Can the historical city of Melaka be the next fashion capital?

IF you ask which city can rightfully be considered the world capital of fashion, we immediately gravitate towards the west. 

Paris, Milan, or London are just some metropolitan cities that have traditionally been considered the hub for fans of high fashion.

But with the ever-expanding world, some cities are being identified as potential new actors in the fashion field.

As part of its ongoing effort to turn Melaka into a fashion centre-of-excellence, the inaugural Met Gala Malaysia (MGM) 2021 was recently hosted bringing together bold masterpieces from designer Bill Keith and 25 young and upcoming local fashion designers.

The fashion night was presented at The Moonbar, Ames Hotel in Ayer Keroh, Melaka by property tourism specialist and developer Sheng Tai International.

Veteran couturier Bill Keith collaborated closely in setting up the event and helped in designing the programme to showcase distinctive fashion.

Expressing the potential of having Melaka recognised as the centre of fashion influence, Sheng Tai International founder and chairman Datuk Leong Sir Ley shared that the historical city attracts creative enthusiasts from all over.

“It’s got a rich history of culture and heritage, so having this beloved destination as the next fashion destination is not impossible,” she said to the visiting press.

Attracting attention away from Kuala Lumpur

When we think of a top global fashion capital, we think of the industry behind the said locality.

While Melaka may not yet be known to host huge modern boutiques, the city does carry unique expertise in crafts, much like the states outside the country’s capital.

“When visitors come to visit Malaysia, we often think about bringing them to Kuala Lumpur as a shopping destination. 

“It is where all the big-name brands can be found and where many fashion-forward individuals dressed to the nines can be seen. Designers, editors, photographers, stylists are based here.

“However, many of the clients that we have been entertaining from the past are seeking pieces that they won’t find back home,” expressed Leong.

Committed to providing the novelty of what our local talents have to offer, Bill added: “The MGM event this year is one of the many more to come”.

“Through such platforms, we aim to develop Melaka to be the centre of learning and trade by further enriching the creative ambitions that exist so that eventually the city will be the next haven for fashion,” he said.

The famed couturier, whose designs are internationally renowned, has set up a showroom at a six-acre commercial development Metrasquare, scheduled to open by the first quarter of 2022.

“This space will be seen as a retail and exhibition outlet where customers can come and seek for items that are quintessential that predominantly represent the rising pool of talents we have,” shared Bill.

"Moving forward, Sheng Tai International will continue to showcase our local talents, boosting the country's economy," Leong added.

"In addition, our partnership with FashionTV from Paris will be able to assist in our plans to support our strategy and generate opportunities for our local talents, be it models, influencers or fashion designers, to shine at the international arena."

With the move to further turn Melaka into the centre of inspiration, the property developer is working to complete a megaproject known as The Sail Melaka (expected competition by 2025), which will also be the home to The Gallery, where it aims to be a fashion museum.

“It is part of our effort in pushing the historical destination as the future host for major fashion events and happenings similarly like how one views Milan, eventually making the [design, art and creative] scene for it more democratic,” shared its chairman. – The Vibes, December 26, 2021