Controversy aside, fashion shows make a comeback up north

DESPITE the unexpected controversy that arose following the return of the Kedah Fashion Show (KFW22) last weekend in Alor Star, the show achieved its goal of showcasing Malaysian fashion and boosting local tourism, say the organisers and others.

While the organisers could not have predicted that a still unidentified trans woman would pose in revealing attire on the runway – though the show had ended already – the event, which skipped a year because of the pandemic, still had the desired effect. 

The strong reaction online from the viral images seemingly overshadowed the event, leading the organisers to backpedal as they became subject to a whole host of disparaging comments. 

Fortunately, Kedah state authorities, namely Kedah exco Datuk Dr Mohd Hayati Othman quickly clarified the situation.

“It is understood that the individual in question was not a participant who was invited to show off their clothes in the KFW event,” he said.

“The actions of the individual in question are believed to be personal actions taken after the fashion show event in question had ended.”

He said that the state government would look into studying and simplifying rules related to entertainment events and performances in order to make sure they comply with the cultural customs of the state.

The main organiser of KFW22, Aman Central Mall, had earlier told The Vibes that this was one of the prime events it had in mind after hosting similar events before the pandemic-related lockdowns shut down businesses for extended periods in the last couple years.

A spokesperson, who preferred not to be named due to the controversy, shared that it was a painstaking task to lure Kuala Lumpur-based designers and artistes to grace the event, which was held for three days over the weekend (August 5-7).

"We needed to convince the people that it was hip and cool to host a fashion extravaganza outside of the Klang Valley."

Some designers also came from Thailand and the Philippines.

To the organisers' delight, the event saw a large crowd pay attention to the show, which was held in the main ground foyer of the state capital's largest mall.

Many of their shopping outlets recorded more foot traffic into their premises, said the spokesperson.

Curiosity gripped the mall goers, who seldom have access to fashion shows with many coming to catch a glimpse of actress Rozita Che Wan and other celebrities, as well as the male and female models who strode up and down the runway. 

Designers from brands Santi Suk Space, Innoya Batik, Daniel Zharif, Aina Horizon, Thaidomide and Edwin So, graced the runway with a variety of contemporary, innovative and future trendy designs.

Some outfits were also designed to cope with increasing temperatures as their fabric was thin but made with new age textures to prevent them from easily fading.

There was something for everyone, from wedding gowns to casual wear and dinner dresses, as the models strutted before an appreciative audience.

The finale event was also graced by her Royal Highness Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Che Puan Muda Zaheeda Mohamad Ariff, the Raja Puan Muda of Kedah.

Star City Hotel was the official hotel of the event. Hotel general manager Eugene Alan Dass praised the mall for taking the initiative to organise such a show.

He added that Alor Star was in need of more events, which will require the necessary approval and proper enforcement to prevent anyone from exploiting the event.

"We are also suspicious that the fashion show event may be hijacked by people with malicious intentions. It is after all just a fashion show and the organisers should logically not want to compromise its integrity by allowing sensational clothing to dominate the show."

Dass said the two properties which he manages – Star City and Fuller, recorded high occupancy rates due to the show at the nearby Aman Central Mall.

The economic recovery after some two years of lockdowns needs time, especially in terms of the tourism sector, which was among the hardest hit, Dass noted.

Beaded shoes steal the show in Penang 

At the same time in Penang, a lesser-known and non-controversial fashion event was held, featuring Kenny Loh, an inspiring local designer who has partnered with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) to promote a limited-edition beaded shoe collection.

Held at the imposing Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion in George Town, the Kenny Loh x MAG Sustainable Tomorrow Kasut Manik (beaded shoes) feature a unique blend of skilled heritage craftsmanship using recycled materials from Malaysia Airlines (MAS) iconic batik kebaya.

The collection would be marketed by both MAS and budget carrier Firefly Airliner.

Each pair of shoes are 100% handcrafted with 2,000 beads by local artisans from Kenny Loh Couture. 

The shoes come in a range of sizes, from EU 37-41, and are available in three colours: Penang Green, Singapore Red and Melaka Blue.

Loh told a media briefing that he was inspired by his own Peranakan heritage, and he also wants to arrest the decline of Baba and Nyonya culture and customs.

"Like many other Asian subcultures, we find ourselves reeling from the commercialisation culture of the western world. We have our heritage too, so we must be protecting and developing it," said Loh.

Seventy-two pairs were developed in six months with Baba and Nyonya influences embedded in the bead designs of the shoes, added Loh. – The Vibes, August 11, 2022