The show aims to upscale the fashion businesses and create a stronger future for Malaysian designers

by NURUL SUHAIDI / pic by BERNAMA

THE Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2021 (KLFW21) is returning physically with a bigger mission — to upscale the fashion businesses and create a stronger future for Malaysian designers.

Speaking during the media launch, KLFW founder Andrew Tan (picture) said despite the turbulent times, many businesses have shown resilience, reimagined and transformed especially in terms of digitalisation.

“We were also forced to leverage and innovate to keep the business running. As the Malaysian fashion industry drives a significant part as the economic propeller for the country, we could not simply stop the show.

“Last year, we adopted an online format because it was the only way for us to move forward, but going digital — especially for the first time — takes a lot of effort and work, and each step we take presents new challenges,” he said.

After running the KLFW fully digital last year, KLFW21 is back with the in-person runaway and continues to be the platform for local designers to showcase their products and unique ideas.

Tan said the show is also a great opportunity to get back with customers and clients as they need to understand current market needs and customer demands.

“This is important to ensure that we continue to offer the right value especially to the homegrown and local brands.

“Most importantly, we are aiming to make the local designers accessible for all,” he said.

Additionally, KLFW21 is unique as its theme of sustainability is presented through the designer’s collection.

KLFW21’s financial partner AmBank Group’s GCEO Datuk Sulaiman Mohd Tahir said the company is proud to be part of promoting local fashion and businesses.

He said the show also aimed to encourage businesses to upscale as well as digitalise their merchants and financial services.

“Digitalisation is now at the core of pivoting the business. Realising this, we are aiming to expand our service offerings so that more business players can operate consciously.

“We have helped many small and medium enterprises and local retailers to digitalise and upscale their business.

This time we are tapping into the fashion industry since it has been badly affected by the pandemic.

“This is also key to the investment of the retail segment and for the complementing partners. We are optimistic that the business will continue to rebound,” Sulaiman added.

Apart from Ambank Group, Lexus Malaysia and digital partner Samsung Malaysia have also taken part in making KLFW21 a reality.

Expressing his gratitude to the onboarding partners, Tan said the show could not be possible without them.

“We are thankful for all the generous partners involved for supporting the vision,” he added.

From Nov 1 to 7, 2021, fashion enthusiasts can look forward to taking a peek at their favourite local designer’s pieces at KLFW21.

Adopting a hybrid mode, the show will be broadcasted exclusively on lifestyle streaming Hurr.tv for the first and second day, while the remaining days taking place at the Pavilion Mall in Bukit Bintang.

Visitors can catch a glimpse of extensive collections from designers such as Hatta Dolmat, Behati, Caftanist, Maatin Shakir, The Totomi and many others.

Presenting fashion, luxury and sustainability, KLFW21 is set to reimagine the fashion industry and ambitiously bring back the fashion excitement.

Being the country’s largest fashion show, KLFW has established itself as a yearly event for the local fashion industry and will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022.

In celebrating the upcoming occasion, visitors are encouraged to observe physical distancing and remain vigilant with the standard operating procedures.