The International Ipoh Fashion Week (IIFW), Perak’s premier international fashion event, concluded its season six 2024 edition in a celebration of diversity and inclusivity in the historic town of Taiping, Perak from Oct 25 to 26.
The annual event was first held in 2017 and is aimed at putting the city of Ipoh on the world map as a city of fashion apart from its popular tag as a food and cultural haven.
Fashion lovers, history buffs and philanthropists alike were treated to a two-day extravaganza of style, culture and heart-warming charity.
With the theme “From Taiping with Love”, this year’s event is extra special, as it coincides with Taiping’s 150th anniversary, paying tribute to its 150 years of history and excellence with a display from this season’s most spectacular collections.
The event, including a charity black-tie gala dinner, was held with two venues for each day, bringing together emerging and established designers, industry experts and fashion enthusiasts from the regions.
Louis Sebastian, the founder of International Ipoh Fashion Week, stated at the launch event: “IIFW has made waves in the fashion industry, not just for its jaw-dropping fashion showcases but also for its deep-rooted commitment to social causes.
“This year’s event is all about Fashion Tourism with a Heart. IIFW Season 6 will support children’s medical care and even extend a helping hand to animal welfare at Zoo Taiping.
“Fashion, after all, is not just about looking good – it’s about doing good.”
Day one runway show was staged at the Perdana ballroom, Hotel Taiping Perdana for the Royale Gala Dinner Fashion, and featured collections from 10 international and local fashion brands and designers, including Gene Martino by Bajuux, VIQ, Aspekraf (Indonesia), Rohacraft by Rosita Haron, Kolej Kumuniti Batu Gajah Fashion Faculty, Loayo By Loubna Ayouche (Morocco), Mukrawee Lee (Thailand), Khair Johari and Galeri Ummi By Syarifah Aida.
The evening included a charity black-tie gala dinner to raise funds for meaningful causes. A total of RM37,000 was raised for the paediatric department of Hospital Seri Manjung and RM2,000 for Animal Welfare Zoo Taiping.
While on day two, the street fashion show at the Raintree Walk in Taiping Lake Gardens featured over 10 designers, including Houz of Borneo, Polo Hous by Bajuux and designers who were featured on the first day of the IIFW 2024.
It was a stunning visual feast with the models making a splash catwalking over the beauty of the historical lake garden.
The IIFW 2024 also featured musical performances by local artiste Ayu Damit and violinist Martin Looi, and special acts from Indonesian artistes Rita NaSiak and Fivien Novita, making the evening a blend of fashion and musical artistry.
Key sponsors and partners which contributed to the success of the event included Hotel Taiping Perdana, Quest International University, Kolej Komuniti Batu Gajah, Ipoh Hairdressers Association, Perak Malayalee Association, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, Lost World of Tambun, Jun Chillax Resources and Spritzer Mineral Water Malaysia.
