The Limkokwing Creativity Series recently held a seminar titled "Brand Your Confidence Self through Colours & Style," led by Evas Khoo, a seasoned expert in colour and branding, and Shaheenna Dinie, a celebrity and fashion stylist. Curated by Dato' Tiffanee Marie Lim, Chief Brand Officer of Limkokwing University, the event was designed to merge academic insights with the real-world vibrancy of the fashion industry.
Shaheenna Dinie, a Malaysian celebrity stylist, shared her experiences in the fast-paced world of fashion styling, emphasising the importance of adaptability and preparedness. “The fashion world is unpredictable. One minute, you’re set, and the next, you’re scrambling for a backup plan because a button popped,” Shaheenna remarked, underscoring the need for a stylist always to be one step ahead.
Evas Khoo brought a different perspective, focusing on the power of colours and style in personal branding. “In the realm of personal branding, colours speak volumes. It’s about finding the right palette to reflect who you are,” Evas explained. She highlighted the technical challenge of colour analysis, noting, “Getting the lighting right is crucial. You’re not just picking colours; you’re matching them to personalities under the most natural light possible.”
The seminar topic, a collaborative brainchild of Evas and Shaheenna, aimed to arm participants with the knowledge to use colour and style as tools for personal and professional branding. “It was a natural synergy between our fields,” Shaheenna stated. “Fashion styling and image consulting might seem different, but at their core, they’re about how we present ourselves to the world.”
Both speakers touched on the evolution of fashion, observing a cyclical return of past trends fused with modern sensibilities. “Fashion is a revolving door. Yesterday’s trends are today’s inspiration, reimagined,” Shaheenna observed. Evas added, “While fashion evolves, the essence of colour in branding remains constant. It’s about aligning trends with the timeless aspects of personal identity.”
The collaboration with Limkokwing University was born from a shared vision to impart industry knowledge and practical skills to students. Shaheenna, an alumna of the university, and Evas, connected through professional circles, saw this as an opportunity to share their industry insights with the next generation. “Limkokwing opened doors for me, and now I’m here to do the same for others,” Shaheenna shared.
The seminar’s overarching message was clear: confidence and self-expression through style and colour transcend the superficial aspects of fashion. Both speakers emphasised the importance of personal authenticity and resilience against external judgment. They advocated for a holistic approach to image consulting, incorporating aesthetics, behaviour, communication, and personal branding as essential components of professional and personal success. “Fashion and branding are about self-expression. It’s not the price tag that defines you, but how you wear your story,” Shaheenna passionately stated. Evas underscored the broader scope of image consulting, “Beyond colours and clothes, it’s about how you carry yourself, communicate, and connect with others.”
This initiative highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry, preparing students to transition from academic environments to the professional world. “Understanding the industry’s pulse while you’re still in school shapes how you navigate your career path,” Evas reflected. Shaheenna concluded, “It’s about equipping students with not just knowledge but the confidence to forge their path, irrespective of the challenges they might face.”
Through their collaboration, Evas Khoo and Shaheenna Dinie provided a comprehensive look at the intersections of fashion styling, image consulting, and personal branding, offering Limkokwing University students invaluable insights into the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and the strategic use of colours and style in defining one’s professional and personal identity.
