This local designer’s bento box-inspired bags will make for a meaningful gift this festive season, from Christmas through to Lunar New Year.
Veteran fashion designer Khoon Hooi is known for crafting elegant dresses from the most coveted fabrics, from opulent brocade to soft silk and sequinned cloth. For the last five year, he has made it his mission to reduce waste in his design process. He upcycles unused fabrics, creating bags inspired by Japanese bento boxes, which are traditionally wrapped neatly in cloth when being transported to its destination. Stylish and set at a reasonable price point, these bags are a popular accessory among Khoon Hooi’s clientele around the world.
In 2025, Khoon Hooi presents the Nozomi bag, in support of the conversation trust, World Wide Fund for Nature, Malaysia, known as WWF-Malaysia. Established in 1972, WWF-Malaysia does extensive work in the protection and the management of ecosystems as well as the conservation of beloved species such as the Malayan tiger, Bornean elephant, marine turtles and orang-utan.
The Nozomi bag in Tiger and Fern
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- The Nozomi bag in Bamboo, Koi, and Crane
‘Nozomi’ means hope in Japanese. “Fashion has the power to inspire change, through this collaboration with WWF-Malaysia, I hope to demonstrate that circular practices and style can thrive together in fashion without compromising creativity or elegance,” says Khoon Hooi.
There are 10 exclusive versions of the Nozomi bag which have been auctioned in December 2025, with all proceeds channelled directly to WWF-Malaysia’s conservation efforts. A separate line of Nozomi bags is available to the public. It features five designs, Bamboo, Fern, Crane, Koi and Tiger, on its structured body made from upcycled brocade, each topped with an elegant bamboo handle.
There are only 150 pieces, each priced at RM295.
