MILAN–Malaysian-born, Belgium-based Edmund Ooi is the latest designer to be “made” by the godfather of Italian fashion. Ooi will show his fall winter 2015/16 collection at the Armani/Teatro during mens fashion week here on January 17.
Ooi garnered recognition last June with the sci-fi, architectonic spring summer 2015 collection he presented at Pitti Uomo’s “Fashion Buzz” section. His designs, he said at the time, are “not for a normal person but someone who wants to create a sense of fantasy.”
While Armani himself does not personally present the designers, opening up his show space has helped serve as a global launching pad for many emerging designers like Andrea Pompilio, Stella Jean, Julian Zigerli and Au Jour le Jour’s Diego Marquez and Mirko Fontana.
Ooi talks to BACO’s Editor-in-Chief Sofia Celeste and tells us what it feels like to be helped out by the godfather of Italian fashion:
What did it feel like to get the call from Armani’s people?
Unbelievable and super excited!
How would you describe your own style?
In short, tailoring with a twisted influence of science fiction.
How has your diverse background had an impact on your label?
The mix of cultures makes me look at things differently. People think it’s normal [to be diverse] but find it very interesting.
What materials are going into the collection that will show at Armani Theater?
Wool, rubber, triacetate, silk, wool jacquard, techno duchess and faux fur.
What are some key highlights of the collection?
With the collection, it started with something completely different as what I am used to but the result came out well. You will see it at the show.
Have you worked with any artisans and if so who and where do they come from?
Malhia Kent from Paris for some customized jacquard.
