M-IFW09: Curtain Unveil
After great excitement and much fanfare from all corners of the local fashion scene, the Malaysian International Fashion Week (M-IFW) kicked off to rousing support from a packed crowd. Now in its 7th consecutive year, Malaysia's most high-profile fashion event started out with a fashion show from MaxMara and Diane von Furstenberg Autumn/Winter 2009 Collection on Wednesday night. Yesterday's morning event, 'Curtain Unveil', highlighted 8 designers that were making waves locally - Amir Luqman, Glitz Glamour, Jimmy Lim, PU3, Oscar, PEGG, Syomir and LyndaRahim KL. With Ai Tominaga officiating the catwalk as the first model out, the show was off to a great start.
Before the curtain was unveiled, so to speak, on the fashion designers' collection, Maxis, the Main Presenter for M-IFW presented the Maxis Innovation Collection. This collection, that was styled by Cris Yong, was to emphasize the growing convergence of fashion design and technology. What ensued was an avant-garde conceptual show that screamed of a heavy cyberpunk influence.
Amir Luqman
After that short presentation, international Japanese model, Ai Tominaga, opened the show for Amir Luqman's showcase. The lanky Japanese international model strutted down the runway in a sheer panelled long nightie and set the bar for high-quality modelling walks in the M-IFW09.
Amir Luqman's designs exuded a very youthful and cheeky vibe and this came clearly across in the household inspired and school days outfits. Check out the kitschy accessories accompanying the models!
The school-inspired outfits picked out clichéd elements from high school that we so often see in teen movies and added a new layer of versatile fun that transcends school walls.
The designer dressed in skin-tight jeans, stiletto heels and a structured top flanked by his muses
Glitz & Glamour
Glitz & Glamour is an accessory brand created by Karen Chin. Key notes to take away from this jewellery presentation is that layered necklaces and chunky bracelets still remain a hot favourite on the runway. Corsages, whether in the hair or added unto jewellery provides a nice visual contrast to the accessories.
Here Karen Chin from Glitz & Glamour walks at the end of the show with models who are wearing messages with very subliminal messages.
Jimmy Lim
Before the first model walks out, the sounds of horses blast over the audio speakers causing a few in the crowd to raise their eyebrows. Immediately a model walks away waving a white flag that states 'Dream Makers Club', the theme of Jimmy's Spring/Summer 2010 collection.
Jimmy's latest collection is inspired by fantasy fables and the characters that delve in that realm, hence the sounds of horses. The audience was treated to fresh silhouettes that were textured through numerous layers as well as meticulous prints that reflected clouds in the sky - possibly a reference ot the theme of 'dream makers'?
Some of the pieces from this collection, for instance, the accessories were made out of organic material including New Zealand horse hair. This can be seen in the picture above on the model on the right.
PU3
The PU3 (pronounced putri) collection reflected the designer's style very closely in the mostly black and red collection that channeled the high street fashion of London. The unanimous vibe was sleekness with strong accents like the studs and gold accessories.
Although the designs may lack the intricacy seen in others, there's no denying the top quality and craftsmanship attached to this brand.
The designers behind the brand taking the stage at the end of their collection.
Oscar
Classical music blasted over the stereos in accordance with the classic pieces that were showcased at the collection. The crowd was enraptured with the panelled and structured gowns that had a hint of Christian Lacroix to the mix as indicated by the large murmur of approval that spread through out the audience when the models strutted down the runway.
Perhaps a wardrobe malfunction, but this model came down the runway without any shoes or slippers on!
The craftsmanship in the outfits were very exquisite and thorough, I can't imagine how much painstaking work when into creating the gorgeous detailing.
The pleated dress on the bottom left was a crowd favourite and received an applause when it was unveiled.
PEGG
PEGG by Peggy offered up very fresh pieces that would be a godsend to working ladies. These clothing will easily transition between work during the day and play after office-hours.
Ruffled bustiers lend the outift a girly romanctic feel that could be edged up with a blazer or played up with wedges and soft makeup.
Conventional working clothes is given a touch of the militia in army green shades and a multitude of buttons.
The shoes were crafted by Tan Yen Yen and Khong Yu, and they certainly made some of our saliva ducts go into overdrive.
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The designer with one of intricate creations.
Syomir Izwa
Syomir Izwa's collection conjured up images of the Mediterranean with the gold tones and beautifully contrasting jade accessories. It simply oozed class and luxury, a universal look not many can complain about.
Given that this collection seemed so fitted for travel, it was rather ironic that the clothes were created out of the most wrinkly of materials - satin! Nonetheless, the collection with its strong direction and theme does seem to exude the air of luxury resort wear.
TV host and model, Aishah Sinclair, received loud cheers from the crowd when she walked on to the runway wearing a one-shouldered Syomir design. The almost kebaya-like design played off Aishah's fair skin to give her an all-round glow.
LyndaRahim KL
Last but not least was a formal wear collection by Datin Lynda Rahim whose clothes were accessorised with Rafflesia jewellery. The collection was simply sleek and the cocktail dresses boasted folds, pleats and tucks that embellished the design.
Two dresses in particular were very well-received by the crowd. First was this layed dress with an outer layer made from organza. The cut was perfect and the nipping in at the waist gave the wearer a slim sihouette.
Ai Tominaga closed the Curtain Unveil show with this black formal dress from LyndaRahim that had the ladies in the crowd nodding with approval.
Though some might debate last year's show to the current ongoing M-IFW, all in all, the Curtain Unveil showcase marked a solid start to the proceedings of the rest of the week. Each designer had at least one strong favourite amongst the crowd and the reception for the local designs seemed promisingly enthusiastic.
Keep coming back for more updates on M-IFW09 as we'll have them in spades!
In the meantime, check out the photos here.
