M-IFW09: Born with Style
The Born with Style showcase which highlighted the collections of Villiam Ooi, Hazree Wahid and Gallo by Thian started off with great aplomb when the models for Villiam Ooi's collection marched out at the start of the runway in his designs. Their actions, much like the designs demanded full attention from the audience and marked a great start to the showcase that highlights three of Malaysia's most promising designers.
Villiam Ooi
The monochromatic palatte that dominated Villiam Ooi's Spring/Summer 10 showcase was inspired by the emotional fallout of last year's economic crash.
Audience were captivated with designs that crossed both lines of form and function - a mix of daily wear and basic clothing that could be styled up or down for casual or dinner wear. It seemed almost designed so that you could get more wear from your buck in this economic climate.
Though the collection may seem minimalistic at first glance, the attention to detail ensured that each piece were well worth a closer look. It was quite remiscent of famed Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto, who have made textured minimalism his calling card.
This was one of the strongest collection thematically in this year's Malaysian International Fashion Week and Gwen and I were left coveting many pieces.
Hazree Wahid
A stark contrast from Villiam's Zen-like minimalistic designs were Hazree Wahid's embellished and detailed creations.
The designs ranged from assorted looks that would fit office wear to chiffon satin gowns that were more suited for night. Hazree Wahid's collection simply embodied class for every occasion.
Gallo by Thian
Founded and designed by Theresa Thian, who is one of the recent Martell VSOP Rising Personalities for 2009, Gallo by Thian has been making a name for itself overseas, showing at Paris Fashion Week (What's Next?) two years in a row. Her recent collection exhibited a sense of feminine and elegant style that is whimsically fun as inspired by the street of Paris.
A common trend we spotted in the Gallo by Thien showcase was the knotted belt
The blue and earth tones seemed to reference the earth meeting the sky and what entails is a cosy yet confident collection.
Ai Tominaga finished the show
At the end of the show, Theresa took the runway with her little boy who was like-wise dressed up to fit her show.
The Born with Style showcase certainly was a good showcase of some of the most underrated designers and labels in Malaysia. The future of Malaysian designs seems off to a good start if Villiam Ooi, Hazree Wahid and Gallo by Thian are any indication.
To view more pictures, please go to the gallery here.
