As the popular saying goes, “The show must go on.” Despite being aware of the challenges and limitations that they would face in staging a large-scale digital fashion showcase in the midst of a pandemic, the team behind Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2020 gamely returned to the runway and successfully presented a three-day-long fashion extravaganza which featured a whopping 60 designers — from young, emerging talent to the country’s most beloved fashion labels.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the show’s supporters as the curtains ‘closed’ last Friday evening on 13 November, KLFW founder and industry veteran Andrew Tan shared in an Instagram post that he understood how “things have been tough” especially for all the designers who participated in KLFW this year and he's appreciative of their contribution towards the show. He further added that “there’s nothing we cannot do together as a collective” and believes that “2021 will be a better year for us all.” We're looking forward as well. Right now, let's all look back a bit and revel in the fashion trends we spotted at the recently concluded #KLFW Digital 2020.
Sweet child of mine
(Left) WYNKA Albertina Blazer, MYR1,690/~USD411 (Photo from: wynka.com.my). (Right) A look from the Lilit x Scha Alyahya collection, which launches in December 2020. (Photo courtesy of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week/Hurr.tv)
Borneo-based clothing brand WYNKA is known for its experimental shapes and was touted as one of the main highlights of KLFW in 2019. This year, the brand presented its bold and playful Palace SS21 collection, which comprised of ‘look-at-me’ dresses, cosy cardigans and sharp separates. We were drawn by the brand’s Albertina Blazer above as it featured colourful, almost child-like doodles all over the garment.
Similarly, for the LILIT. x Scha Alyahya resort wear collection that is slated to launch next month, we caught an exclusive look at the pieces which featured doodles made by Malaysian celebrity Scha Alyahya’s adorable daughter, Lara Alana. The unexpected pairing of relaxed silhouettes with child-like motifs makes the collection even more fun and joyful, hence we believe many fashion lovers will be adding their pieces to cart come December as well.
Pleats, please
(Left) A dress from Alia Bastamam’s "Horizons" Resort 20/21 collection. (Right) A look from Arared. (Photo courtesy of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week/Hurr.tv)
We might not be able to whisk ourselves away to a beach vacation anytime soon. However, who says we can’t dress the part and plan for an intimate virtual tropical party sesh with our loved ones? Check out designers Alia Bastamam and Mas Angelina of Arared’s flowy, pleated pieces, which are perfectly apt during this #stayhome season where comfort has become our priority.
Commenting on her Resort 20/21 Horizons collection, Alia Bastamam shared, “There's just something about its infinite ombre hues that lets your soul feel free and takes your mind to places without even moving.” With this, her collection beautifully depicted freedom-loving silhouettes in a variety of dreamy colours. Our top pick? The peach-hued dress above which is designed with a relaxed off-shoulder detail.
Over at Arared, we also spotted a standout wrap skirt, which was styled with a baby pink blouse complete with flared sleeves. The skirt looked especially stunning with its bright fuchsia colour, which we reckon would go wonderfully with hints of silver and gold. Are you in love with Alia Bastamam and Arared’s pretty pleated pieces too?
Billowy beauties
(Left) Kree ‘Meghan’ top (Photo from: kree.my). (Right) A look from Maarimaia. (Photo courtesy of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week/Hurr.tv)
Puffy eyes aren't a cute sight, but it’s a different matter altogether when it comes to puffed sleeves. During the KLFW digital fashion showcase, we spotted numerous designers presenting their iterations of the billowy-sleeved blouse, and our top picks go to Kree’s ‘Meghan’ top and Maarimaia’s floral-patterned number.
The former is made of stretchable cool cotton, which makes it great for everyday wear for modest fashionistas who reside in hot and humid climates. As for the latter, it features delicate floral illustrations all across the blouse and it’s designed with a wider neck for that desired ‘Victorian-inspired’ effect.
Get back to business
(Left) A look from Mimpikita’s "Splendour in the Woods" SS21 collection. (Photo courtesy of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week/Hurr.tv). (Right) A look from Maarimaia. (Photo from: @maarimaiaofficial)
Business in the front, party in the back. Fashion labels including Mimpikita and Maarimaia showcased lovely designs which drew attention to the back. For their latest collection titled, Splendour In the Woods, founder Nurul Zulkifli and her team at Mimpikita experimented with an array of fabrics such as cotton, linen and satin silk. The result is a wonderful, whimsical fantasy that reminds fashion lovers of the joy of playing dress-up.
Over at Maarimaia, the label also expertly paired different feminine separates to create unique, print-tastic ensembles. Sharp sleeveless vests were styled with skirts which had pleated hems, while blouses with exaggerated shoulders were worn with high-waisted skirts. Above all, what caught our eye was the baby blue cropped vest top which was designed with lace-up detail and utility-inspired buckles.
Which Malaysian fashion designers are you most fond of?
(Cover photos from: Kree.my, aliabastamam.com and @maarimaiaofficial)
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