Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

Kuala Lumpur, 2 November 2016 – The Opening Gala of Malaysia Fashion Week 2016, a project by INTRADE, was a truly grand affair well attended by some of the most important players in the fashion and lifestyle industry in the country.

In attendance as the Guest of Honour was YB Datuk Chua Tee Yong, Deputy Minister, International Trade and Industry. He was joined at the event by YB Dato’ Noraini Ahmad, Chairman of MATRADE, Dr. Claus Weidner, President & CEO of Mercedes Benz Malaysia, Dato’ Nancy Yeoh, President of STYLO International and Co-Chairman of MFW 2016. Also in attendance were senior representatives of Ministry of International Trade and Industries (MITI), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), government bodies and associations, international fashion buyers, sponsors and partners of MFW 2016, fashion designers, and representatives from the international and local media.

The Opening Gala of MFW 2016 was organised in conjunction with the start of the 4-day fashion and lifestyle event taking place at the MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur from 2-5 November 2016. The glittering gala event was held at the MFW Fashion Cube, a 5,400 square feet fashion marquee purpose-built between the two main MATRADE buildings to host and stage the 4-days of fashion shows with over 100 local and international fashion designers, launches, and gala events.

MFW 2016 is jointly organised by MATRADE and STYLO International, and is the largest trade fashion and lifestyle event in the country. The event features a dedicated fashion and lifestyle exhibition with over 300 exhibitors spread over 32,800 square feet, together with hourly fashion shows by local and international designers, a Premium Outlet Sales, gala events, tribute galleries to Malaysia’s iconic designers, Mercedes-Benz car displays and many others.

MATRADE’S Chairman, YB Dato’ Noraini Ahmad said, “MATRADE together with our event partner, STYLO International and Mercedes-Benz are pleased and proud to once again play host to the many local and international fashion players right here at Malaysia Fashion Week 2016.”

“Malaysia Fashion Week is a dedicated fashion and lifestyle event created under MATRADE’s signature trade program called INTERNATIONAL TRADE MALAYSIA (INTRADE) to benefit the fashion and lifestyle industry in Malaysia by creating an international platform for local companies to connect with the international trade community, and establish Malaysia as an important fashion hub not just for the ASEAN region, but across all of Asia,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of Mercedes-Benz and returning as the event partner of the MFW for the third year running was Mr. Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. He said, “Mercedes-Benz, as a leading luxury automaker, is a committed supporter of the fashion industry through our involvement in the biggest fashion weeks around the world. We are proud to once again partner Malaysia Fashion Week, and throw our support behind this very important event”.

“In our collaboration with Malaysia Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz STYLO Asia Fashion Week strives to recognize the best fashion talents in and around Asia through our many fashion showcases. This year, Mercedes-Benz together with our partner STYLO International are pleased to welcome a contingent of about 30 participating international designers from 15 countries who will be presenting their collections alongside top Malaysian designers over the next 3 days of trade shows here in Kuala Lumpur” added Raine.

The curtain raiser at the gala was 39 models marching down the catwalk in a diverse range of runway styles – featuring celebrity actress cum designer Fazura collaborating with Singapore designer, Adrianna Yariqa. From couture, to ready-to-wear, the looks pulsed with sculptural and sharp-edged silhouettes, chic traditional wear, immaculate gowns and whimsical totes, that sparked interest amongst the 250 invited guests, which included government and embassy dignitaries, participating designers, fashion influencers and international & local buyers and media. All the designers were selected based on their diverse and versatile appeal and finesse in reflecting the essence of Malaysia Fashion Week’s –  Fashion Inclusivity!

Turning heads were celebrity and emerging Muslimah designers whose traditional designs were cleverly interpreted into fashion that is modest yet astoundingly stylish and contemporary; young emerging designers such as YULEZA, Sylvia Soon and Arun Sayfull who brought dramatic silhouettes to the ramp; exquisite men’s wear from established

Malaysian designers GENE and Azmeer; and stunning evening wear from some of Asia’s finest talents.

The night continued with a fun yet quirky rendition of the current chart topper Pikotaro’s hit ‘Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen’ with celebrity blogger Dato Kee Hua Chee who was dressed as the singer himself in his interpretation followed by dancers and models dancing to the song on the runway.

MFW2016’s official partners are Epson Sdn Bhd, Malindo Air, United Overseas Bank (UOB), Spectrum, IACT College & Brickfields Asia College (BAC), Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, A Cut Above, Malaysian Hairdressing Association (MHA), Ortea, Cium Kissable Lipbalm, Empro, Slimming Sanctuary, Fortunate Coffee, Coway, Grabcar.

For more details on MFW 2016, please visit www.malaysiafashionweek.my or follow Malaysia Fashion Week on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/Youtube