Hoping for the best – Melinda Looi, president of the Malaysian Official Designers Association

THIS year, the fashion industry in Malaysia is looking to better days. After almost two years of downtime, designers and brands just want a chance to recover.

here is what some of the key figures within the local scene have to say about the current year. –

“My hopes for the industry are that, with the market expanding post Covid-19 and companies becoming larger and more global, there will be a movement that is just as strong as the previous years, but which is a bit more focusing on the plastic circularity and circular economy movement. This is not the first time social media has been a massive instrument in fashion, so it would be great if individual designers despite being smaller are able to be just as globally present because of the Internet. My dream would be to see something like that happening, and to be part of the movement. I think there is strength in numbers, and I think that it is key for young designers especially from KLYDA to make full use of it.”

– Hatta Dolmat, president and founder of the Kuala Lumpur Young Designers Association

“My wish is that we all can adapt to a new post-pandemic lifestyle. The way forward for the fashion industry lies in innovation. We need to focus on the necessary products that can fit better in a changed world. No matter what, people still need to dress up. So fashion will live on. Of course, do help local designers and shop for Malaysian products.”

– Bon Zainal, founder of the Malaysian Bumiputera Designers Association “All I hope for is that everyone stays safe. Perhaps we can live with the pandemic and go back to how it was before. That is, enjoy life better, dress up and go out without worry. My message is for everyone to please support local designers. I hope the coming year will be fantastic for all of us. have a bright and happy 2022.”