As we arrived at The Campus Ampang for our interview, Mughni Che Din – who is also affectionately known as Moogs – warmly greeted us with his radiant presence. “I brought two jackets – both by a local designer. I want to give them a platform,” he said. It was a simple opening line, but one that instantly spoke volumes of his character and values. Establishing oneself in their industry of choice is never easy, and as someone who has spent over a decade in the Malaysian fashion industry, Moogs was more than happy to offer his insights. He shared his wisdom with us the way one pours a cup of calming tea: natural, thoughtful, and quietly warming.
From personal style to professional purpose
For some, fashion can be a chore. But for the 37-year-old stylist, the passion came naturally, even from a young age. Dressing up for different occasions was an outlet for both his creativity and his expression – it was how he told his story, mood, and identity. As years passed, Moogs started to notice a pattern from everyone around him – people were either complimenting his fashion sense or asking him for styling advice. It was then that he realised what he possesses is more than mere passion, but also a talent that he can use to help others. “My strength as a stylist lies in bringing out the best version of my subject,” he shared.
Moogs has tried it all. He was a fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia for five years, and he even did it during the peak COVID-19 era, which meant working from home during the nationwide quarantine, swab tests, and directing photoshoots via Zoom – all things unfathomable to every working crowd. Then, the shock of uncertainty further hit when he was laid off from work. To most, it would probably feel like hitting rock bottom, but for him, it was the perfect opportunity to show his resilience and adaptability. He had to remind himself of his purpose: his love for creation and connecting with people. These clarities paved his path amidst a difficult time.
That was why, in 2020, he decided to establish MCD Creative – Mughni Che Din Creative — a fashion advertising company. He started small by reaching out to local fashion brands, offering his services to help them with content and copywriting. Since then, his humble beginnings evolved into a multidisciplinary creative agency, working projects with local and international brands. “Those moments have been one of the hardest, yet most valuable, lessons of my career.”
Malaysia’s fashion growth through Moogs’ lens
“I’m a chameleon when it comes to style. I dress for the occasion with intention,” said Moogs. His approach lies in clean lines and thoughtful choices that ensure an outfit looks polished without feeling overworked. Over the years, one guiding principle has remained constant: fashion should be intentional. He enjoys the process of bringing out the best in the people he works with, and he does so by first understanding their personalities, strengths, and the context before translating them into a visual language. It makes his work feel authentic – to reveal their true selves instead of disguising them.
However, being a stylist and creative director comes with a certain unpredictability. No two days are the same – some are filled with shoots, while others are with meetings or events. “It’s constant and exhausting but also deeply fulfilling, especially when ideas come to life through collaboration,” he shared.
Mughni’s 16 years of experience in fashion have also developed his ability to recognise trend patterns and how the fashion industry has evolved. “The most noticeable change has been the rise of new Malaysian designers who are unapologetically clear about their identities,” he said. He mentioned designers like Behati and Kit Woo, whose works reflect a shift towards individual confidence and global relevance. That statement is reminiscent of Behati’s closing show for KL Fashion Week 2025. The clothes were instilled with nostalgic references to Malaysia’s high school uniform, while the show ended with the models all gathered to resemble the form of Tugu Negara.
While we spoke about designers who shine with creative and avant-garde flair, it was also important to address the elephant in the room – some designs from Malaysian fashion brands that exhibit too much plagiarism. What’s worse is that it doesn’t stop at being a mere inspiration but is an exact copy, even for the runway looks. “Copying is short-term thinking. Developing original designs is more sustainable, more fulfilling, and better for the industry as a whole,” Moogs explained. Yet, most designers still chase instant or immediate wins, blindly following social media trends instead of investing in long-term brand building and personal experimentation.
Braiding intention in Moogs’ fashion language
In the eyes of Moogs, intention is everything, and that includes having a proper long-term structure. This, however, is not just baggage for the designers – it affects the entire ecosystem of the local fashion scene. “Without that, progress risks moving backwards,” he said. As such, hosting a large-scale event such as Malaysia’s annual fashion week won’t necessarily strengthen the industry. Instead, Moogs thinks the focus should shift to alignment, quality, and platforms that truly support long-term growth. “I’d love to see more people embracing slow fashion and supporting local brands, as well as investing in pieces they genuinely connect with rather than constantly chasing newness.”
Bringing the conversation back to a more candid tone, we just had to ask him: what are his foolproof styling tips? Well, his first rule: essentials. “A great pair of denim trousers,” he said. Denim never goes out of style – its timelessness and versatility make it a reliable foundation for any outfit, regardless of the wearer. But that’s about it. Beyond that, style is deeply personal. “Dress for real life, not just for Instagram,” said Moogs, adding that carrying an identity and finding your style means dressing in a way that reflects your own story and personality. But which matters more: clothes or accessories? For Moogs, it goes hand in hand. “The balance between the two depends entirely on personal style and how you choose to express it.”
Ironically, after sharing all these tips, he left us with one final piece of advice that overshadowed the rest. The clearest indicator of a good personal style is good manners. “What matters most is how you treat the people around you. True style is reflected in behaviour just as much as in appearance.”
Photography: Imran Sulaiman
Mughni Che Din’s outfit details: Top from TACT, jacket and trousers from Kit Woo, shoes from Gucci.
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