Exclusive: Tradition reimagined in colours

WHAT happens when two creatively distinct institutions come together? It is either going to be a creative disaster or a masterpiece.

Living in Colour: Tradition Reimagined takes that assumption and flushes it down as it brought together industry veterans Melinda Looi and Toto by W. Atelier for a new range of basins, toilets and bathroom fixtures.

Looi brings her eccentric signature style to Toto’s sleek, state-of-the-art products, finding a balance between the hushed and
vibrant. Think colour and irregular shapes!

The new line embodies being authentically Malaysian as we find identity through colours and jagged patterns. Speaking to theSun, Looi and W. Atelier managing director Satoru Deguchi share their journey towards creating a line inspired by our rich cultural landscape.

Tell us about the collaboration

Looi: While we work in different creative disciplines, we realise we share the same belief that design should evoke emotion, tell stories and elevate everyday experiences. It felt like a natural conversation that evolved into an exciting opportunity to create something meaningful together.
Deguchi: We have always aimed to go beyond functionality and explore how design can be more emotional and culturally relevant. In this journey, we wanted to bring in a creative voice that could help us tell a richer story rooted in Malaysian identity. Looi was a natural fit because her work is deeply influenced by Malaysian heritage, textile artistry and bold contemporary expression. Her ability to translate cultural elements into strong visual storytelling aligns closely with Toto’s
own focus on detail, refinement and design. Through this collaboration, we came together to explore how bathroom spaces can be part of a broader lifestyle narrative – one that connects tradition, culture and modern living in a more expressive way.

As an established fashion designer, what enticed you to join hands with Toto by W. Atelier?

Looi: The opportunity to explore design beyond fashion. Toto by W. Atelier has built a reputation for creating timeless, beautifully crafted bathroom spaces where innovation meets aesthetics. I was excited by the challenge of bringing my creative language into a completely different environment while respecting the integrity of their products and design philosophy.

Talk to us about the approach you took toward the different design disciplines

Looi: To me, design has never existed in silos. Whether it’s fashion, interiors, architecture, product design or art, they all influence one another. At the heart of every discipline is storytelling, functionality, craftsmanship and emotion. I enjoy crossing these boundaries because that’s often where the most interesting ideas emerge.

How did you ensure your signature style is reflected in the collaboration while not compromising Toto by W. Atelier’s aesthetics?

Looi: The key was finding harmony rather than contrast. I didn’t approach this collaboration with the intention of overpowering it with my gowns’ selection. Instead, I looked at how my love for colour, texture, heritage and traditional elements all combined into storytelling. The result is a dialogue between two distinct industries that complement each other most surprisingly. I love how everything turned out so beautifully and in a cohesive manner.

Take us into your process of how you achieved that?

Looi: The process started with understanding the essence of Toto by W.Atelier – its heritage, craftsmanship and minimalist philosophy. I love traditional motifs and Malaysian culture, I always try to showcase Malaysian culture to the world and this was a perfect chance to do so. From there, I explored motifs, colour palettes and design elements that could translate my visual language without overwhelming the space. Every decision was carefully considered so that the collaboration feels balanced, intentional and timeless.

With the minimalist style fizzling out and personalised interiors taking centre stage as maximalism grows, where does this collection position itself in the long run?

Looi: I believe design isn’t about choosing between minimalism and maximalism. It’s about authenticity. People today want spaces that reflect their personalities while still offering comfort and longevity. This collection embraces that balance – it introduces individuality and artistic expression while remaining elegant, functional and timeless. I believe that’s what gives it lasting relevance.

Deguchi: This collection is really positioned around the idea of encouraging personal expression through colour and design, rather than following a fixed trend such as minimalism or maximalism. For a long time, sanitaryware and bathroom fixtures have been associated with white and neutrality. With this collection, we want to challenge that perception and open up a conversation around colour – how it can uplift ambience, create mood and make spaces feel more personal and expressive. At the same time, it’s not about rejecting tradition. It’s about reinterpreting it. Tradition can be modernised while still keeping its DNA and that balance is very important in how we approach this collection. Ultimately, it’s about creating more enriched, comfortable living experiences — where colour becomes a way to connect culture, identity, and everyday lifestyle in a more meaningful way.

W. Atelier by Toto’s aesthetic is very sleek, focusing on sharp, minimalist looks. What do you expect from the collaboration moving forward?

Looi: I hope this collaboration encourages people to see bathroom spaces as more than purely functional environments. They can become spaces of beauty, self-expression, and inspiration. I also hope it demonstrates that different design philosophies can coexist beautifully, opening the door for more interdisciplinary collaborations in the future.

Deguchi: This collaboration helps evolve how people perceive Toto beyond functionality. While we stay anchored in quality, precision and innovation, we also want to open up more space for self-expression in everyday living spaces. Looi’s approach to couture also aligns with this, as she reinterprets tradition into something contemporary while staying rooted in craftsmanship.

What about Looi’s aesthetic and brand made you extend a collaboration?

Deguchi: We were impressed by Looi’s strong respect for Malaysia’s multicultural heritage and traditions, and the way she reinterprets them in a contemporary and expressive manner. Her work brings together cultural depth with a vibrant and positive visual language, making it both meaningful and visually engaging. This alignment in values and creative direction is what led us to extend the collaboration, as her approach complements our vision of bringing more expressive yet thoughtful design perspectives into everyday living spaces.

Will we see these designs in some of your commercial projects?

Looi: Absolutely. This collaboration has inspired new ways of thinking about how fashion and interiors can intersect. Where appropriate, I would love to incorporate similar design ideas into future hospitality, retail and commercial projects where
storytelling through space plays an important role.

Deguchi: Yes, we are looking forward to it. We believe this colourful approach has great potential, particularly for projects such as hotels, luxury condominiums and restaurants. In addition to the outstanding quality of our products, we are confident that our range – which brings spaces to life with vibrant colours – will provide visitors to these projects with added value experience.

Could we expect future collaborations between both in the near future? Or perhaps an extension of the collaboration?

Looi: Great collaborations don’t end with a single collection, they create conversations and possibilities. We’ve built a wonderful creative relationship through this project and if the opportunity arises to explore new ideas together, I would be delighted to continue that journey.

Deguchi: It’s the beginning of an exciting creative journey with Looi. Both sides share a strong alignment in values around design, culture and storytelling, we believe there’s potential to explore more opportunities together in the future. Whatever comes next, our focus will continue to be on creating meaningful experiences and bringing more expressive lifestyle stories to life.

READ MORE:

Making small wonders with Eddie Putera

New lifestyle hubs in Kuala Lumpur worth checking out

6 simple tips to make your home smell better naturally