinda Looi Uniform Atelier label, the designer utilises her creative vision to create modern and distinctive uniforms that blend functionality with style.
Extending her expertise into the designer uniform segment is a sound move for the Founder & Creative Director of Mellooi Creation Sdn Bhd. Across the globe numerous brands are leveraging designers to elevate their value as well as identity.
The trend of designer uniforms dates as far back as the 60s with airlines and hospitality brands some of the first to bring fashion designers into the fold. Today, it has become commonplace as companies look to stand apart and raise the status of their brand.
Melinda Looi.
No doubt this is an area that Looi is more than adept in servicing. And she’s already begun to weave her magic so to speak with a range of aesthetic designs that are both stylish and boasts a unique narrative.
She points out her latest design – the uniforms for the staff of the Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur. Sporting a casual yet stylish look, the bespoke uniforms bear subtle hints and nods to the tin min industry. On some of the designs her signature pleats make a welcome appearance as well.
“I took inspiration from the tin mining industry and their workers, which is why you’ll see discrete elements of wear and tear on the design to carry that narrative,” she says. The Hyatt Centric is just the latest in the line of workwear clothes designed by Looi.
Starting over two decades ago, she has collaborated with a number of corporate as well as hospitality brands. Under her label – Melinda Looi Uniform Atelier – she is now focusing some of her attention on expanding her presence in the corporate sector.
Spreading Her Wings
A uniform design from Andaz Singapore.
Thus far she has already built an impressive portfolio of clientele both locally and abroad. This includes brands such as Alila Shanghai and Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park as well as Andaz Hotel Singapore and Grand Hyatt Bali in Indonesia.
Locally, she has lent her talents to companies such as Genting Highlands, Standard Chartered Bank, Telekom Malaysia and more. Through Melinda Looi Uniform Atelier, the designer admits she is excited to extend her uniform portfolio for more prestigious brands and organisations.
According to Looi, she employs a four-step process to ensure the uniforms elevate and further define the brand’s persona. The first stage, which is client discovery, includes discussions to understand the work/functions of the employees. “This is to help us define the unique style direction we will take.”
Looi explains the concept and her approach in designing uniforms.
In stage two – Design Direction – the atelier and client enter a collaborative phase presenting different styles and colour options for each position. “This process involves us working closely with the client to finalise the end products.”
Upon confirmation, it enters the Product Development stage where samples/fittings and reviews are conducted. The final stage involves production and delivery, where the atelier determines the number of uniforms needed for the different employee categories.
Her expertise and creative vision also expands to designer gifts.
In total the entire process takes several months to complete, she says. But Melinda Looi Uniform Atelier is also expanding their repertoire beyond the scope of uniforms and workwear. Understanding that companies sometimes need to make a lasting impression, the atelier also offers a Product Design Service to create truly unique gifting solutions.
“Clients we have worked with on designer gifts include W Hotel and Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, to name a few,” she states. “As with our uniforms, we work closely with our clients to provide a seamless service from the initial concept through to the end product.”
Looi adds, “Using our trusted network of suppliers, we can source and design products to match any brief, no matter how adventurous or unusual. And with our exquisite craftsmanship, we have the expertise to make your gifting visions reality.”
