Each fresh-faced creative master of Malaysian fashion has forged a brand with a distinctive style and a unique vision, cementing themselves on our local shores. While everyone will have their own answer for what makes Malaysian fashion, our lifestyle is a uniting factor. Either way, our homegrown talents know how to nail it – every single time.
From futuristic fabrications to nostalgic silhouettes, these up-and-coming local fashion designers champion their idiosyncratic individuality in a pastiche of street style, sleek staples, tailoring and elegant evening wear. Ahead, we round up 6 designers who have been honing their craft and offer unique designs that will undoubtedly be favourites in your closet for years to come.
Caro Chia
Designer Caro Chia launched her eponymous brand, “Caro Chia” in 2021, a venture that seamlessly melds artistic inspiration with innovative structural cuts and patterns. Her abstract approach is an ode to contemporary art movements and sculptors such as Jean Arp, thus naming her collection Arp 2020 after the artist. The garments are form-fitting; almost like spandex-onesies in the most sophisticated way imaginable.
Emri Vision
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A combination of both streetwear and sustainability, Emri Vision’s creations consist of deconstructed and reconstructed garments, textures and drape knit techniques. Through the brand, designer Emran Rijal aims to pay homage to his upbringing in Kuala Lumpur, showing what a local creative has to offer in terms of craftsmanship, technique and sustainable fabrication.
Ghostboy Club
The creative pair behind Ghostboy Club – Cyii Cheng and David Han, started launching a series of lashed cut-outs in bright primary hues and asymmetrical bodysuits that dominate body-flaunting silhouettes in 2021. The brand has continuously evolved to release designs of different concepts that Gen Z loves – from gothic to futuristic, space, Y2K and more.
MSYD
Fashion architect and textile designer Masyadi Mansoor founded MSYD, a brand that’s generally known for its eye-catching, oversized puffer designs in bold colours and silhouettes. Local celebrities including the likes of DeFam’s Sophia Liana and Aina Abdul have donned his designs for music videos, award shows and concerts.
Brenda Kuoh
Designer Brenda Kuoh’s recent creations are flirty and feminine, including classic designs like co-ord sets and dresses embellished with gems and jewels – perfect for a girls’ night out. She often plays with different textiles, presenting an end product that doesn’t feel and look boring.
Phyn Studio
Started by designer Phoenix Tan, Phyn Studio is a force in the streetwear space. He creates pieces with gender fluidity in mind, as seen from his well-loved Big Bro shirts, reflective Papillon biker jacket and slouchy Biggie pants. The brand has collaborated with heavyweights like Levi’s and Hennessy x NBA, solidifying itself as a strong brand that still has its best days ahead of it.
Feature image: Caro Chia