For Mercedes-Benz Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2022, or MBFWKL 2022, the automaker opted for the theme of “electrifying sustainability,” showcasing an impressive array of local designs that celebrate the intersection of sensuality and sustainability.
From seasoned ateliers to emerging designers, MBFWKL continues to provide a platform for these local fashion brands to thrive through the Fashion Futures Design competition.
For the fourth iteration of the annual fashion show, five designers were carefully selected to produce four sets of original ready-to-wear looks while embodying the spirit of sustainability and capturing Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy of sensual purity in their final collection. .
The winner of the competition will receive the opportunity of a lifetime: an all-expenses-paid trip to attend an international Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week event. There, the designer can mingle with world-renowned designers, exchanging ideas on fashion and culture, while increasing his brand presence.
MBFWKL 2022 was held at Zepp Kuala Lumpur over three days and was attended by thousands of guests, from local celebrities to fashion muses. The shows were a huge success, and in case you missed them, we’ve got the scoop for you.
All the designers of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur 2022 and their best looks:
a jane
A-JANE’s designer, Alice Jane Chang, used to study New Music composition, where she immersed herself in abstract art forms and learned to challenge traditional paradigms, using sound as a platform to explore. Alice Jane has transformed into a fashion composer where her designs reflect everything she is. Her in-depth knowledge and experience on the musical front has allowed her to push her creativity like never before and now manifests in her cutting-edge fashion designs.
carved ong
This designer is an established Malaysian designer from Kuala Lumpur, known for his sophisticated haute couture pieces, from stunning wedding dresses to elegant evening gowns. Ong’s dedication to the Malaysian fashion industry has turned his passion and hobby into a lifelong career.
His first collection debuted in 1991 and since then he has moved on to establish a strong brand presence. In 2017, Ong had the opportunity to work with Hollywood’s leading costume designer, Mary E. Vogt, to produce couture pieces for crazy rich asians. She designed and custom-made the iconic two-piece waterproof wedding dress and sequined jumpsuit worn by the character Araminta Lee.
Friesenguys
This emerging brand is founded by Malaysian designer Edie Chung. The designer’s androgynous womenswear collection caught the attention of shoppers at Japanese department stores in Tokyo and Osaka. This ultimately led to the creation of Friesenguys. The result is an explosive wonderland of patterns, surface decorations and unusual textile combinations of various proportions.
This season, Friesenguys aims to create a collection that respects ecological integrity methods; with production that has minimal impact on the environment, while minimizing material waste and providing fair trade and equal employment to the artisans who lovingly cut and sew each garment.
joe chia
Established in 2012 by Malaysian duo Joe Chia and Melissa Deng, the brand relies heavily on exceptional construction, fine fabrics and precise tailoring. Joe Chia is all about weaving classicism with contemporary references that stand the test of time. The label has a distinctive sophistication of thought-provoking silhouettes with nuances of natural and functional essences interwoven while maintaining a strong link to traditional and urban origins.
justin yap
Kuala Lumpur-born Justin Yap spent his childhood weaving dreams of becoming his own brand. He approaches fashion with a great appreciation for juxtaposition. His love of contrasting colors shines through in each collection, but none more so than in his signature bold turquoise hue.
In his workshop, he demonstrates tailoring precision by creating innovative garment constructions with a keen understanding of textiles to perfect form. The result? Clean, understated and classic styles that shine with an effervescent trend of their own. The designer founded his womenswear brand in 2007 after winning the MIFA Best Evening Wear Designer award in 2005.
kree
In its ninth year of operation, the brand has gone through different phases and is now refining its mission to create a fashion collection that incorporates forward-thinking ideas. Currently, the brand is undergoing fundamental changes to refine and revitalize its identity by creating garments that are timeless and elegant at the same time. The fashion pieces produced aim to be present for society, the world of work and the environment.
either
Nor Nor is it an independent design brand founded in 2022 by three contradictory souls. Each founder brings their specialized skills to the label, forging a unique brand identity. As a label that values both absurd and habitual thoughts, the trio uses fashion to embrace self-contradiction and celebrate the beauty of uncertainty. The designs here are dominated by experimentation with ruffles and cutouts. The shape and the infinite creativity of the frill construction have indicated the central idea of Ni None: “The Uncertain”. The label only produces to order and reuses most of its fabric from past seasons, minimizing the chance of waste and oversupply.
OUT
OUTDWELL is dedicated to the development of self-expression and the appreciation of high-quality products. Each season, the concepts and ideas, as well as the new materials and shapes developed in the collections, reflect uncompromising quality, with garments designed to last. The label embraces innovative techniques and craft methods that bring the designer’s vision to life. The cores behind the brand’s production methods respect nature; using ethical means and zero waste techniques that minimize their impact on the environment.
unitedwood
Founded and designed by Jonathan Cheng and Voon Lai, this brand is a contemporary womenswear label that creates high-quality, accessible ready-to-wear, fusing modern elegance with bold femininity. Its organic name reflects the brand’s eclectic sensibility, informed by the designers’ diverse backgrounds in fashion, couture, architecture and art.
These origins come together to create bold wearable designs that define a sophisticated sense of individual style. This style is showcased through an exquisite range of feminine standout dresses and separates, featuring transitional and red carpet pieces made from quality fabrics.
WARDROBE
Experience the epitome of custom-made refinement, perfected with 40 years of experience. The essence of excellence at WARDROBE is captured through the ultimate trio of tailoring: detailed craftsmanship, contemporary design, and luxurious fabrics.
At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week KL 2022, you can see this historic brand at work. WARDROBE’s legacy dates back to 1978 when skilled masters JJ Lim, AF Chai and KC Phuan. The wardrobe is among the world class brands, having the privilege of making suits for elite clients, including royalty, politicians, celebrities and influential figures, as well as for tailors in Savile Row, London.
All image credit: Mercedes-Benz
Source: www.prestigeonline.com