Latest news with #TheCoterie
Rakyat Post
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
The Meaning Of 'Coterie': Celest Thoi On Fashion, Friendship & Finding Purpose In Design
Subscribe to our FREE What's in a coterie? In fashion, the word might evoke a circle of tastemakers, a rarefied club of the stylish and the seen. But for bridal and fashion designer Celest Thoi, it's something far more intimate: a reminder of friendship, trust, and the collective heartbeat behind every piece she creates. (Jon Low Studios) 'The Coterie started with my girlfriends,' she says. 'They were the ones who believed in me, supported me, encouraged me to start something. They're still my best ambassadors today.' Elegant, understated, and laced with quiet strength, Celest's designs – whether bridal gowns or ready-to-wear – have long spoken to a kind of timeless femininity. But behind the white-on-white aesthetic and impeccable craft lies a deeper story of community, cross-cultural influence, and a life lived across continents. From Down Under to Bangsar Amber Chia with Celest on the runway for MBFWKL 2025. (Jon Low Studios) Born in Singapore, Celest's journey has taken her from Melbourne to New Zealand and finally to Malaysia. 'Down under, the weddings are a lot more casual. There's this sense of ease, even in how people get married,' she shares. 'I like ease, but there are varying definitions of it. What they offered didn't always resonate with me, but it shaped my taste. I like classic things – slightly Victorian silhouettes, but always modernised.' It was in New Zealand, faced with a frustrating lack of bridal options that fit her petite frame, that Celest designed her own wedding dress. 'I couldn't find anything I liked or that fit me, so I started sourcing fabrics and working with a Malaysian seamstress I found there,' she recalls. 'Then some friends started asking for help with their dresses, and I just fell in love with the whole process.' (Jon Low Studios) That love soon became a business, then a calling. After opening her first boutique in New Zealand, Celest returned to Malaysia in the late 2000s – and slowly became one of the most trusted names in the country's bridal circuit, known for her attention to detail, her obsession with fit, and yes, her commitment to white. 'I wear white all the time,' she laughs. 'So my friends always ask, 'Eh, where did you get that top?' and I'll say, 'I made it.' That's how The Coterie line started too. They wanted pieces they could wear every day, but with that same level of craft.' A Stitch in Time (Jon Low Studios) Despite the visual minimalism, there's nothing simple about the techniques behind a Celest Thoi piece. She adapts couture methods – meticulous hand-beading, expert tailoring, custom finishes – into her ready-to-wear line, often upcycling leftover fabrics from her bridal collections. 'Once you know how to do couture, you can bring it into everything,' she says. Sustainability, she adds, is not just a trend, it's a mindset. 'Clients are more mindful now. They're asking questions about fabrics, where things are made. There's definitely a shift to being more eco-conscious.' (Jon Low Studios) It was COVID that pushed Celest into uncharted waters. With weddings postponed and lockdowns in place, she launched The Coterie as a more accessible, lifestyle-driven alternative. 'I was delivering PPEs to hospitals at the time, with the police letter and all,' she says. 'And then I'd swing by to drop off fabric or pick up samples. It was a crazy time, but we just made it work.' Design with Heart (Jon Low Studios) Celest's version of 'meaningful design' has always been rooted in purpose. She recalls sponsoring gowns for frontliners during the pandemic – two doctors in love, separated for months, finally reunited for a wedding Celest helped make happen. 'Initially I just offered a dress,' she says. 'But then the hotels, the flowers, the event planner – everyone came in to help. It turned into a full celebration. We just wanted to spread a little love.' The sentiment extends far beyond aesthetics. 'We've also sponsored a bridal gown for a teacher that quit her high-paying job to work at (Jon Low Studios) There's a touch of quiet defiance too – in how she champions local talent and traditional crafts. 'We're just as good as the big names overseas. But Malaysian designers don't always get the recognition. There's so much talent here, so many artisans. Even our traditional crafts are so undervalued. I really hope that changes.' We must celebrate the ones who are changing the landscape of fashion and arts here. Celest Thoi. The Power of Belonging (Jon Low Studios) If community is the heart of Celest's work, then comfort is its soul. 'Comfort is key,' she says, with conviction. 'Whether it's a bridal gown or just a blouse, if you're not comfortable, you won't feel confident. And it's only when you're confident, you look good.' This philosophy, rooted in care, extends to her clients – many of whom have become lifelong friends. 'When I first moved back to Malaysia, I was miserable,' she confesses. 'No friends, no network. But now I feel so blessed. It's the people around you that make it worthwhile.' That idea of being seen – truly seen – is what stays with her most after dressing hundreds of brides. 'When they send me photos, thank you cards, when they tag us on their wedding day… it's heartwarming,' she says. 'It reminds me why I do this.' Always Evolving, Never Trend-Chasing (Jon Low Studios) In an industry often fuelled by seasonal hype, Celest's pace is intentionally slow. 'I don't follow trends,' she laughs. 'I just go with what I like. I think timelessness comes from knowing yourself.' And yet, she continues to evolve. Showing at Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek is still nerve-wracking, even after all these years. 'I always get butterflies,' she admits. 'But just like I tell my kids: If you're going to do something, do your best. If not, don't do it at all.' (Jon Low Studios) With two daughters (one studying criminology, the other leaning towards finance), Celest doesn't expect the next generation to take up the reins. 'They've seen how hard it is,' she says, with a laugh. 'But who knows?' As for what's next, she dreams of creating a single dress entirely from off-cuts and leftover fabric – 'A patchwork of memories,' she jokes, 'and also, to clear out my space!' (Jon Low Studios) But even in jest, it's clear: Celest Thoi's legacy is one stitched together not just with thread and tulle, but with intention, gratitude, and love. 'I'm a hopeless romantic,' she grins. 'But at the end of the day, it's about the people who witness your journey. That's what matters most.' Be a part of the coterie: Follow Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
What's On
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 things to do in Dubai this weekend: May 16 to 18
There are lots of things to do in Dubai, here is your roundup for this weekend… From grape and cheese nights, to riding a motorcycle in a suit, it's all happening in Dubai this weekend and your roundup is right here… Friday, May 16 Visit Baby Expo Parenting is hard… especially for new parents who don't know what to expect when the little one comes around. If you want advice or want to save some money on the (seemingly never-ending) baby items you need, head to the Baby Expo. It returns to Dubai for its second edition this weekend on Friday, May 16 and 17, 2025. Ticket prices start from Dhs70, which is the general pass for one day; however, if you want to attend both days, it's Dhs130. A general admission pass for one day plus a goody bag is Dhs230, and for both days, Dhs290. Dubai World Trade Centre, Downtown Dubai, May 16, 9am to 6pm, and May 17, 10am to 7pm, admission starts from Dhs170, @thebabyexpodubai Do a grape and cheese night Jones the Grocer hosts a 'Cheese, Grape & Jazz' night every Friday from 7pm till closing. Two and a half hours of free flowing wine and a hot bites board, all for just Dhs199. Upgrade for Dhs50 for a curated charcuterie board. Jones the Grocer, across various locations, 7.30pm till closing, Dhs199, @jonesthegrocer Saturday, May 17 Try a brunch in Atlantis The Royal La Mar, in the gorgeous Atlantis The Royal has an incredible Peruvian brunch from 12:30pm to 4pm, the brunch features award-winning signature dishes and non-alcoholic beverages, all from Dhs385 per person. Guests can indulge in a delicious set menu served sharing style and a unique selection of signature cocktails or mocktails, including unlimited traditional Peruvian beverages. Yum. La Mar, Atlantis The Royal, Saturdays from 12:30pm to 4pm, from Dhs385, @lamardubai Bingoooooo to The Coterie The Coterie are now running a super fun bingo brunch and if you want a British style brunch, four hours of free-flowing bevs and a high-energy party bingo, make your way to The Coterie every Saturday. It's from 1pm to 5pm and if you want to continue the party then there are post brunch options too. The Coterie, Ibn Batutta Mall, Saturdays, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs275 soft, Dhs295 house for teachers and cabin crew, Dhs325 house, Dhs395 draught and bubbles, @ Go visit a museum International Museum Day is this weekend on Sunday May 18 and if you're looking for a way to celebrate, then we've got just the thing for you. This weekend in celebration, museums across the UAE are offering patrons free entry for a weekend of exploration. There's more info here. Expo 2020 Dubai Museum and Garden in the Sky are opening its doors for free access on May 17 and 18. The museum is open from 10am to 8pm, while Garden in the Sky welcomes visitors from 2pm to 10pm. Brunch like a Mama Mama Shelter, the new and fun hotel has introduced its brunch to the world and it sounds like a great option if you're looking for something to do in Dubai this weekend. There's lots of sharing plates, drinks aplenty and even a live band. It's from 1pm to 4pm every Saturday and prices start at Dhs249 for a soft package. Mama Shelter, Al Asayel Street, Business Bay, Saturdays 1pm to 4pm, Dhs249 soft, Dhs349 grape, Dhs399 spirits, Dhs549 bubbles, @mamashelterdubai Sunday, May 18 Be a distinguished gentleman If you have a motorcycle and you consider yourself a distinguished gentleman, pop on your most dapper attire, and head to Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa on Sunday, May 18. DGR's mission is to support men's health and it's in partnership with Movember. This is the second year the ride has been held after a successful event last year. If you want to partake, you'll need to register first here. @dgrarabia Visit a theatre festival They call it the biggest little play festival in Dubai – Short+Sweet Dubai is back this year for another season, after several successful runs over 13 years, bringing you one of the world's largest 10-minute play festivals. Experience big stories in small packages, performed in 8 different languages, representing a mix of cultures and perspectives. From monologues to musicals, comedies to dramas, there's something for all. Short+Sweet, The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, until June 1, tickets at Dhs120, @shortnsweetdxb Have a good weekend…
Axios
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
10+ impressive women shaping Charlotte in 2025
Charlotte is full of women who shine in virtually every industry. So, for Women's History Month, we've compiled a list of women helping to shape our city today. Between the lines: This is not a comprehensive list of all the women shaping Charlotte. You can also check out our 2022, 2023 and 2024 lists. Carolina Ascent Charlotte's first top-tier professional women's soccer team is setting the standard for what professional women's sports can look like in Charlotte going forward. Caitlyn Sheff Caitlyn Sheff is making fitness more financially accessible for Charlotteans. Her Wesley Heights yoga studio, The Coterie, is well-known for its sliding scale membership and drop-in class pricing, so much so that the space recently added a second studio room due to its ever-growing waitlist. People love what Sheff's built — just take a look at the flood of support in the comments section on our recent post about the studio's expansion. Dena Diorio Retiring county manager Dena Diorio has led Mecklenburg County through nearly 11 years of explosive growth, navigating through a pandemic and working alongside county commissioners to improve Charlotte's economic mobility. Erinn Thames Founder of the popular pop-up party series 704 Party, Thames is on a mission to change Charlotte's nightlife scene through inclusivity and dancing. Profits from many of her events fund grants for other local creatives so they can jump-start their own projects and add to the city's culture. Festival Colombiano co-presidents Festival Colombiano is more than just a celebration of Colombia's culture — it's a grassroots movement that helped bring national attention to Charlotte. Its co-presidents, Natalia Silva and Karol Cortes, are among the dozens of local Colombian community leaders and business owners who petitioned to bring a Colombian Consulate to Charlotte, but it's their festival that brought then-Colombian ambassador Luis Gilberto Murillo to Charlotte so they could hand him the petition in-person. Last May, Chancellor Murillo announced that their petition was successful. Jordan Dollard Dollard's company, Esther & Elsa, puts on some of Charlotte's most popular vendor markets, the best-known being Front Porch Sundays. This open-air market draws shoulder-to-shoulder crowds along Atherton on the first Sunday of April through December. And in 2024, the small businesses of FPS generated over $1 million in sales — before the holiday shopping season even started. Katie Mitchell The Trope Bookshop owner has created a cult-like following for her popular romance bookstore. So popular that people lined up in droves on opening weekend; at times, that line wrapped around the building. Through Trope, Mitchell has also built a community that has connected people in Charlotte through literature. Kristi Coleman Coleman, the CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and the president of the Carolina Panthers, is one of a few female executives in the NFL. She oversees business operations for the Panthers, Charlotte FC and Bank of America Stadium. Molly Grantham Following a successful 20-year run at WBTV, Grantham recently pivoted her career to empower women. At her inaugural Bet on Yourself Summit last year, she proudly announced to a crowd of 340 women: "I'm reinventing myself at 47 years old." Ziva Postpartum Retreat founders Selena Williams and Lauren Hall launched Charlotte's first postpartum retreat for new mothers. The retreat, which opened earlier this year, was designed to educate and support women with resources as they adjust to motherhood. A few notable reader submissions: "Monifa Drayton is a powerhouse, business owner and the former head of the Arts & Science Council — in addition, [she] currently holds the position as the first Black female board chair of the ABC Board. Through her leadership, she has expanded opportunities for others while also paving the way for herself." — Brittney B. "Kim Lanphear led Apparo to offer services at no cost to nonprofits in need by asking corporate partners to help fund the work. Leading the organization through the transition from a fee-based entity to a fundraising-based nonprofit." — Alyssa M.
