Of medleys and multiforms
The recent Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) kicked off with diverse designs in a melange of talent, style and creativity.
THE Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready To Wear 2014 parade opened with designers that presented a mix of different aesthetics. While some focused on more traditional aspects, others pushed the boundaries of contemporary style.
Amongst the highlights were local designers Joe Chia, Silas Liew and Radzuan Radziwill, plus regional representatives like Thailand’s Sleeping Pills and Indonesia’s Ghea Panggabean.
Chia sent out a collection that had the element of functionality as its core inspiration. A take on easyto-wear men’s streetwear were observed in structureless jackets, tunics and trousers, all in a palette of grey and black.
Liew had more of a feminine feel to his designs. Soft forms abound in simple, yet pretty, sheath dresses and other separates. He also presented beautiful hand-painted carries that were created in collaboration with bag designer Shenton White.
In Radzuan’s looks, there seemed to be a strong nod to classic opulence. He paired sumptuous prints with the extravagant use of lace in a form of attractive embellishments to his varied designs.
Sleeping Pills and Panggabean were at the opposing ends of a spectrum. The former had a concept derived from Bangkok’s modern architecture, and the latter paid tribute to Indonesia’s ethnic textile heritage. ON the second night of KLFW, Syomir Izwa, Nurita Harith, Amir Luqman and Alia Bastamam did not disappoint.
Syomir featured a funky resort wear collection. From floor length halter neck dresses in neutral hues of black, white and tan, to sheer panelled skirts, tops and dresses, to vividly coloured strapless jumpsuits in pink and orange, it was fun and flirty the whole way through.
Nurita showcased a range of nuetral hues of beige, olive green, navy and tan on chiffon, silk organza and satin. Crop tops over pencil skirts, peplum hemmed mini dresses, voluminous maxi skirts and capes were among the silhouettes seen on the catwalk.
Amir’s collection was a lot more risque. Most ensembles were sheer mini, midi or maxi dresses with either a bikini or strapless tube dress as the underlay. Lace was a major component in various colours of black, red, orange and navy making it a great collection for a sexy beach getaway.
Alia’s show was divided into two with her Alia B collection opening her show. Stylish and chic, it was a range of sporty luxe daywear with lots of black jersey and grey crepe that left the power to be dressed up or down to the person who wears it.
The Alia Bastamam main collection was more glamorous, sexy and elegant with cocktail dresses, twopiece evening outfits and gowns sweeping the stage. Statement pieces featured lace, leather, satin, sequins and chiffon in black and white with a bronze and gold jacquard fabric.
Syomir Izwa’s fabulous strapless
gown in black featured a bright orange bandeau with a hot pink obi
belt.