Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) returns for its 11th year in 2023 with a fresh new format to offer a whole new level of experience, engagement and excitement.
From August 21-27, 2023, a total of 50 designers and brands are set to debut their ready-to-wear collections at seven different venues across the seven days, with each day being hosted in a different venue.
The runway at the seven venues – Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara (Day 1), Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur (Day 2), Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur (Day 3), Naza Tower Platinum Park (Day 4), Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral (Day 5), Boathouse Kuala Lumpur (Day 6) and InterContinental Kuala Lumpur (Day 7) – were revealed at the media launch at Mitec, Kuala Lumpur on August 10.
KLFW founder Andrew Tan stated during the launch event: “We are celebrating our 11th year anniversary and we want to do it differently this year by going to different venues across the city.”
Tan added: “The new format is designed to offer a renewed sense of variety and unlock a heightened level of intimacy in the way fashion shows are consumed by being more experiential and meaningful to designers and their guests.”
This approach is mirrored in what is considered to be the event’s most radical change yet and promises an exciting week of fashion, festivities and self-expression.
A seven-member drumline from Aswara National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage kicked off the event with a high-energy and rhythmic performance
This was followed by a fashion show with ten models wearing black t-shirts emblazoned with the phrases such as What’s Your Number?, Smile Out Loud, KLFW 2023, Paris Awaits You, #i Am Ready, New Spaces New Revolutions, 7 Days 7 Venues, KLFW Backstage and Walk Your Worth by sponsors, including AmBank, Loreal, Moccona, Colgate and Watsons.
Seven designers and labels will be making their debut this year, with Fairuz Ramdan, Andy Sulaiman, Ezzati Amira, ZaimiZulkafli and Supercrew returning after a brief hiatus.
The KLFW 2023 opening show will showcase eight featured designers from the Malaysian Official Designers’ Association (MODA) in celebration of KLFW’s support for the organisation and their new chapter.
The three winners of the Samsung’s KL10 Designer Search 2022, Julia Wey, Uzair Shoid and Lurazah’s Raunna will be presenting a full collection each in their own show slot themed “Design To Sustain” this year.
A new segment titled “Asia Fashion Xchange” will showcase the work from the region’s designers and labels, led by Indonesian brand Buttonscarves.
Fashion Connect.23 makes a comeback, which will offer educational events and valuable networking opportunities.
The Kuala Lumpur Fashion Awards (KLFA) also returns to honour the best of Malaysian fashion. First held in 2021, the star-studded awards was attended by 150 guests to witness the presentation of 14 distinguished honours.
“Since our inception back in 2013, we have been fortunate to achieve critical mass and widespread visibility, in no small part due to the unwavering support of designers, sponsors, partners and of course the Malaysian fashion savvy community.
“For KLFW 2023, our vision is to cut through the static and noise to ensure that the focus remains back to the designs, the creativity, and the urge to push fashion forward,” said Tan.
