M’sian designer named ‘fashion culture ambassador’ in China

Colours of Malaysia: Ho’s cultural fashion show took place on the second night of the event.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian designer Karl Ho Kok Loong (pic) was named a “fashion culture ambassador” in China after his brand ModHouse co-hosted a cultural fashion show in Changting, Fujian province recently.

The cultural fashion show was held in conjunction with the 2023 Changting National Historical and Cultural City Protection Day and the first Tingzhou International Cultural Exchange Festival.

“On Nov 29, Zheng Wenguang, deputy country mayor of Changting, awarded the title ‘fashion culture ambassador’ to Ho, expressing plans for further cultural exchange strategies and collaboration in the future,” read a statement from Ho’s team.

Ho made headlines in 2019 when he won the Outstanding Fashion Styling Award at the 72nd Cannes Short Film Festival in France for his edgy and gothic take on traditional Chinese clothing.ModHouse, which he founded in 1996, is described as a “wardrobe solution specialist” for both men and women as well as an image consultancy brand.

Aside from Ho and his ModHouse team, the Malaysian delegation to Changting included soprano singer Evelyn Toh, Malaysian Fashion Models and Beauty Pageant Association president Dr Jason Hee, World Top Gourmet Awards chairperson Peggy Chong and contemporary abstract art and batik artist Audrey Lim.

Colours of Malaysia: Ho’s cultural fashion show took place on the second night of the event.

Malaysia Tourism Board director-general Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar also delivered a pre-recorded congratulatory message on the cultural event’s opening night.

The opening ceremony heavily featured Peranakan culture, with Malaysian representatives showcasing colourful nyonya kebaya outfits and a dance performance set to Rasa Sayang.

Malaysian students studying at Huaqiao University in Quanzhou performed ‘24 Festive Drums’, a drum display consisting of 24 pieces of Chinese drums.

Ho’s cultural fashion show took place on the second night of the event, with the designer blending elements from both Chinese and Western culture to awe the audience.“In order to complement the cultural exchange festival, we invited local models to join in with our Malaysian models in walking the grand outdoor fashion show called ‘Ting Rhythm Gothic Oriental’,” Ho said.