For this year’s Next in Vogue, our Vogue Closet turns to the theme of Asia Reimagined—a study in how Southeast Asian designers transform classic elements and silhouettes into something wholly current. At its heart, fashion is a conversation between the old and the new, and this year’s Vogue Closet takes that dialogue head-on: a current lens on the familiar, and proof that heritage can be both foundation and springboard.
For 2025, Vogue Closet brings together nine designers from across Southeast Asia whose practices embody that balance. A few pieces lean into heritage dressmaking with intention, others test how far a familiar design can be stretched, while still others look to sheen and structure to bring cultural codes into the present. Together, their works form a showcase that is both grounded and exploratory.
The line-up spans designers from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam all the way to our very own home island Singapore. The names? Adeline Ester, Behati, Toton, Laichan, Raymond Wong, Rizman Ruzaini, Celest Thoi, Kavita Thulasidas, and Le Thanh Hoa. Some are custom, some drawn from existing collections—but all reveal their signatures and their stance on how fashion can move forward without leaving its foundations behind. And some of these looks might feel familiar: Adeline Ester, Behati, Toton and Laichan first appeared in our July/August Home Issue cover shoot, now reimagined within the setting of Vogue Closet.
Vogue Closet has always been about access—the chance to look closely at the details that usually flash by on a runway, and to feel the pulse of design in the region. Shining a spotlight on the core theme of reimagining Southeast Asian craft, this edition is an invitation to see heritage reframed, and to appreciate how fashion here continues to renew itself. Below, see the nine remarkable Southeast Asian designers that will be featured in this year’s showcase.
1 / 9
Rizman Ruzaini
Malaysia’s celebrated couture duo, Rizman Ruzaini, continue to push the boundaries of what regional couture can look like on the global stage. Known for their flair for theatrical silhouettes, intricate beadwork, and unapologetic glamour, their pieces often marry old-world detail with loud, contemporary statements. Whether it’s the sparkle of hand-applied crystals or the architectural drama of their gowns, the brand embodies glamour in its truest sense—taking Malaysian couture into a stratosphere where tradition meets star power. Their international acclaim reached new heights when supermodel Naomi Campbell walked for them, underscoring the global resonance of their vision.
For more information, visit Rizman Ruzaini.
2 / 9
Le Thanh Hoa
Vietnamese designer Le Thanh Hoa has established himself as one of the country’s most exciting couture names, with a growing reputation for glamorous eveningwear and intricate couture designs. His collections often pay homage to his roots while giving them a modish, daring spin—experimenting with textures, volumes, and sculptural forms. Known for his dramatic gowns and commanding presence, the designer fuses reverence for cultural aesthetics with the boldness of an artist unafraid to push style into bolder territory.
For more information, visit Le Thanh Hoa.
3 / 9
Toton
Indonesian label Toton stands at the intersection of heritage craft and experimental design. Designer Toton Januar draws deeply from traditional processes—batik, weaving, hand embroidery—yet reworks them through layering, textural play, and modern silhouettes. The result is clothing that feels both grounded yet strikingly avant-garde, garments that pulse with the intention of craft but at the same time draw attention for their innovation.
For more information, visit Toton.
4 / 9
Behati
Malaysia’s buzzy label of the moment, Behati—founded by Kel Wen in Kuala Lumpur—has made waves by reimagining heritage designs through exaggerated silhouettes and playful distortion. Known for his bold experiments with wide shoulders, oversized forms, and dramatic proportions, Wen’s work translates tradition into something audacious and current. His pieces speak to a generation unafraid to remix the past, turning customs into something fearless and uniquely of-the-now.
For more information, visit Behati.
5 / 9
Celest Thoi
Malaysian designer Celest Thoi has become synonymous with refined bridal and eveningwear, favouring clean lines and romantic silhouettes that exude quiet confidence. Her work strikes a balance between modern-day elegance and the softness of classic romance, always polished but never overwrought. Known for her ability to make gowns feel both fresh and intricately charming, her designs highlight her strength through her purity of design.
For more information, visit Celest Thoi.
6 / 9
Kavita Thulasidas
A reputable name in the Singapore fashion landscape, particularly when it comes to Indian traditional wear, Kavita Thulasidas is best known for her family label, Stylemart. Her work blends sari-inspired draping, rich hand embroidery, and artisanal fabrics with couture sensibilities. Kavita’s designs shine through jewel tones, sparkling embellishments, and silhouettes that celebrate South Asian craft while glowing with modern refinement. In her pieces, heritage is illuminated—allowing her rooted elements to shimmer in contemporary light.
For more information, visit Kavita Thulasidas.
7 / 9
Laichan
Local designer Laichan has built his reputation on reinventing the cheongsam, demonstrating how a silhouette steeped in history can feel wholly alive in the present. Through modern tailoring and modish lines, the label preserves its essence while introducing new rhythms of wearability and sophistication. His approach is one of evolution—proof that cultural garments can remain powerfully relevant even in current times.
For more information, visit Laichan.
8 / 9
Adeline Ester
Jakarta-based Adeline Ester is renowned for her sculptural gowns and dazzling finishes. Her creations often feature hand-worked sequins, metallic textures, and dramatic silhouettes that fuse meticulous construction with a flair for spectacle. Ester’s designs are regal and contemporary all at once—pieces that honour craft while being theatrically radiant, and couture that celebrates both artistry and the thrill of the modern stage.
For more information, visit Ester.
9 / 9
Raymond Wong
Celebrated for his preservation and reinterpretation of Peranakan and regional traditions, Singaporean designer Raymond Wong’s work engages heritage through intricate beadwork and the cultural memory embedded in traditional dress. Wong’s artistry is found in detail, with delicate finishes and handwork that rewards time spent looking. His designs underscore how fashion can serve as both archive and innovation, carrying cultural heritage forward with grace and modern vitality.
For more information, visit Rumah Kim Choo.
