Fashion

New exhibition brings together Malaysia’s brightest fashion designers

The exhibition, in collaboration with BookXcess, features designs and collections by the biggest names in the local fashion industry

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 22 Mar 2023 3:00PM

New exhibition brings together Malaysia’s brightest fashion designers — In celebration of its 30th year, Malaysian Official Designers Association is showcasing works by the country's most talented fashion designers. – Kalash Nanda Kumar pic, March 22, 2023

by Kalash Nanda Kumar

THE Malaysian Official Designers Association (Moda) curated a special exhibition to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its organisation.

The exhibition features designs and collections from prominent names in the fashion industry and will run until April 19 at BookXcess Lalaport. A book signing event was also held to promote Moda’s latest coffee table book ‘Malaysian Fashion – A Journey in Colour’.

The book is a stunning showcase of Malaysia's most talented fashion designers. Filled with breathtakingly beautiful illustrations and designs, the book provides a fascinating insight into the journey of each designer, and their unique stories, struggles, and triumphs.

‘Malaysian Fashion – A Journey in Colour’ also covers the organisation's journey since its establishment 30 years ago, and provides insight into the developments that have taken place in the Malaysian fashion industry.

‘Malaysian Fashion – A Journey in Colour’ provides a fascinating insight into the journey of each designer, and their unique stories, struggles, and triumphs. – Kalash Nanda Kumar pic

A look at the inside pages of the book. – Pic courtesy of Moda

Over 30 fashion designers were interviewed and profiled, including the likes of Tom Abang Saufi, Bernard Chandran and Jimmy Choo.

Former president of Moda, Melinda Looi, in an interview said, "The publication of this book shows the hard work of Moda which has been supporting the improvement of the country's fashion industry.

"In fact, through the production of this book, all the work of international-class local fashion designers and couturiers, talented jewelry designers, as well as various art experts were compiled in an exclusive publication for the first time.”

Moda is also providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to own limited edition copies of autographed books, priced at RM333 each.

Looi (front, third from right) with fellow designers during the book signing event. – Pic courtesy of Moda

A special exhibit is taking place at BookXcess Lalaport to celebrate Moda's 30th anniversary. – Kalash Nanda Kumar pic

There are only 10 copies of this exclusive book and each copy is personally signed by all the featured designers, making it a real collector’s item.

Besides the book signing, yesterday’s event featured a silent auction of 26 original framed A3-sized illustrations, created by the designers who are featured in the book.

These unique and colourful interpretations of the designers' illustrations are one-of-a-kind pieces that collectors will not want to miss.

To take part in the auction, attendees had to scan the QR code and placed their bids, starting at RM399.90 for each artwork.

As bidding ends on March 31, everyone is encouraged to visit BookXcess Lalaport for a chance to bid for their favourite designer’s artwork.

Yesterday’s event also featured a silent auction of 26 original framed A3-sized illustrations by the designers. – Pic courtesy of Moda

Attendees are encouraged to tour the exhibit and scan the designers' QR codes to get to know more about Malaysia’s designers and their collections.

Moda's mission is to foster collaboration, promote innovation in the industry, embrace technology to innovate and collaborate, as well as initiate advocacy, aimed at raising awareness and influencing industry norms.

Funds raised through the sales of the books and the auction will support these initiatives to empower progress in the fashion and creative industry. – The Vibes, March 22, 2023