Creating opportunities
RETURNING for a fourth edition is the 2017 Malaysia Fashion Week (MFW). It will shine a spotlight on diverse talents, with artistic displays of lifestyle galleries, fashion shows and more.
The event will run from tomorrow until Sunday at Publika, Kuala Lumpur, and will focus on various clusters: fashion, modest fashion, menswear, beauty, hair, aesthetics and wellness.
At the press conference and MoU signing ceremony last week, Datuk Nancy Yeoh-Reissiger, president and CEO of Stylo International, the organiser of MFW, said that the clusters support the theme.
“Art Beyond Fashion pays homage to the intertwining of art and fashion. Every piece of fashion item begins with an artistic interpretation by its creator and similarly it ends with an artistic interpretation of its beauty and appeal by fans and buyers.”
She explained that moving forward, the clusters will be the template for a series of pocket events, which will be held throughout the year at specific venues culminating with the 2018 MFW.
Among the highlights of this year’s MFW is renowned shoemaker Datuk Jimmy Choo’s My Tribute To Diana gallery. It will showcase a replica collection of shoes he designed for the late Princess of Wales.
The centrepiece will include the last pair of shoes he designed for Princess Diana shortly before her passing, but never collected. This is the first time in Asia for this showcase to be held here.
Yeoh also announced the recent appointment of Datuk Zang Toi as Honorary International Business Advisor for MFW. He will help mentor young Malaysian designers and guide them on building a strong network.
The 2017 MFW aims to focus on international business as well. This will be achieved with the facilitation of its trade partner, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
According to the director of lifestyle, lifesciences, medical devices and pharmaceutical section of Matrade, Abu Bakar Yusof, this segment sets the event apart from other fashion weeks.
“The focus on creating opportunities in global trade for Malaysian fashion industry players pushes our designers to step outside of their comfort zone and offer the world the unique Malaysian styles that are influenced by our multicultural background.”
He added: “MFW over the years has proven to be an effective platform for us to promote Malaysian fashion to the world. Last year, MFW successfully generated RM212.78mil of sales and we look forward to the event this year.”