Day One of Malaysia-International Fashion Week –held this year at Zebra Square, was all about young designers, specifically, members of YODA. YODA –Young Designers’ Arena – is a homegrown effort that seeks to create that vital platform for young local designers to showcase their work.
Despite being fraught with glitches, including an unfinished venue and problems with the guest lists, the shows served up a roster of young design talents, a mix of YODA’s newest and most promising, as well as several regional upstarts from YODA Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines – simply put a great taster of what is to come in regional fashion. Here’s what we thought, and who we’re most excited about.
YODA – Who’s Next
In MIFW’s first show, 10 upstarts competed to net a total of RM9000 in a showdown of their Gothic Bridal Couture collections. It was mostly black and white and there were plumes of feathers, embellishments galore and for Goth alterna-bridegrooms, capes with or without harnesses.
Grand prize winner Mohd Nizam’s second look, a black mesh top prom dress with beaded strands and the most amazing puff skirt with tulle underneath elicited gasps as the model walked the runway. It was a gorgeous balance between concept and wearability that sealed the deal.
Another intriguing collection was presented by Sek Li, who came in third place. Her all-black pieces with bondage detailing, including a menswear jacket that was sheer at the back save for a patent harness was at once provocative and exciting.
After this was the slot for Malaysia’s fashion schools. Students from The Malaysian Institute of Art, Raffles College of Higher Education, LimKokWing University of Creative Technology, PJ College of Art and Design, and TAR College proved their mettle through a presentation that executed specific themes.
YODA Autumn in KL
This showcase of 15 designers started off with a ready to wear collection by Zakwan. A mostly nude and neutral collection of beautifully cut tops with shoulder pads, straight leg pants and classic black dresses.
The moment these are produced for sale, they should fly off the shelves and into the closets of Malaysia’s boss-ladies in no time.
Afiq Mohamed’s blocks of bright colour paired with black, white and-blue paisley print was a breath of fresh air. Also notable were split-front dress and a bright pink maxi dress with double slits in the front.
A bright pink sheer maxi and boxy top, and a switcheroo look with the paisley as a pencil skirt with an orange blouse were spot on for Spring/Summer 2012.
Other highlights were a turquoise sequin suit and even more sequins on a dark blue gilet, in a collection by Farliz. We see them as fantastic punchy little extras for the holiday season’s cocktail parties.
Imagine rocking just the pants or jacket with some basics. So festive!
Chinese collar and frog buttons give this sequinned ensemble an oriental twist
To showcase the talents from YODA outposts around Southeast Asia, Roy Mulyanto from Indonesia, Edwin Ao from the Philippines and Vietnam’s Nhat Minh Thuc Ha were invited to present their own collections to a Malaysian audience. And impress they did.
Mulyanto’s delicate cocktail dresses were embellished with autumn leaves.
Edwin Ao's colour blocked city dress
Another Edwin Ao creation, a full length coat with great lines and layers.
Nhat Minh Thuc Ha’s playful mix of chunky nubby knits, woven ethnic fabrics and vibrant colour palette stole the show.
YODA Autumn in KL Gala
It was in a sea of style mavens including familiar faces from television, music and the press that the last batch of young designers presented their work. For this show, there were 6 Malaysian designers and four more from other countries in the region.
Chic Chanel-esque tweed jackets from Zarrieff captured our attention but what followed –a champagne dress with a mullet hem, ruffled lace neckline and a belted sheer tunic topped off with a chunky knit scarf, felt more special and personal. Next up were red carpet-worthy gowns with dipped backs, high slits and French lace.
The breathtaking bridal gown that closed the collection drew gasps and sighs
Alex Yap’s collection was a riot of fun with a singular, floral motif in various colour combinations, the strongest of all the pieces. Also noteworthy were chinoiserie butterflies on silk as a piped playsuit, peplums, and detachable collars in jewel toned brights.
Next up was Andy Yap’s very chic daywear. In stiff, cinched jumpsuits with folds and leopard print dresses, the models teetered on heel-less clogs.
Representing YODA Indonesia, Andy Salleh wowed attendees with detailed, embellished cocktail dresses with Ikat bodices.
What I really loved was that Salleh’s use of traditional fabric didn’t feel forced, and fit seamlessly with his lush vision of autumn.
Closing the night was Philippine’s Wanderlust who presented a swimwear show full of badassery and joy. For the first part, there were capes, metal cuffs, decadent sequinned dresses and pants and one very lust-worthy military jacket to go with the bandeau bikini tops and perfectly cut one-pieces.
Superheroines! Who sunbathe! In spikes! Studs! Sequins!
The next part of the show was pretty, yet still tough. The studs remained on the aubergine, teal and violet bathing suits while matching sheer kimono wraps were draped on. The final look was magnificent: an belted, encrusted white two piece that certainly owed part of its magnificence to the stunning model who wore it.
Text by Grace Wong
Images by Jeremy Choy
