Latest news with #Celest
Rakyat Post
2 days ago
- 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.
San Francisco Chronicle
4 days ago
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
California's IVF coverage mandate may be delayed until 2026, leaving many in limbo
California lawmakers are poised to delay the state's much-ballyhooed new law mandating in vitro fertilization insurance coverage for millions, set to take effect July 1. Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked lawmakers to push the implementation date to January 2026, leaving patients, insurers, and employers in limbo. The law, SB 729, requires state-regulated health plans offered by large employers to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF. Nine million people will qualify for coverage under the law. Advocates have praised the law as ' a major win for Californians,' especially in making same-sex couples and aspiring single parents eligible, though cost concerns limited the mandate's breadth. People who had been planning fertility care based on the original timeline are now 'left in a holding pattern facing more uncertainty, financial strain, and emotional distress,' Alise Powell, a director at Resolve: The National Infertility Association, said in a statement. During IVF, a patient's eggs are retrieved, combined with sperm in a lab, and then transferred to a person's uterus. A single cycle can total around $25,000, out of reach for many. The California law requires insurers to cover up to three egg retrievals and an unlimited number of embryo transfers. Not everyone's coverage would be affected by the delay. Even if the law took effect July 1, it wouldn't require IVF coverage to start until the month an employer's contract renews with its insurer. Rachel Arrezola, a spokesperson for the California Department of Managed Health Care, said most of the employers subject to the law renew their contracts in January, so their employees would not be affected by a delay. She declined to provide data on the percentage of eligible contracts that renew in July or later, which would mean those enrollees wouldn't get IVF coverage until at least a full year from now, in July 2026 or later. The proposed new implementation date comes amid heightened national attention on fertility coverage. California is now one of 15 states with an IVF mandate, and in February, President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking policy recommendations to expand IVF access. It's the second time Newsom has asked lawmakers to delay the law. When the Democratic governor signed the bill in September, he asked the legislature to consider delaying implementation by six months. The reason, Newsom said then, was to allow time to reconcile differences between the bill and a broader effort by state regulators to include IVF and other fertility services as an essential health benefit, which would require the marketplace and other individual and small-group plans to provide the coverage. Newsom spokesperson Elana Ross said the state needs more time to provide guidance to insurers on specific services not addressed in the law to ensure adequate and uniform coverage. Arrezola said embryo storage and donor eggs and sperm were some examples of services requiring more guidance. Celeste Jale, a spokesperson for state Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat who authored the original IVF mandate, acknowledged a delay could frustrate people yearning to expand their families, but requested patience 'a little longer so we can roll this out right.' Sean Tipton, a lobbyist for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, contended that the few remaining questions on the mandate did not warrant a long delay. Lawmakers appear poised to advance the delay to a vote by both houses of the Legislature, likely before the end of June. If a delay is approved and signed by the governor, the law would immediately be paused. If this does not happen before July 1, Arrezola said, the Department of Managed Health Care would enforce the mandate as it exists. All plans were required to submit compliance filings to the agency by March. Arrezola was unable to explain what would happen to IVF patients whose coverage had already begun if the delay passes after July 1. The California Association of Health Plans, which opposed the mandate, declined to comment on where implementation efforts stand, although the group agrees that insurers need more guidance, spokesperson Mary Ellen Grant said. Kaiser Permanente, the state's largest insurer, has already sent employers information that they can provide to their employees about the new benefit, company spokesperson Kathleen Chambers said. She added that eligible members whose plans renew on or after July 1 would have IVF coverage if implementation of the law is not delayed. Employers and some fertility care providers appear to be grappling over the uncertainty of the law's start date. Amy Donovan, a lawyer at insurance brokerage and consulting firm Keenan & Associates, said the firm has fielded many questions from employers about the possibility of delay. Reproductive Science Center and Shady Grove Fertility, both major clinics serving different areas of California, posted on their websites that the IVF mandate had been delayed until January 2026, which is not yet the case. They did not respond to requests for comment. Some infertility patients confused over whether and when they will be covered have run out of patience. Ana Rios and her wife, who live in the Central Valley, had been trying to have a baby for six years, dipping into savings for each failed treatment. Although she was 'freaking thrilled' to learn about the new law last fall, Rios could not get clarity from her employer or health plan on whether she was eligible for the coverage and when it would go into effect, she said. The couple decided to go to Mexico to pursue cheaper treatment options. 'You think you finally have a helping hand,' Rios said of learning about the law and then, later, the requested delay. 'You reach out, and they take it back.'
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Midea's Latest Inverter Split Air Conditioner Won the German Red Dot Award
ESSEN, Germany, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midea has won the prestigious 2025 German Red Dot Product Design Award for its Numen series air conditioners launched in Southeast Asia. The award-winning Numen incorporates Midea's latest AI ECOMASTER and Prime Guard technology. These cutting-edge technologies have also been applied to Midea Celest series, further expanding choices for Southeast Asian consumers, which are now available across Southeast ECOMASTER System Achieves Perfect Energy Efficiency and Comfort The Celest series fully inherits Numen's award-winning technology, delivering superior intelligent cooling. AI ECOMASTER system leverages big data algorithms and deep learning to intelligently balance energy efficiency with comfort. Featuring precise ±0.3°C temperature control, it eliminates unnecessary fluctuations and energy waste. SGS-certified to deliver 30% additional energy savings, this system ensures optimal comfort while significantly reducing power consumption. Alongside the AI ECOMASTER, Celest is equipped with Midea's advanced inverter, the heart of air conditioners. As the world's No.1 inverter air conditioner company, Midea has been developing cutting-edge inverter technology for 27 years, obtained 3,300 patents related to inverters worldwide, and owns 35 global leading inverter technologies. Prime Guard Design Delivers Superior Protection for Excellent Durability Prime Guard inherits 7 innovative design features that deliver comprehensive protection for Celest Series. The TU1 corrosion-resistance copper tube reduces impurities by 70% compared to ordinary tubes, while the Silver Shield anti-corrosive coating limits corrosion area to just 0.1% versus over 50% in uncoated systems. The Hyper Grapfins™ technology provides 12.5 times greater corrosion resistance and the UV conformal coating creates 2 times thicker protection for circuit boards. Wide voltage operation ensures stable performance across 80V-265V range, while insect resistance and auto dedusting features maintain system cleanliness and efficiency. These technologies are specifically designed to address Southeast Asian users' pain points in humid and rainy climates, ensuring reliable performance in challenging environmental conditions. COOLFLASH and Healthy Air Technologies Enhance Comfort and Wellness The Celest series features COOLFLASH technology that drops room temperature by 5°C in 10 minutes with strong 665m³/h airflow. Designed for Southeast Asia's heat, it works reliably even at 55°C. I-Clean shifts from water washing to frost cleaning for better dust and bacteria removal, while AIR MAGIC releases millions of ions to eliminate viruses. Together, these ensure powerful cooling, cleaner air, and high efficiency in harsh tropical Technological Innovation Meets Evolving Consumer Demands The Celest series transforms Midea's Red Dot Award-winning innovations into real consumer benefits. With diversified product choices, cutting-edge intelligent technology is accessible to more Southeast Asian consumers. The Celest series ensures that air conditioning transcends mere cooling, delivering "RELIABLE COOLING GUARANTEED" through AI ECOMASTER's intelligent optimization, COOLFLASH's rapid performance, and Prime Guard's comprehensive protection. Midea's commitment to continuous innovation drives the development of holistic solutions that adapt to evolving lifestyle demands, positioning the brand as a partner in enhancing everyday life across diverse environments and changing consumer expectations. Midea Official Website Indonesia Vietnam The Philippines Photos accompanying this announcement are available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Midea's Latest Inverter Split Air Conditioner Won the German Red Dot Award
ESSEN, Germany, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midea has won the prestigious 2025 German Red Dot Product Design Award for its Numen series air conditioners launched in Southeast Asia. The award-winning Numen incorporates Midea's latest AI ECOMASTER and Prime Guard technology. These cutting-edge technologies have also been applied to Midea Celest series, further expanding choices for Southeast Asian consumers, which are now available across Southeast ECOMASTER System Achieves Perfect Energy Efficiency and Comfort The Celest series fully inherits Numen's award-winning technology, delivering superior intelligent cooling. AI ECOMASTER system leverages big data algorithms and deep learning to intelligently balance energy efficiency with comfort. Featuring precise ±0.3°C temperature control, it eliminates unnecessary fluctuations and energy waste. SGS-certified to deliver 30% additional energy savings, this system ensures optimal comfort while significantly reducing power consumption. Alongside the AI ECOMASTER, Celest is equipped with Midea's advanced inverter, the heart of air conditioners. As the world's No.1 inverter air conditioner company, Midea has been developing cutting-edge inverter technology for 27 years, obtained 3,300 patents related to inverters worldwide, and owns 35 global leading inverter technologies. Prime Guard Design Delivers Superior Protection for Excellent Durability Prime Guard inherits 7 innovative design features that deliver comprehensive protection for Celest Series. The TU1 corrosion-resistance copper tube reduces impurities by 70% compared to ordinary tubes, while the Silver Shield anti-corrosive coating limits corrosion area to just 0.1% versus over 50% in uncoated systems. The Hyper Grapfins™ technology provides 12.5 times greater corrosion resistance and the UV conformal coating creates 2 times thicker protection for circuit boards. Wide voltage operation ensures stable performance across 80V-265V range, while insect resistance and auto dedusting features maintain system cleanliness and efficiency. These technologies are specifically designed to address Southeast Asian users' pain points in humid and rainy climates, ensuring reliable performance in challenging environmental conditions. COOLFLASH and Healthy Air Technologies Enhance Comfort and Wellness The Celest series features COOLFLASH technology that drops room temperature by 5°C in 10 minutes with strong 665m³/h airflow. Designed for Southeast Asia's heat, it works reliably even at 55°C. I-Clean shifts from water washing to frost cleaning for better dust and bacteria removal, while AIR MAGIC releases millions of ions to eliminate viruses. Together, these ensure powerful cooling, cleaner air, and high efficiency in harsh tropical Technological Innovation Meets Evolving Consumer Demands The Celest series transforms Midea's Red Dot Award-winning innovations into real consumer benefits. With diversified product choices, cutting-edge intelligent technology is accessible to more Southeast Asian consumers. The Celest series ensures that air conditioning transcends mere cooling, delivering "RELIABLE COOLING GUARANTEED" through AI ECOMASTER's intelligent optimization, COOLFLASH's rapid performance, and Prime Guard's comprehensive protection. Midea's commitment to continuous innovation drives the development of holistic solutions that adapt to evolving lifestyle demands, positioning the brand as a partner in enhancing everyday life across diverse environments and changing consumer expectations. Midea Official Website Indonesia Vietnam The Philippines Photos accompanying this announcement are available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malaysiakini
27-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Midea's four major inverter AC Series make a grand debut in Malaysia
Midea, a global-leading inverter air conditioner manufacturer, has officially launched four groundbreaking air conditioner series in Malaysia: Avigator, Numen, Celest, and Glory Pro. Equipped with AI-powered smart energy-saving systems, advanced graphene anti-corrosion technology, and intelligent home integration, these models not only redefine the technological benchmarks for air conditioners, but empower Malaysian households with efficiency, durability, and eco-conscious comfort. AI-powered Cooling: A Greener, Smarter Future As the world's No. 1 inverter air conditioner manufacturer, Midea produces over 41 million units annually, backed by 100 billion real-world operational data points and 800+ global energy-saving patents. The four new models feature the industry's first ECOMASTER AI algorithm—a billion-data-level optimization system that enhances both precision energy management and comfort. With a single tap, they achieve up to 49% extra energy savings compared to standard modes (certified by Malaysia SIRIM), eliminating the traditional trade-off between ECO mode's weak cooling and energy efficiency. Backed by over 100 billion operational data points and 800+ global energy-saving patents, Midea's latest four models feature the industry's first ECOMASTER AI algorithm—a system that optimizes both comfort and energy savings through real-time data. With a single tap, users can enjoy up to 49% energy savings compared to standard operation modes—certified by both SIRIM Malaysia. This innovation eliminates the long-standing trade-off between efficient cooling and reduced performance. Smart Energy-Saving Dual Upgrade: Real-Time Visibility for Better Savings Midea's integrated Energy Management System empowers users to take control of their consumption. With real-time power monitoring, monthly electricity reports, and predictive alerts when nearing preset usage thresholds, users can track and optimize cooling usage via the Midea app. This turns the air conditioner into a true AI-powered energy manager—not just a cooling device. Built to Last: PrimeGuard 6-Protection Layers, HYPER GRAPFINS Boosts Durability by 12.5X Engineered for the challenges of tropical climates, Midea's inverter ACs are equipped with the PrimeGuard 6-Anti-Corrosion Technology, offering 360° protection for indoor and outdoor units. Critical components like heat exchangers, copper tubing, and PCBs are shielded from damage caused by heat, humidity, and corrosion. Key Innovations: Indoor Unit : High-purity TU1 copper tubes with specialized coating. Outdoor Unit : HYPER GRAPFINS™ condenser fins (aerospace-grade graphene), providing 12.5x stronger corrosion resistance (certified by Intertek). Certified Durability : 20–50 years of accelerated lifespan, 240 hours of UV resistance, and 72 hours of salt spray testing. Wide Voltage Operation (240V): Ensures stable performance during power fluctuations. UV-Laminated PCB Coating : Enhanced resistance to moisture and corrosion. Auto Dust Reversal: Outdoor unit self-cleans, extending product life. Instant Comfort with COOLFLASH Technology Need relief fast? Midea's COOLFLASH mode cools your space by 6°C in just 10 minutes. Designed for whole-room coverage and extreme temperatures, this mode is ideal for Malaysia's hot, humid climate. Overclocked Compressor : Delivers ultra-fast cooling on demand. 9.2m Wide-Angle Airflow : Ensures comprehensive comfort across the entire room. High Heat Endurance: Operates reliably at temperatures up to 55°C (perfect for Malaysian weather). Breathe Easy: 99.97% Sterilization Meets Ultra-Low Energy Use Midea's new series includes Air Magic Technology, releasing millions of positive and negative ions to neutralize 99.97% of airborne bacteria and viruses*. Combined with i-Clean self-cleaning technology, these features ensure long-term health benefits with low energy use, lowering costs and maintenance. Pathogen Elimination : Verified 99.97% effectiveness. Low Consumption : 0.8kWh for continuous 24/7 purification. Self-Cleaning: Frost-expansion cycle uses only 0.26kWh per clean. Conclusion The Avigator, Numen, Celest, and Glory Pro series are now available across Malaysia via Shopee, Lazada, and authorized Midea Proshops nationwide. Models range from 1.0HP to 2.5HP, catering to various room sizes and cooling needs. For detailed specs, promotions, or to locate your nearest dealer, visit Midea's official website or follow Midea Malaysia on Facebook. All units are backed by an industry-leading warranty program, with optional extensions up to 10 years (full unit) and 3 years (compressor) upon registration via MideaClub. The series offers flexible cooling capacity options ranging from 1HP to 2.5HP to suit different room sizes and needs. For detailed product specifications, special promotions or to find your nearest dealer, please visit Midea's official website or follow their Malaysia Facebook page for the latest updates. With their cutting-edge ECO MASTER technology, PrimeGuard protection system and advanced Air Magic purification, these new models represent the future of smart, efficient and durable air conditioning solutions for Malaysian homes. All units come with Midea's industry-leading warranty program, which can be extended up to 3 years for compressors and 10 years for full units when registered through MideaClub. Don't miss this opportunity to upgrade to Midea's next-generation air conditioning technology! Midea Malaysia is proud to announce the official launch of its premium air conditioner series – Avigator, Numen, Celest, and Glory Pro. These cutting-edge models are now available for purchase online through Shopee and Lazada, or at Midea Proshops across the country. With capacity options ranging from 1.0HP to 2.5HP, the series caters to diverse room sizes and cooling needs. For detailed specifications and promotions, visit Midea's official website or follow their Malaysia Facebook page. ABOUT MIDEA Midea, Fortune 500 company, is the World's No.1 Residential Inverter Air Conditioner Company*. We believe in humanizing technology and provide customized solutions for SmartHome appliances, electro-mechanical, building technologies, robotic & automation and digital innovation. For more information, visit Midea at *Euromonitor International (Shanghai) Ltd., measured in terms of the company's production volume of its brands' residential inverter air conditioners and in terms of the company's total production volume of residential inverter air conditioners (including OEM brands) in 2022 and 2023, respectively, based on research completed in Aug 2023 and Aug 2024. Inverter air conditioners refer to air conditioners installed with variable-speed drives. Download Links for All Test Reports: This content is provided by Brand Zoom Three Six Solution The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
