B744 Art Centre Bintawa to host inaugural Borneo Fashion Week 2017 on July 7-9
KUCHING: The Borneo Fashion Week 2017 ( BFW17) – the most significant event on the island of Borneo’s fashion calendar and the biggest fashion event in Sarawak – will take place at B744 Art Centre Bintawa here from July 7 to 9.
Organised by the Borneo Ads Management, the inaugural fashion event will take place from 11am to 10pm daily.
According to BFW17 director Stephanie Alcantara, the event provides a platform to promote talented local designers and showcase their unique art.
“BFW seeks to promote networking among fashion industry professionals including retailers, fashion journalists, trendsetters, tastemakers and consumers. It also aims to put iconic Borneo fashion on the world stage of fashion,” she said.
A host of key influencers, socialites and renowned personalities in the business, fashion and lifestyle arena, celebrities, retail entrepreneurs, fashion buyers and lovers of fashion from around Malaysia and Asia are expected to attend BFW17 that will feature 20 acclaimed international and Malaysian designers.
Several famous fashion designers who have already confirmed their interest to participate and present their creations at BFW17 include Dato Tom Abang Saufi, Amanda Brown, Bon Zainal, Jodisaya, Rasta Rashid, Von Jolly, UVA, Tamma, Nila Palacios and Afsana Ferdousi.
The attendees will get an inside look at the world of fashion and ethnic design through diversified programmes and activities which include fashion shows, workshops, exhibition booths and more at BFW17.
Among the highlights for the three- day festival are fashion shows by local designers based on motifs from Borneo a concurrent sale and product exhibition as well as talks integrating fashion, marketing and technology.
BFW17 also serves as a hub for young, independent and creative talent as during the event, 10 emerging designers from Sabah and Sarawak will be competing for the Most Promising Designer Award 2017 and a fashion scholarship from Limkokwing University worth over RM100, 000. The winner will be announced on the final day of the event.
BFW17 is expected to attract about 5,000 participants.
“It is hoped that through this event, we will be able to grow into a bigger creative space that will allow for unique opportunities to showcase, promote and advance local Malaysians and Borneo designs and talents.
“We are targeting this to be an annual event which we believe will help to boost Sarawak’s tourism, arts and culture scene,” said Stephanie.
On Kuching as the host city, Stephanie said that it is one of the most attractive cities in South East Asia.
“Kuching is located on a fascinating and enhanting island of multi- ethnic communities living harmoniously with each other that brings together a kaleidoscope of cultures, crafts and cuisines. It provides the best backdrop to present on one runway talented local and international designers.
“Through BFW17, we hope to make Sarawak a leading fashion hub in South East Asia especially due to the evident ethnic diversity in Sarawak,” she added.
A dinner will be held on July 7 after the launch of BFW17. The Chief Minister’s wife Datin Amar Datuk Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang and wife of the Head of State Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib are expected to attend the dinner.
“Part of the proceeds raised from the dinner will be channelled to the Penan Women Project. The project focuses on helping the women of the indigenous Penan tribe with earning regular incomes from crafting handmade bags.
“It helps to ensure the continuity of their heritage such as weaving as the Penan women are expert weavers despite having no formal education. Their patterns are intricate and the quality of their work is excellent,” she added.
BFW17 is supported by Borneo 744, Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre ( MaGIC), Sarawak Tourism Board, Hitz FM, Era FM, Fabriko, Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad, AirAsia Berhad, Grand Continental Hotel, Essentials Hairdressing and Cutting Edge The Hair Salon.
For more information on BFW17, contact 012- 6093224. Alternatively, visit www. borneofashionweek.com or www. facebook.com/BFW2017.