Malaysia’s involvement in the apparel
industry dates back to 1980s, when
it established itself as a contract
manufacturer of high-end global brands
such as Marks & Spencer, Hills & Brooks,
Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, Adidas, Nike,
Oshkosh, Burberry, GAP, Ashworth, Polo,
Ralph Lauren and many others.
The industry has since moved up the
value-chain, evolving from a mere OEM
producer to own design and own brand
supplier, leveraging on expertise gained
from past experiences and automated
manufacturing processes. Malaysia
now produces a variety of designs and
clothing suitable for all markets including
Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Thegainingpopularityof fashiondesigning
as a profession has prompted Malaysian
education institutions to introduce the
subject in their programmes while several
Malaysians left the country to study
fashion design abroad. Inspired by their
knowledge and creative talents, these
young graduates, upon completion of
their studies enhanced the development
of the nation’s fashion industry through
their enterprising ventures.
The Malaysian fashion industry is still
young compared to the world’s fashion
industry. However many designers, both
veterans and young, are currently actively
participating and undertaking activities to
garner more exposure for their creations.
These activities include participating in
fashioneventsand trade showsboth locally
and internationally, preparing their look
books complete with pricing, information
on materials used, shipping timeline etc.
They are seriously preparing themselves
to not only expand their domestic market
share but to explore business ventures in
the global marketplace.
With this positive scenario, MATRADE
has identified fashion as having a
significant growth potential to boost the
nation’s trade driven economy. Fashion
is one of the domains that can assist in
OVERVIEW
FASHION INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA
With this positive scenario, MATRADE has identified
fashion as having a significant growth potential to
boost the nation’s trade driven economy.
iii
Guide to Malaysia’s Fashion Industry
