Our Pretty Team

Celest Thoi – Creative Director

Celest Thoi was born to use her hands. Her parents discovered that she could bring her urroundings to life in every detail to the point of being a perfectionist. Her parents enrolled her in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore hoping that it would be an ideal foundation. They were right; a highly energized individual, she explored creating thematic window displays at major shopping centers, wardrobe and fashion styling during her sophomore years.

Upon graduation, Celest was singled out by major design houses and later Lotus IBM, given the task of creating intranet and user interface designs for its respective clients. Here she learnt that even math and logic required graphical designs. One of the highlights of her career was when she was transferred to Australia in 1998 and in 2000, she played a part in The Sydney Olympics.

It was then that Celest was captivated by the story of graphic designers turned fashion designers; Sass & Bide. Inspired, Celest started designing T-shirts and accessories, selling them at Camberwell flea market in Melbourne. She then decided to return to her basic philosophy that life is part of a bigger graphical visual, drawing inspiration from nature and with much support from her husband & family, she opened her own Bridal Boutique in Auckland, New Zealand in 2005. There, she dazzeled the locals with her original and fresh designs. She garnered praises, felt an immense sense of fulfillment and found her true calling at last.

After 11 years abroad, Celest now brings her craft and expertise to Pretty In White, Malaysia, raving to start another round of her magic, combining her expertise as graphic designer, technologist and fashion stylist all rolled into one.

Celest also admires works by Zac Possen, Elie Saab, Sass & Bide.

………………………………………………….

Elaine Kong – Designer

Elaine Kong was brought up in a family filled with tremendous love. She always helped her aunt draw patch blocks that would inevitable become family quilts. For every quilt completed, Elaine would be rewarded with a doll, which was regarded as every little girl’s fantasy. Elaine just loved making clothes for her extended family, from Casual Wear, to Evening Gowns, with loads of tender loving care.

Continuing her education in Australia, her desire for art blossomed, enrolling in any art courses. Her lecturers worried that she might be overburdened but their fears were unfounded. Elaine volunteered to alter dresses for her friends and peers, during their annual prom, so that she might help them look their best. This gained her a reputation as a personal stylist in campus. Returning to Malaysia in 1992, she enrolled in The International Fashion Training Centre to further her formal education and again excelled. Thereafter, she decided to build her foundations by working the ranks from garment manufacturing to retailing boutiques as Elaine wanted a complete grasp of the processes in the real world. Such traits are uncommon in this day and age.

Elaine then joined Pretty In White as a full fledged designer in 2002. This provided her with a conducive environment to explore her designs to their fullest potential, realizing highly detailed and intricate designs, finished by her very own hands. Her customers often commend her for her efforts when they put on her creations, drawing attention from the crowd. This motivates Elaine to pursue the next level of excellence.

Elaine has come full circle, from a little girl surrounded by quilts and dolls, she is now inspired by her own 2 daughters, as she draws out and materializes new designs for her customers, friends and family.

………………………………………………….

Stephanie Ong – Designer

Stephanie is a firm believer that fashion designs are meant to compliment the many facets of an individual. Quite the accidental fashionista, she initially majored in Graphic Design before switching over to Fashion at The International Fashion Training Centre, Malaysia, graduating cum laude in 2004.

Despite her gregarious nature, she found it difficult to find acceptance in the local community with regard to her designs. A momentary setback, Stephanie ventured into sales and management jobs which helped her understand the needs of people in her respective trades. A chance encounter with Pretty In White four years later, provided the opportunity she yearned for. Starting out as a designer’s assistant, Stephanie learnt her trade the hard way, savouring every knock and bump, with great enthusiasm.

She left her mark on many of her clients as they commented on her good relations and deep understanding of their requirements, often exceeding their expectations. As such she was duly given the Designers Role within the first year of apprenticeship at Pretty In White. Stephanie is known for her use of bold colours, loud prints, intricate cuts, some of which can be considered experimental as her designs incorporates her life’s experiences. Much of her finished pieces speak to the inner beings of their masters, encapsulating their very essence, bringing out the best in them. She has never let anything get in her way as her personal motto is; “everything is possible”.

As she stands from her throne, the flames glisten, outlining the lustrous physique of its creator, Stephanie is now set to unleash her passionate creations, lined meticulously with her joys and sorrow, unto the masses. This is her playground.

Stephanie worships the works of Alexander McQueen and Jasper Goodell.

………………………………………………….