Most talked about moments from KLFW 2022
Athira Aminuddin
Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2022 drew its curtain after making a grand return to the runway in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur recently.
The five day show which began on Aug 17 witnessed many fashion moments that would surely be talked about even years from now.
Firstly, KLFW 2022 marked the first full-fledged physical fashion show since the pandemic, and the timing seemed fitting as it marked its 10th year of revolutionising the local fashion industry.
More than 40 ready-to-wear collections from designers were shown on the runway, highligting local talent, but the event also set itself to scout for more talents through its Perfect 10 Model Search and the 10 KL Designer Search, which was done in partnership with Samsung, one of KLFW 2022's sponsors.
While the ready-to-wear pieces blew the audience away, certain designer shows stood out more from the rest, like Rizman Ruzaini whose Spring Summer 2023 collection featured a set of familiar faces to walk down the runway such as Kavitha Sidhu, Nasha Aziz and Amber Chia.
Another designer that turned heads was Behati, who had popular singer Aina Abdul show up in a unique black puffy dress which revealed nothing but her face and two hands.
While Aina was decked in black head to toe, Behati once again had guests and social media abuzz when controversial entrepreneur Datuk Seri Vida sashayed down the runway with a colourful ensemble that stood out from the crowd.
There both good and controversial moments. A controversial moment that has grabbed headlines recently was a man whose photo of him semi-naked wearing a songkok, and a long jacket.
It sparked a heated conversation on the thin line between fashion and religious boundaries. Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Idris Ahmad even urged the authorities to take action on the individual.
Another topic that became a hot issue even before the event began was the model payout issue in past KLFW shows.
Model Alicia Amin who was vocal about fighting for her fellow models' rights on social media, also took the opportunity to be vocal in person, when she brought a huge sign to protest around the grounds of the KLFW runway in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
"All models this year to be paid within the day. Those still waiting for payment from Andrew's (KLFW founder) payment from previous years, come speak to me," read her sign.
Andrew was seen confronting Alicia who also walked the runway for designers like Afiq M and Syomir Izwa Gupta, but it was not clarified what was being conversed.
When asked about the protest, Andrew said he simply would like to move forward with the issue.
"I have made an official statement so I have no further comment. At the end of the day, I am a professional.
"I have established this platform for 10 years and everyone knows that and they are being super supportive. To move forward is what important," said Andrew.
“Every year is an achievement. For the 10th year, I would not want to say I have proven myself but I would continue to do what is good for the industry.
“Every designer excites you in a different way because of aesthetic, their design. Every year, this is the platform for Malaysian fashion designers. Looking out for sponsors and partners for 10 years,” Andrew said.
Founder of dUCk, Vivy Yusof also attended the last two shows on the fifth day - wearing brand new ready-to-wear collections from Nurita Harith and Mimpi Kita, extending her gratitude to KLFW for lifting up the local fashion scene.
“KLFW has been around for 10 years and you cannot deny they have so much for the local fashion industry. They have given a free platform for designers to showcase their collections for years.
“I would like to thank KLFW and wish them all the best. If they are going through any hardships, I hope they can overcome it and do right by everybody. We are all rooting for the KLFW because they have done so much for the industry,” Vivy told Sinar Daily.
Wonder what fashion worthy moments we will be witnessing next year. Till then, see you next year KLFW!
