Angeline featured in Star 2

ANGELINE KHOO IS A SCENE STEALER WITH HER KIMONOS

Coming from a family that is no stranger to the fashion retail business, Angeline Khoo launched her online boutique last December.

Khoo, 32, is the daughter of former beauty queen Pauline Chai and Tan Sri Khoo Kay Peng.

Even at a young age, Khoo was constantly surrounded by discussions involving the family business, particularly Metrojaya and Laura Ashley.

The Oxford educated and trained lawyer was born in Perth, Australia and raised in a small town in Canada. Despite that, she always had a special love for Malaysia; it being the country her mother was born in, and visiting Kuala Lumpur sparked an idea for her to start Rosie On Fire.

Rosie On Fire is an online store with a collection of modern-day kimonos, cut with a signature drape that flatters all forms and figures. Khoo’s kimono range is also very versatile, able to cater for different looks, from classy to feminine or even sexy.

At the moment, it features four variations of kimonos: Classic Kimono, Baby Kimono, Long Kimono and Silk Classic Kimono.

Khoo believes that kimonos are something of a fashion staple and that they will continue to trend in 2016 and 2017. Especially since designers are reviving this tradition by taking kimonos to the runway at international fashion weeks.

“These modern cousins of the traditional Japanese garment took the 2014 Spring/Summer high-street fashion industry by storm and has gone full-on mainstream,” enthused Khoo.

“They have been spotted on everyone, from Kim Kardarshian and Olivia Palermo to Instagram-loving fashionistas. Their classic cut means they’ll never go out of style and stay as a staple in any wardrobe,” added Angeline, describing the kimonos as the new “little black dress.”

In creating Rosie On Fire, she subscribes to one main rule: “Be a good person.” She is on a single-minded mission to do good by considering both the human and commercial aspects at every stage of the decision-making process.

“Rosie On Fire is committed to employing local talent – each kimono is sewn to exact standards. The company was created as a result of a love for beauty, love for fun and desire to make the world a happier place. The heart of Rosie On Fire is to empower people and create opportunities for others,” explained Khoo.

Khoo strives to offer opportunities to women at risk, low-income families and autistic individuals.

“A portion of our garments are made by Malaysian single mothers and rural stay-at home mothers who would otherwise have to choose between caring for their children and earning an income. We have a long-term vision to have autistic people gain employment within the company in roles suitable to their strengths,” said Khoo.

Khoo’s main goal is to create a brand that will make a woman feel and look beautiful on the inside and outside. Her mother, whom Khoo described as a “good Ipoh girl”, is her sole inspiration.

“I learnt everything about having strong values and being a lady from my mum,” mused Khoo, who is one of five children. “She was my inspiration for inner and outer beauty.”

 

Source : Star 2