Timeless style, sustainable beauty take centre stage at She Leads 2
The duo stressed the need to avoid chasing trends.
SHAH ALAM - Today's fashion landscape prioritises accessibility and the creation of a wardrobe that works for everyone, not just models on glossy magazine covers.
Fashion editor Andrea Wong emphasises the importance of timeless, seasonless pieces that reflect the world's current state, with a focus on sustainability.
At the second She Leads event held at Studio F Karangkraf Shah Alam, Wong stressed the need to avoid chasing trends and instead build a timeless wardrobe suitable for contemporary times.
"We should focus on creating a timeless, seasonless wardrobe that aligns with today's world," she said.
The Harper's Bazaar's former fashion editor, now a professional stylist, added, "Fashion should also promote sustainability, achievable through thrift shopping or patronising eco-friendly shops."
Wong acknowledged the conservative aspects of Malaysian society, which can slow the shift towards more progressive fashion.
"Change is happening, albeit slowly. I see Baju Melayu being normalised as modest wear, even for women, and local designers are making their creations more contemporary and wearable.
"Anyone can wear it; for example, a girl can pair it with a maxi skirt for modest wear. This trend is more fashion-forward," she said, praising Malaysian designers for their increasingly versatile and wearable designs.
While the shift is gradual, Wong believes its effects will become more evident over time.
Renowned make-up artist Nabilah Nordin, or Warnabilla, who has worked with celebrities like Mira Filzah, advised that beauty standards should not concern teenagers.
"School is for studying, not make-up. There’s a fine line between using make-up to enhance one's appearance and overdoing it, which detracts from its true purpose.
"Teenagers want to be seen and may dress up or use make-up for that reason, but this should be reserved for extracurricular activities or tuition classes, not school, as we should not condone superficial pursuits," Nabilah added.
She acknowledged that make-up's experimental nature appeals to teenagers but stressed the importance of moderation to avoid unhealthy obsessions that detract from academic success and self-expression.
