Page 162 - Westport Guide To Malaysia

154 THE FASHION INDUSTRY
turned designer whose fashion is also available in Kuala Lumpur; Wan Bainun, whose modest fashion has been shown in Jakarta
and Hong Kong; Ben
Nazry, well-experienced
in tailoring elegant gowns; Lentara Astana features gowns and jackets incorporating Iban Pua Kumbu ceremonial textiles; Rozie Khan for her elegant ball gowns; Paul Carling for his beauty pageant gowns; Keith Sim for his artistic urban wear; Luisa Michael for bridal wear based in
KL; and Livan Gallery for unique beaded fashion.
Brands, Outlets & Manufacturers
Up to 2020, the Malaysian clothing and fashion industry contributed more than 1.3% of the country’s GDP. Malaysian brands
are no strangers to the international market; many have created a strong presence and
are very much admired internationally. Some
of the more notable examples are listed below.
Eclipse The late Sonny San’s devotion to feminine, modern aesthetics has not changed since its inception. Eclipse’s defining dresses, uber-chic shoes and accessories for women of all ages have expanded
the brand as far as Russia.
British India has over 40 outlets across Malaysia,
Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. Created for the tropics and inspired by the grand romance of the colonial era, it offers timeless designs for
both men and women.
The Padini Group is a leader in the multibillion- ringgit textile and garment industry with nine labels and retail outlets in 330 freestanding stores, franchised outlets and consignment counters in Malaysia and around
the world.
The Voir Group Malaysia
has expanded from basic ladies’ apparel to offer five distinct sub-brands under its own VOIR label, as well as new brands Applemints, Diadora, G&H, Soda and South China Sea, all sold throughout the country.
Hajaba, a ground-breaking pioneer and trend-setter, has become the leading brand in Malaysia’s fast-expanding Muslim fashion sector in.
Ms. Read focuses on sizes 12 to 24 with outlets throughout Malaysia, a presence in Singapore and expansion driven by the inspired slogan, “Ms Read For Curvy Women”.
FashionValet is a premier online retailer of Asian fashion brands, shipping internationally to over 50 countries and with physical stores in the Klang Valley.
Fashion Industry Movers and Shakers
For Malaysia’s fashion industry to thrive, it needs personalities from within and without who
Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week was created in 2013 showcase for Malaysian designers’ ready-to-wear collections, presenting local talent and creativity to journalists and buyers around the world.
Inset: KL Fashion Week Founder Andrew Tan.