A graduate from RMIT, Melbourne Australia with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion in 1995/96, he gains valuable experience in Metrojaya. Businesswise, like most successful designers, Calvin Thoo started humbly and small from home and serving customer by appointment only. His creativity expand so like his business when he open his first boutique is in Piccolo Gallery in Bukit Bintang. Now, he stands tall with others on current location, Prestigious Floor, Lot 10.

His list of clients include Siti Nurhaliza, Anita Sarawak, Fasha Sandha, Sheila Majid, Adibah Noor and everyone! Despite his busy making dresses for celebrities, Calvin Thoo took some time for CuteTalk!

Cc: You’re 38 but looking like 25, any secret?

CT: It’s a genetic thing!

Cc: I saw you almost everywhere in Malaysian fashion scenes; tell us about your daily routine.

CT It’s a normal thing. I wake up at 9 and usually will be at my boutique at 11.00pm. First thing to do is to discuss with my staffs about work and then sometimes I hit the gym. Most of my time I will at my boutique attending clients. During my spare time I like to walk to dog and doing like every else doing!

Cc: Describe your philosophy about the art of fashion?

CT: Fashion should be very personal. The most important thing is we must be very comfortable with what we’re wearing.

Cc: Who is your muse?

CT: don’t have any muse. My clothes is set to reach and inspire.

Cc: Do you think Malaysian celebrities know how to dress?

CT: Most of Malaysian celebrities know how to dress because they know their style.

Cc: Best dressed personality (ies) in the world?

CT: Queen Rania of Jordan, Nicole Kidman and our very own queen, Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah

Cc: Tell us more about your latest collection?

CT: It’s Raya collection, very wild in colour with creative, lavish beading; unlike my previous collection which is quite mild and simple. In fact next year, most of collection will be full with colour, it’s like a rainbow. As usual, print abstract will be my choice because it is classic and timeless.

Cc: Your next ready to wear?

CT: My next ready to wear that will be launched next year will include cocktail and casual wear but with the same principle, fashion with an edge.

Cc: Your man collection?

CT: I decided to do more suits and also shirt that is focusing on details on certain part, like collar.

Cc: I love Adibah Amin dress in recent Anugerah Bintang Popular. Don’t you think to come out with plus size market?

CT: Calvin Thoo sizes ranges from Sheila Majid to Adibah Noor. It’s for everyone!

Cc: Your favourite piece from your creation?

CT: I don’t have favourite pieces. It will always “my next piece is better than last piece”!

Cc: Celebrities cum designers have been criticized for lack of creativity in their design but yet they managed to sell every piece? Your view?

CT: I do not agree with celebrities cum designers are not creative. They have their own creativity. That is why they manage to sell.

Cc: John Galliano or Giorgio Armani? Why?

CT: Giorgio Armani. Very pure and comfort.

Cc: Your main type of clients?

CT: Everyone, from plain Jane to socialites!

Cc: Worst fashion client?

CT: There is no worst clients. Because clients just want to get what they want.

Cc: Among your friends, you’ve been known as humble and down to earth Calvin. In dog eat dog of fashion world, how can you survive with that attitude?

CT: I am just being me. Doing my own thing and always try to produce the best.

Cc: Any plan to sell your creations online?

CT: No. I don’t think so.

Cc: Any plan to multiple your line?

CT: For now, one is enough.

Cc: Do you think Malaysia fashion is far behind Thailand and Indonesia?

CT: Every single country have their own plus and minus. Malaysia is good at one thing while our neighbor is at other part.

Cc: It’s been hard for Malaysia (especially Malay designers) to jump across the border and end up having a small boutique, your view?

It can be done if we keep producing the best. It is important to strive for the best and we can sell our pieces everywhere.

Cc: Calvin Thoo in ten years?

CT: I don’t really know. But what I know is I am going to establish my name in local fashion scene. But if I have an offer to sell my clothes overseas, I do not hesitate to try.

Cc:Final question, did you read CuteCarry?

CT: Yes and honestly it is a good website… and you’re scary because you seems to know everything once it happened. You know what everyone doing!

Calvin Thoo boutique is located at Prestige Floor (Level Four), Lot 10, Bukit Bintang.