KLFW 2024: Highlights from Rizman Ruzaini, Fiziwoo, Shals and more
The finest in local fashion
Earlier this month, Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2024 unfolded at the Esplanade in KLCC Park, showcasing the city’s top local designers. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, this 12th edition of KLFW featured a massive purpose-built structure, complete with activation spaces and a main show hall. For a week, the fashion affair delivered a series of unforgettable moments, from Behati’s playful nod to our local culture to Shals’s groundbreaking debut. Read more about our favourite shows below.
Syomirizwa Gupta
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‘The Secret Garden’ by Syomirizwa Gupta offers a vibrant reinterpretation of the beloved children’s novel. The runway bursts with bright hues from the outset, featuring standout pieces like a chartreuse form-fitting dress and an ombre slip dress paired with a floor-length jacket. Floral motifs dominated the scene—brought to life through a collaboration with Shikha Grover‘s painted and embroidered details. As the show progresses, pastel pink outfits adorned with delicate ruffled petals give way to a series of black ensembles, culminating in a stunning, rainbow-hued finale.
Alia Bastamam
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Alia Bastamam showcased 25 looks from her forthcoming 40-piece collection, set to debut at Dubai Fashion Week in September. This final chapter of the Odyssey series marks an evolution in her design, seamlessly blending masculine elements with feminine silhouettes. Highlights include tailored pants styled with corsets and bomber jackets paired with boxer shorts. While the signature pleated aesthetics remain evident, the lineup introduces innovative cuts that evoke Goddess-like elegance and empowerment. Accessories by Aenro Studios, crafted by emerging model Roanne, add a unique flair, further enhancing the collection’s firm narrative.
Kit Woo
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Kit Woo’s latest show masterfully combines the eerie allure of classic horror films with haute couture. In partnership with French automaker Peugeot, Woo infuses the sleek and dynamic lines of the Peugeot 408 into his fashion-forward pieces, like the asymmetrical denim set and elaborately detailed buttoned corsets. Known for his deconstructed versions of traditional suits, Woo also pushes boundaries with body-conscious designs that flatter and tell an intriguing story. The grand finale of the show features a striking red suit that perfectly encapsulates the imaginative spirit of the collection.
Shals
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Shals makes a sensational entrance into KLFW with its first-ever collection, ‘The Coming of Age’—signifying a new era for the brand after 13 years in the industry. Under the creative direction of Shalma Ainaa, the series redefines wardrobe staples through a compelling mix of pleats, sheer fabrics, and double-belt designs, striking a perfect balance between structure and fluidity. The colour palette mirrors Ainaa’s style, featuring deep, moody tones and greys punctuated by a bold cherry red. With the debut, Shals is poised to set new trends and lead the local fashion landscape for the next generation.
Fiziwoo
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Inspired by the ethereal elegance of moths, the ‘Night Butterfly’ is one of Fiziwoo’s most extensive collections to date with 40 womenswear and 16 menswear. The fashion duo blends utilitarian fashion with early ‘60s influences, exploring a diverse array of fabrics. Celestial sequins and crystal embellishments alter denim to capture the beauty of the night sky, while leather pieces make a daring statement that celebrates originality and confidence. In menswear, the collection embraces a relaxed silhouette with baseball shirts, cotton linen shirts, cargo pants, and jorts that effortlessly combine comfort and style.
Behati
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Behati continues to shine at crafting playful collections that celebrate local culture. This ‘Merdeka’ collection is no exception. Kel Wen brings a refreshing twist to traditional garments, using saree fabrics to create elegant cheongsams and incorporating Batik prints into cropped tops and high-waisted pants. The runway also featured everyday heroes—doctors, police officers, lawyers, and firefighters—who modelled billowing, contemporary renditions of their uniforms. The collection further celebrates Malaysian heritage with standout pieces like the mini dress embellished with our national flower, the hibiscus, and a white dress decorated with a banana leaf motif, reminiscent of the classic Nasi Lemak.
Masyadi Mansoor
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Masyadi Mansoor’s ‘99 Problems’ collection is a powerful testament to his journey as an independent designer. The rose-inspired colour palette embodies the essence of resilience and the promise of flourishing despite many challenges. True to Mansoor’s distinctive style, the collection features voluminous silhouettes but what truly stands out are the elaborate details. Those that drew our attention were the green leather top with its purposefully torn accents and the black jacket full of key tags. Every piece he creates not only displays his craftsmanship but also narrates a tale of perseverance and growth.
Rizman Ruzaini
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Rizman Ruzaini closed KLFW with a stunning Cruise collection inspired by the classic novel ‘Murder on the Orient Express.’ This season, the fashion duo takes us on a journey from Istanbul to Paris. The runway showcased a diverse range of tweed pieces, from one-shoulder dresses to chic jackets, while select items featured Turkish tile prints, such as men’s button-up tops and A-line dresses. The spotlight then shifted to a more glamorous vibe with eye-catching ensembles enhanced with sparkling touches. Stylish berets finished the looks, capturing the quintessence of Parisian chic.
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