FROM his humble beginnings chaperoning at entertainment and other public events, Ipoh-based entrepreneur Louis Sebastian has dreamed about having a spectacular programme which can bring together fellow Perakians with whom he shares much camaraderie.
He saw the coming together of the state’s fashion fraternity as one event that can best capture the beauty, creativity and talent of the state capital of Perak.
After all, Ipoh lasses have by reputation been regarded as among the fairest in the land.
One of them, local-born Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh went on to make waves as an international celebrity in Hong Kong in the 1980s and 1990s before hitting it big in Hollywood and eventually winning an Oscar.
Louis can count Yeoh’s mother Datin Janet Yeoh, as among those living in the city, who continue to support him in his endeavours.
When trying to germinate an idea for a memorable groundbreaking project, he stopped short of another typical beauty pageant as it would not capture the spirit of innovation and designing talent which the state has to offer.
He eventually came up with a fashion show which would bring together not just Ipoh’s fair maiden models but also local designers, mass media, marketers and government officials.
“But it should have an international flavour,” he enthused in an interview with The Vibes on the International Ipoh Fashion Week, which was held in early December last year.
When someone strutted on the catwalk, it should reverberate with the contributions of the supporting hair stylists, wardrobe specialists, and audio-visual system technicians.
It was tough initially, as there were rebukes by some who feared a logistical nightmare engulfing Ipoh.
The city is located centrally between the northern region’s biggest economy in Penang and the nation’s biggest financial centre in the Klang Valley.
Visitors tend to see the former tin mining colony as a place to transit for a few hours before resuming their journey either northward or southward.
To have a glamorous event of international stature was thought to be a rather lofty idea.
Many hidden talents to discover
But Louis entranced both the tourism planners and the private sector that Ipoh had all the makings of a cottage-sized beauty industry, enough to be a crowd puller for afficionados from around the globe.
“We just strove on and never took no lying down,” he said.
With his wife Adeline Khan by his side, Louis rode through the chorus of objections and doubters. Over the past two years, the fashion programme, which just began as a solitary high-tea event in a meeting room, rose to become a mega tourism-related event.
It took close to five years of patience to see the fruition of his efforts. His lesson was simply to never give up despite the wanton criticism.
Louis scored another first as the fashion fraternity from the Klang Valley, which organises pageantry almost every month, decided to participate in the International Ipoh Fashion Week held from December 1 to 3.
Perennial fashion promoter and local judge Francis Yip brought in his team of experts to grace the event where he underscored the importance of each state having its own fashion event styled after its own uniqueness.
“It drives creativity and innovation, especially on designs. We have many talented Malaysian designers and tailors. So why not just do it in each state?” Yip said.
He paid tribute to Louis’ unrelenting conviction that fashion can be not just a buzz for beauty but also an economic driver in tourism.
It turned out to be not just a fashion event; it proved to be a celebration of diversity and creativity in the world of fashion.
“If you have a closet full of clothes but not a single thing to wear, perhaps you just need some inspiration,” said Louis during the event.
“The enchanting city of Ipoh, known for its rich heritage and culinary delights, is delighted to once again play host to one of the most glamorous and stylish events on the fashion calendar – the International Ipoh Fashion Week.”
Glamorous atmosphere and rich heritage
Being a founder is never an easy task.
“We started this journey in 2017 and have worked tirelessly to establish ourselves on a global scale.
“Today, we have followers from 87 countries on our website, which reflects the growing interest in our work,” said Louis.
Indeed, the event turned out to be a top-notch glittering affair with Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim among those in attendance.
Her Royal Highness brought an extended entourage of royals to grace the event at the Royal Perak Golf Club.
Raja Puan Besar of Perak, Raja Nazhatul Shima Sultan Idris Afifullah Shah, was among the dignitaries.
The wife of the Perak menteri besar, Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, was also in attendance as was state Tourism, Industry, Investments and Corridor Development executive councillor Loh Sze Yee.
The event raised funds for the paediatric department of a hospital in Perak.
There was a charity black-tie royal gala dinner followed by a public street fashion showcase along Jalan Bandar Timah the next morning, and a parade of new fashions at the Lumut Naval Town Waterfront Maritime the next day.
Veteran crooner Datuk D.J. Dave serenaded the audience with evergreen hits.
Executive councillor Loh told the audience that with a two-pronged objective of showcasing Perak’s homegrown fashion talents globally and at the same time welcoming the world to explore the “Wonders of Perak”, as is the tourism theme of the state, this event has drawn more visitors.
He took the opportunity to invite tourists at the event to take in the state’s culture, food, and other popular products.
Perak has many of the right ingredients to succeed in its Visit Perak Year 2024 campaign, he said. – The Vibes, January 7, 2024
