O n the KLFW 2025 runway, ARUS flowed like poetry – polka dots swirled like water currents, seashells nestled into sailor hats, and Jakarta-sourced lace whispered of faraway memories. At the heart of it all stood Uzair Shoid: fast-talking, detail-obsessed, and unafraid to embrace the chaos that fuels his whimsical yet deeply personal designs.
From an early age, Uzair knew he was drawn to creativity and expression. That pull led him to study Fashion Design – first completing a diploma, then a Bachelor of Arts degree. Outside the studio, his world is filled with books, documentaries, and objects with stories.
“I love reading – mostly non-fiction or anything that gives me a fresh perspective,” he says.
Documentaries are another obsession, from true crime to food science, cultural histories, and human stories. “I’ve always been drawn to small things with big character – trinkets, unique objects, anything with history or mystery. I like when objects have soul.”
If there’s one thing he can’t stand, it’s wasted time. “I value intention, effort, and honesty. Whether we’re creating something beautiful or just having a conversation, I believe in showing up fully. Time’s the one thing we don’t get back, so I treat it like gold.”
Uzair Shoid: A creative spirit shaped by curiosity
Ask him to describe himself and you’ll get two distinct yet connected answers. As a person, Uzair is a whirlwind: talkative, random, and famously quick-talking – “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fast,” he jokes.
That energy, he says, comes from growing up with much to say but not always being heard. “Now, I speak up, I speak often, and I speak with intention – because I’ve learned the power of taking up space, unapologetically.”
As a designer, he works instinctively, guided by feeling and curiosity rather than rigid rules. “I’m drawn to contrast – softness with edge, structure with play, beauty with a bit of rebellion,” he says.
His work isn’t about fitting into a box; it’s about telling stories, sparking conversations, and celebrating the weird and wonderful. “At the end of the day, I embrace the chaos – in conversation, in design, in life – and somehow make it all come together.”
Three years in, and the designer is already making waves. Though relatively new to the industry with just three years under his belt, Uzair has dived headfirst into fashion’s fabric – both literally and figuratively. His growing body of work reflects a designer unafraid to merge narrative, craftsmanship, and visual theatre.
From mood board to fully realised vision: A day in the life of Uzair Shoid
Every collection begins with a mood board – the emotional and visual blueprint. “It’s the foundation where I capture the emotions and overall feel of the collection,” Uzair explains.
Accessories follow close behind. “I’ve always had a deep fascination with accessories, and I often joke that in a past life, I was a stylist. I believe accessories are key to completing and elevating a look.”
From accessories, he moves to shoes, ensuring they complement the collection’s mood. Embellishments come next – embroidery, beading, or intricate detailing that add depth and texture.
Each collection is rooted in a theme or subject matter, often influenced by nature. Colour schemes are chosen with equal intention, reflecting the mood and atmosphere he wants to evoke.
“It’s about creating a fully realised visual experience,” he says. “Every detail, from the accessories to the colours, is carefully considered to tell a cohesive and powerful story that resonates both visually and emotionally.”
Uzair starts his mornings early, with a to-do list and an outfit that matches the day’s vibe. Bag and shoe coordination? Absolutely non-negotiable. “Style starts the moment you wake up,” he laughs.
His studio is where the magic (and occasional chaos) happens – sketching, sourcing materials, fittings, and experimenting with ideas. “Sometimes it’s fabric all over the place and a million tabs open in my brain – but it’s mine, and it’s where I feel most myself.”
ARUS: the current that carries you
ARUS is all about the flow and move with life as it goes along. Presented at KLFW 2025, ARUS takes its name from the Malay word for “flow,” reflecting Uzair’s personal journey of release, imperfection, and acceptance. “It was about learning to move with life instead of against it – like water, like energy,” he shares.
The collection drew on his reflections about control and fear, becoming a healing process in itself. Circles – seen in polka dot motifs – became a visual metaphor for life’s cycles of beginnings, endings, and everything in between.
One of his favourite looks, worn by model Hariz Izu, featured lace with lizard motifs sourced from a tiny Jakarta fabric shop, seashell embellishments, and a sailor hat topped with flowers. “It felt like a memory brought to life on the runway,” he says.
When asked to sum up his KLFW show, Uzair offers his “3Fs”: fresh, free, and fun. Backstage rituals? Nothing too elaborate – but he avoids food and drink before a show to stay focused.
Every collection starts with a poem he writes to capture the emotions of the moment. Colours act as a secret language, often masking deeper emotions beneath beauty. “My designs aren’t just clothes; they’re chapters of a story, moments of vulnerability disguised as whimsy.”
Professionally, his aim is to be known for meticulous detail. “There’s no such thing as a random stitch. Every element is intentional and carries meaning.”
Even his label has a story: designed like a school badge, it’s a tribute to his secondary school years, when he first realised that fashion – not a conventional career path – was his true calling. “It’s a symbol of where it all began, and how embracing my true self started in school.”
Beyond the current
Currently, Uzair offers only bespoke designs – a practical choice for a one-man operation. Many of his creations involve upcycling, which makes exact reproductions difficult. “I can try to source similar fabrics, but each piece will always be slightly different,” he explains.
That said, fashionistas can look forward to a ready-to-wear line in the future. “Something is definitely coming,” he hints.
Though he can’t yet share details, Uzair hints at an exciting project on the horizon. In the meantime, those wishing to own a piece of his work can reach him via Instagram @uzairshoid or email at uzairshoid@gmail.com.
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Photos by Imran Sulaiman