KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 — Armed with a fresh format, Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) returned for its 11th year to offer a new level of experience.

A total of 50 designers and brands debuted their ready-to-wear collections at seven different spaces across seven days. The KLFW 2023 ends tomorrow (August 27).

Its recent opening showcase focused on couturiers from Malaysian Official Designers’ Association (MODA).

Here are four local designers that caught our attention on day one of KLFW 2023:

Jimmy Wong

Next year will see Wong celebrating his 25th year in the industry. So for his Spring Summer 2024 runway collection, he brought it back to his roots, his ready-to-wear brand called Double U by Jimmy Wong.

Drawing from his background in interior design, he concentrated on patterns and in particular, wallpaper this season.

With the underlying theme Urban Chic, his pieces flowed seamlessly to create a unique approach to style.

In Wong’s world, there are no boundaries as he designs pieces for everyone regardless of gender, size or age. It was evident in his choice of runway models, whose ages range from six to 70.

"My most memorable feedback came from KLFW founder Andrew Tan. He said he would wear my outfit and that my show was of international standard,” Wong told Malay Mail.

Tangoo

In the regional fashion industry, Tangoo is a name that resonates with artistic innovation and boundless creativity.

Therefore, expectations were running high for their KLFW showcase and the brand certainly did not disappoint.

Their collection titled Exotic Eclecticism featured an interplay of bold patterns, luxurious textiles and daring color palettes for men and women.

From delicate imprints that pay homage to distant lands to vibrant hues that echo cultures yet to be explored, each garment told a unique story of the world's collective heritage.

KN Key Ng

Establishing his brand in 1995, Key Ng previously made a name for himself as menswear designer and has since embraced womenswear.

Ng’s flair and creativity is sought after and he has dressed many local artistes and beauty pageant contestants. Not surprisingly, he engaged star power as part of his runway presentation for KLFW.

Celebrity hairstylist Albert Nico made his presence felt. "I was honoured to be asked by Key to be one of the runway models. I like his menswear designs, especially the detailing and workmanship involved,” said Nico.

Nico was joined on the runway by veteran designer Gillian Hung. renowned photographer Zung and TV host Jan Chin, who closed the show.

Styled by Peter Lum

Curiously named Off Beat, this collection is inspired by a plethora of concepts including asymmetry, colour-blocking, nautical-style, pop art and trompe l’œil to bring together fun and whimsical elements.

Why call it Off Beat? "The whole idea stemmed from the slightly topsy-turvy and off-kilter post-pandemic world,” said Lum. So, the designer applied uneven hemlines, off-the-shoulders, contrasting colour-blocking, asymmetrics and trickery-of-the- eye to the apparel.

No style nor substance is sacrificed, as the collection features easy-to-wear yet nonchalantly elegant apparel for the contemporary woman.

"Fashion does have a certain feel-good factor as it can help lift the spirits and make the wearer feel special,” said Lum, adding that his designs are available at MODA Fashion Gallery in Fahrenheit88, Bukit Bintang.