The L'Officiel Edit: What our team is most proud of that are from Malaysia?
What makes you proud to be Malaysian? Here, we share our favourite pieces of the country.
It’s Malaysia Day! This year has been a roller coaster ride where we have witnessed the good, the bad and everything in between. But, in the spirit of togetherness and independence, we come together and look back (and forward) to our favourite moments in local fashion, entertainment, art and more.
Happy 59th, Malaysia!
Local designer Joe Chia needs no introduction. Although the Kota Bharu-born designer is most known for his deconstructed, monochromatic looks, if you look closely, you’ll find glimpses of his surroundings in the silhouettes, functionality and handwork details. Many of his designs actually draw inspiration from Malay and Indian influences.
For instance, his Chapter 15 collection incorporated batik and kain pelikat from Kelantan; while for his previous collections, dresses and tops were draped in reminiscence of a traditional saree. Chia is a designer who understands different beliefs and then tries to craft a piece of history into the contemporary.
IAN LOH, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Not a fan of historical fiction, it was only after The Garden of Evening Mists was adapted into film by Astro Shaw and HBO Asia that my interest was piqued. The award-winning piece of Malaysian literature by Penang-born author-lawyer Tan Twan Eng, first published in 2012, is now a favourite read.
Tan’s succinct, masterful prose paints an unforgettable narrative, set in post-war Malaya and parlaying the past, present and future of protagonist Yun Ling as she overcomes a traumatic past to embrace a brighter world. A tale not unlike that of our nation today—“ravaged” in many ways, yet standing strong and holding on tenaciously to the hope of better things to come.
TAN SIOK HOON, MANAGING EDITOR
He is not an underrated filmmaker by any stretch of the imagination but the constant omission of Aziz M. Osman whenever one is discussing the country’s greats needs to be rectified. I still remember picking my jaw off the floor watching XX Ray—often cited as Malaysia’s first sci-fi film—but my favourite work of his would have to be Trauma.
From the gripping, character-driven narrative to the cleverly concealed twists and tour-de-force performance by Nasha Aziz, Trauma, as far as a psychological thriller goes, is the blueprint.
NIKITA NAWAWI, SENIOR WRITER
One of the latest artworks that I have discovered and fallen in love with is Vortex by contemporary abstract artist Peisy Ting. According to the artist statement, the piece depicts the discordant wave of our inner life emanating upward in a streak of red that symbolises the will and energy piercing through and breaking free from the mundane trap of familiar cliché, uprooting all shores which our longings have found a home.
But for me, both the wave and the streak of energy are equally important; they play different roles yet are in support of each other. The colour palette and combination also blend really well on the stretched canvas.
CHONG MENG CHEE, SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
A charismatic star with soulful vocals that can melt you on the spot, Yuna is a force to be reckoned with. Her most celebrated work globally is definitely Crush (featuring Usher), a feat that further propelled her career, but what I love more in her repertoire is No Different by Epik High, where she starred as the featured artist.
The fusion of slow-rap and her silky and comforting voice was something I’d love to wake up to every weekend morning over a cup of hot black coffee. My favourite album of hers has to be Rouge—a sensual and captivating R&B album that departs from her more folk-focused pop songs.
CALVIN CHONG, DIGITAL DIRECTOR
McDonalds’s Ayam Goreng Spicy is always my first meal whenever I come back from abroad because you really can’t find it anywhere else. Crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside—it’s the “worst” guilty pleasure created for Malaysians and Malaysians only.
For those who find it too spicy, here’s a hack to turn down the heat: have it with the sweet and sour sauce that comes with the Chicken McNuggets. It gives the dish an unexpected spin and makes it full of extra flavour!
NOEL KHOO, DIGITAL WRITER
Being a beauty enthusiast, I am always in search of products that suit my skin. Unintentionally, I discovered Tanamera—a local beauty brand that carefully curates a range of halal and vegan skincare products, formulated with ingredients and raw materials sourced from the luscious tropical rainforests.
Tanamera Sleep Roll-On is my favourite as it blends five essential oils to improve sleep quality. I found this gem during the time I was suffering from insomnia, so I gave it a try. It helps me fall into deep sleep faster and the aroma makes me feel calm and relaxed.
AMELIA TAN, FASHION STYLIST
