Vivy Yusof is a familiar face in the local fashion scene, but the recent gala she attended, the Business of Fashion 500 (BOF 500) gala, gave her the opportunity to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the global fashion industry.
The entrepreneur, was listed in the Business of Fashion BOF 500, the definitive index of people shaping the global fashion industry.
Not only was she listed - she also earned a cover story, alongside names like Giorgio Armani, Emma Grede, Deepika Padukone and several others.
When she pictures from the gala propped up on Instagram, followers were of course quick to notice familiar faces captured in the same photo - namely Kylie Jenner, Bretman Rock to name a few.
Surely she had more stories to share beyond those photos. She tells it all in an interview with Sinar Daily.
Vivy said it felt surreal to be there as it’s hard for a Malaysian in the fashion industry to get recognised globally.
"The world still largely only celebrates brands from the West as leaders in the industry.
"Whatever amazing things we do here hardly make news globally. So for me to not only be on the list, but one of the eight chosen for a cover feature, it's so surreal,” she said.
"I feel proud that I could represent not just Malaysia, but Muslim women too and it’s a huge honour. Not only being a Malaysian, but a hijabi too! You wouldn't see this happen a few years back.
She added that modest fashion being celebrated and putting centre stage like this along such giant names gives her faith that a modest fashion brand like dUCk and LILIT can make it globally.
MINGLING WITH THE HEAVYWEIGHTS
Meeting the heavyweights in the global fashion industry from ceos to designers, creative designers, celebrities, supermodels and style icons in person was exciting for Vivy.
"I was nervous at first because it was out of my comfort zone and I was one of the only hijabis in the room.
"But I reminded myself "Vivy, you didn't travel 20 hours to be shy". I walked up to almost all of them to introduce myself and strike a conversation. We must show them that Malaysia can stand just as confidently anywhere.
She said there were so many talented people in the room she wanted to learn from, like the CEOs and the creative directors behind brands like Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino, Supereme and many more.
The most memorable moment wasn't meeting the big names though. For Vivy, it was meeting Han Chong, the Malaysian behind the mega brand Self Portrait that has made it big globally.
PERCEPTION ON MALAYSIA’S FASHION INDUSTRY
During the event, Vivy donned a black and pink ensemble by Rizman Ruzaini and her own brand, dUCk.
But Vivy said those she interacted with unfortunately didn’t know much at all about the Malaysian fashion industry.
"One even asked where Malaysia was.
"It was a bit disheartening at first but I took it as a challenge to work harder from now on and show them what a Malaysian can do,” she said.
Vivy said BOF 500 plays a huge role in bringing more awareness into our fashion industry.
"A simple mention from them can get the eyeballs globally, so it really helps to unlock doors.
But it's still on us to work hard towards actually opening those doors and walking through them,” she said.
FEELING PUMPED
After attending the gala, Vivy said she was anxious to get back to work and improve so many things.
"I couldn't sleep because I had so many new ideas. I hope to make modest fashion mainstream globally and grow dUCk and LILIT. so they can stand just as proudly among other global fashion brands,” she said.
Vivy said she’s still far from being successful but notes that it has been in interesting journey so far with her husband, Fadza.
"But the people who have really lifted us over the years are our customers - I wouldn't even have a job if it weren't for them.
"I always remember that and I'm always grateful whenever I see anyone wearing anything we make,” she said.