We were at the front row of Malaysia's premier fashion event, Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week, and we bring you all the action from a whirlwind slew of fashion shows and event that included standout Malaysian designers and a strong showing by our very own local talent.
13 August
The second day of KLFW saw its usual shenanigans: Glamorous #ootds, dramatic entries and stunning fashion on the runway and off it.
Evelyn Chia, the winner of the Malaysian Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award 2015 sent out a collection that was modern yet sophisticated. She had addressed all the current trends: Crop tops and midi dresses were aplenty along with some interesting play on colours and textures. The clever use of yellow in the mainly monochrome scheme of the collection kept it fresh and sunny.
A look from Evelyn Chia. Photo: Courtesy of KLFW
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On the other hand, Alwyn Chua, the runner up of the competition, collaborated with Malaysian shoe brand Rhea Benson, to put out a collection that was edgy as it was feminine. Think: Long pants paired with low cut crop tops and maxi dresses with a thigh-high split.
A look from Alwyn Chua. Photo: Courtesy of KLFW
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While on the topic of impressive Malaysian designers: Khoon Hooi sent out a romantic and whimsical collection complete with feathers, mesh and crystal embellishments. Inspired by the grounds of Parc Monceau in Paris and aptly named “A Walk in the Parc,” the collection was a tribute to his favourite season—Autumn.
A look from Khoon Hooi. Photo: Courtesy of KLFW
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The fashion for the day closed with Singapore's very own Thomas Wee’s monochrome collection. Based on the concept of the big white shirt, he sent out tempered down versions with compositions in black, incorporating Chinese, Korean and Japanese fashion elements. The structured tops paired with soft silhouettes were the epitome of elegance and sophistication.
A look from Thomas Wee. Photo: Courtesy of KLFW
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14 August
Malaysian designers ruled the ramp on the third day of Fashion Week.
The label to look out for is Innai Red, fronted by Arene P. Khairudin and Juliani Jamal. The collection consisted of versatile pieces, perfect for work and play, with some luxurious well-tailored gowns thrown in for good measure. Far from boring, they mixed it up some origami-like pleating that displayed their technical skills as well as tendency for some unexpected whimsy.
A look from Innai Red. Photo: Courtesy of KLFW
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Few more to watch on the runways: Zero to Ten sports-luxe collection displayed its own interpretation of versatility with cut-outs and geometric patterns that gave it a feminine edge, while also making the looks more wearable and weather-appropriate; Malaysian-born, London-based James Hock. An accountant-turned-fashion designer, Hock started customising clothes and accessories while learning how to sew back in Malaysia. He later moved to London with the aim of gaining some technical qualification in fashion design, and started his eponymous label soon after he graduated. His signature unconventional and offbeat sensibility was evident in every outfit he sent down the runway.
A look from Zero To Ten. Photo: Courtesy of KLFW
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A look from James Hock. Photo: Courtesy of KLFW
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Text by Charmaine Tan