#BUROSupportsLocal: 5 East Malaysian Fashion Labels to Keep on Your Radar
Made in Borneo
The fashion industry in East Malaysia may not be as vast as the one in Klang Valley, but that hasn’t stopped locals from pursuing their best interests in it. After all, this region has rich cultural diversity and distinct handicraft traditions that provide designers with plenty of inspiration to push the boundaries of both fashion and heritage. If you’re after wardrobe staples with a little twist or just the basics done right, check out these local favourites from the other side of the country.
Dickson Lim
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Dickson Lim is fast becoming one of East Malaysia’s promising fashion creatives. Since launching his label in Kuching in 2020, the young designer has gained recognition for his structural precision and offbeat approach to suiting. With names like Bretman Rock, Bright Vachirawit, JJ Lin and Yuna already in his orbit, Lim is proving that fresh perspectives can travel far.
Tom Abang Saufi
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A trailblazer in Malaysian fashion, Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi has spent decades redefining how heritage translates to the modern wardrobe. Her elegant designs break free from convention, as bold colours and dynamic shapes steal the spotlight. Over the years, she has also dressed royalty from Japan, Sweden and United Arab Emirates, further cementing her reputation on the global stage.
Keith Sim
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Keith Sim is a brand based in Kuching that strives to empower people through the way they dress. Since its inception in 2017, its creative director Keith Sim has weaved the essence of local culture into the pieces he creates while ensuring that it is available to everyone. Moreover, the eponymous label has been an extension of the slow fashion movement since 2020, thus, we can expect ethical, higher quality, and durable offerings from the brand.
RoaSkye
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Born out of a stroke of serendipity, RoaSkye is a made-to-measure fashion brand known for its eye-catching prints and joy-inducing colours. Each design is hand-cut from limited stocks of hand-picked fabrics under a zero-waste philosophy to give one-of-a-kind outfits. Think bold, playful dresses and jumpsuits in feminine silhouettes guaranteed to turn heads.
Kesya Fatin
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If you fancy something out of the ordinary, Kesya Fatin may just have what you need. Kesya, the founder of the label, initially started beading as a hobby before transforming it into a business that produces eye-catching, handcrafted beaded bags. Since then, the Kuching-based label carries card holders, bottle bags, and probably the cutest goods ever—beaded cat collars and dog leashes. Fun fact: Alia Bastamam previously partnered with this local brand for KLFW 2022. Beaded purses, chic chokers, and cutting-edge bra tops were among the accessories designed exclusively for the collection.
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