Like many other industries, retail and fashion have suffered a major hit from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. More than ever, there is a need to #SupportLocal designers and players in the industry to sustain these businesses and support the dreams of our fellow Malaysians.
The annual Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week has been one of the ways to celebrate and recognise the local talents in our midst, but it could not go on as usual this year due to CMCO regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, as they say, the shows must go on.
“Fashion is an interest and once people lose interest in something, that particular industry will slowly cease to exist,” says Andrew Tan, founder of KLFW. “Our job is to revive the interest in fashion, and remind people that fashion brings dreams, joys and imagination. Times are not good right now, but as long as people continue to be excited by fashion, the industry will bounce back.”
Taking cue from London’s first Digital Fashion Week, Malaysia had its very own KLFW Digital 2020 from 11th to 13 November 2020. Check out the shows and collections from the most reputable local designers below.
Alia Bastamam
Debuting her latest Resort collection dubbed “Horizons”, Alia Bastamam showcased a series of her signature soft, sensual silhouettes with gradient hues evoking the sky, sea and dazzling sunsets. With the idea of travelling still beyond the horizon (see what we did there), Alia’s beautifully pleated chiffon kaftan and butterfly dresses, loose tops and ruffle skirts have us dreaming of when we can escape again. That said, the pieces are versatile enough for a local staycation and casual lounging if you can’t wait to wear them. Plus, they come with matching face masks to stay safe while being stylish.
The Alia Bastamam Resort 20/21 collection is available from November 14th exclusively at aliabastamam.com and by appointment at the Alia Bastamam Showroom.
Fiziwoo
Faced with the challenge of designing for post-pandemic consumers, WooFiziwoo turned to the comfort and practicality of streetwear for its SS21 collection. Showcased via a video set in the mystical woods, the collection consists of tie-dye shirts, sweaters and matching sweatpants adorned with Andy Warhol-inspired pop art prints. An array of accessories including caps, bucket hats and belt bags complete the collection of youthful ready-to-wear.
The collection will be available at the Fiziwoo boutique from December 2020. W fiziwoo.com
Farah Khan
Staying true to the brand’s design aesthetic, Farah Khan presented a collection of gowns filled with glittery sequins, intricate beading and embroidery, feathery details and metallic accents. Each form-fitting piece was as exquisite and opulent as the next, making anyone wish for the occasion to wear them soon. W farahkhan.com
Mimpikita
Mimpikita’s Splendour in the Woods presentation gave us Alice in Wonderland vibes in the most enchanting way possible. Oversized paper flowers, neon lights and a painstakingly assembled tea party amidst lush greenery set the whimsical ambience. Cue the pastel striped and plaid dresses, alongside vivid evening gowns with bold, architectural outlines.
Selected pieces from the see now buy now collection are now available on mimpikita.com.my.
Kitwoo
If you thought tailored streetwear is reserved for urban settings, watch Kitwoo’s SS21 show – where models were shot at an open turf and paddy field. Sure, it’s all in the name of fashion, but the oversized ribbed tailored jackets, blazers with cut-outs, loose night shirts and lightweight trenches had us feeling some type of way against the dreamy backdrops. Or maybe that’s just a sign that we miss the outside world. W kitwoo.com
Rizman Ruzaini
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Whispers in a clean white room. Sequins, colours and embroideries painting the mood. Muses all dolled up and dressed to the nines. Suddenly, Malaysian actress and model Nasha Aziz walks in and all eyes are on her. Now, the party begins. Called “Fashion Royalties” with a custom song to boot, the Rizman Ruzaini SS21 presentation was nothing short of glitzy and glamourous. Veteran fashion “queens” such as Deborah Henry, Amber Chia, Tengku Azura and Tinie strutted in sequinned dresses, elaborate tops and matching feathered skirts. Up-and-coming muses donned no less detailed logo sweaters and voluminous frocks. It must be said: What a brilliant show to celebrate fashion and its crowd in an age constricted to virtual experiences! W rizmanruzaini.my
Syomirizwa Gupta
In lieu of a virtual runway presentation or campaign-style fashion video, Syomirizwa Gupta enlisted renowned local filmmaker Zahir Omar (of crime thriller Fly By Night fame) to conceptualise and direct a short film. Titled Kegusaran (Disquietness), the film depicts a band of outcasts (models) in the designer’s traditional-meets-contemporary pieces, armed with batons, baseball bats and a whole lot of attitude. W syomirizwagupta.com
Keep up with all the other KLFW Digital 2020 shows you may have missed on the Hurr.TV YouTube channel here. For more information about KLFW or to see the full lineup of designers who had participated, log on to the official website here.
Featured image: Alia Bastamam