‘I was asked why a shoemaker wanted to nurture a handbag designer,’ says Choo. ‘Well, I think shoe and handbag designs go hand in hand, even if they’re different things. What matters most is the creativity and substance behind the designs. Illiza has a unique vision and a distinctive style that dares to flout convention. She absolutely represents a new generation of design. I’m sure she’ll make a mark.’

Choo is far from done with designing. The latest indication: he recently registered a new brand name, Zhou Yang Jie London, using a transliteration of his Chinese name. ‘I’m still passionate about design and shoemaking, and I believe in lifelong learning,’ says Choo. ‘Zhou Yang Jie London is a private, custom brand, with service by appointment only. You can say I do it out of personal interest, but I also want to use this brand as an official record of my work in this stage of my career and as a way to pass on my craft. I want young people to know that chasing your dreams is a never-ending process.’

Penang Fashion Week is held 15-23 April, mypenang.gov.my

Hero image: Ian Teh