For Noelle Kan, design runs in the blood. Coming from a family of architects, she grew up surrounded by well-thought-out structures, but her own creative path led her to a softer, more fluid medium: fashion.
The result is Kanoe, a tropical fashion label on a mission to embrace regional identity through the use of batik.
The brand name is a play on her surname and the canoe, a vessel for travel. It is a fitting moniker, given Noelle’s extensive journey: born and raised in Malaysia, studying fashion in Sydney, Australia, and eventually refining her craft in Florence, Italy.
However, the brand almost didn't happen. Noelle was working as a teacher, unsure of her career path, when a chance encounter with a pastor changed everything. He told her she had buried her talent too deep and it was time to let it resurface. Taking that leap of faith, Kanoe was born, evolving from an initial concept of linen swimwear into a full celebration of Southeast Asian heritage.
Kanoe is as much about tradition as it is about evolution. Noelle draws from her time in Australia (learning a carefree lifestyle) and Italy (appreciating refined, timeless quality) to modernise batik.
Her goal is to communicate heritage in a contemporary context, creating designs that evoke the 'kampong' lifestyle - bright, warm, and communal - while remaining palatable for a younger generation. By handpicking local models, she ensures the brand reflects the real, vibrant identity of the region.
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From Zero-Waste to Fashion Week
How does Noelle turn leftover fabric into new products, and what are her plans for expanding into menswear and homeware? To read the full feature on Kanoe's growth and Noelle's creative process, check out LIMINALITY, the 2nd volume of INTERLUNAR’s zine.
