The 2023 collection by Eric Choong is certainly dramatic and excitingly oriental. He draws inspiration from Japanese art culture for his new collection, “Scents of Geisha,” and uses no high-tech methods to apply his artwork to the garments.
Integrating batik motifs into Japanese art
Fashion is deeply rooted in self-expression through body adornment, whereas art communicates the artist’s thoughts to its audience.
Applying art to fashion requires creativity, and Eric Choong, who has long been involved in the Malaysian fashion design scene, is back with two forms of art to evoke our thoughts.
His new collection is certainly dramatic and excitingly oriental.
The theme of Choong’s 2023 Collection is ‘Scents of Geisha’, which is inspired by Japanese art culture. His artworks are applied to his garments without the use of any sophisticated technology.
He is well-known for integrating and incorporating traditional Malaysian ethnic elements into his design concepts, thereby increasing awareness of Southeast Asia’s cultural roots.
Choong has travelled the world over the years, capturing and harvesting the beauty of life with his camera — which eventually becomes the imbuement to his design creations.
Inspired by centuries-old traditional batik textile art, he established the idea that creative value should be casual, with practise becoming a routine part of daily life.
Choong created his plant dyes using the batik process, blended the vibrant plant colours into his fabrics, and used this dyed textile for painting and sewing into garments. Painting with plant dyes is an essential part of the abstract and organic creative process.
Choong is launching his new apparel collection at the CollabStore in Kuala Lumpur, where he is also exhibiting his art.
Aside from catwalks and runway fashion shows, fashion can now be perceived in the same space as art, and many fashion designers are also artists.
This is not his first attempt to combine art and fashion. His 10-year mission has been to revive batik art for contemporary fashion and advocate for industry sustainability through a brand-new showcase.
Choong has long been known for his elegant couture gowns. After graduating from the prestigious Hong Kong Design Institute, he launched his eponymous fashion label, ERIC CHOONG, in 1988.
However, he admits to having retired from his made-to-measure job seven years ago.
“My 33-year fashion career was not without challenges. As my career nears its 33rd year, I decided to let go of attachment and expectation,” Choong said, adding that he is keeping his heart open to this moment as he celebrates and cherishes the second half of his life.
For the time being, he is making a visual impact on fabrics and bringing ancient classic art to the global stage.
As a fashion college lecturer, he shares his knowledge and experiences with the next generation of fashion design students. He hopes to promote Malaysia’s creative and cultural industries through fashion.
Choong’s ready-to-wear and art collections are available at CollabStore, Level 2, Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, Kuala Lumpur.
