The Borneo Fashion Week (BFW) 2025, a much-awaited and much-loved event in Sabah and Sarawak, is set to raise the bar higher than ever in 2025.
With the entry of stylists and fashion designers from the South-East Asian region, the event this year is bringing a world-class showcase of fashion, culture, and creativity from October 10-11 at Pavilion Damansara Heights, a new home now in the centre of the city.
The show gained much traction and admirers when it was launched in 2017 in Kuching and then continued again in 2018 in the same city before moving to Kota Kinabalu in 2019. However, the Covid-19 then took its toll, and the event went quiet due to the pandemic.
However, it is back now. And this time they even have designers from Vietnam, Singapore and Brunei. And joining this illustrious list are top and up-and-coming fashionists from Malaysia.
Founded by beauty queen Stephanie Alcantara, winner of Mrs Malaysia Classique Globe 23/24, 2nd runner-up of Miss Malaysia 1990 and Dewi Remaja 1989, BFW was born from a desire to champion indigenous culture while redefining Asia’s place in the haute couture conversation.
Since its inception, the event has steadily risen to the forefront of the region’s creative calendar, attracting designers, models, and tastemakers from across the globe.
“Borneo Fashion Week is about more than clothing; it is about identity, pride, and presence,” says Stephanie.
This year’s edition, themed “Fashion With Purpose”, promises a captivating blend of established designers, emerging talents, lifestyle brands, and cultural showcases while positioning BFW as one of Asia’s most anticipated fashion events.
An Ambitious & Transformative Edition
Curated with global perspectives and local pride, BFW 2025 will highlight sustainable fashion, exclusive brand activations, and a vibrant integration of music, art, and culture. Each participating designer is required to present at least one sustainable piece, ensuring that innovation aligns with environmental consciousness.
“Our main purpose is to position Borneo Fashion Week as more than just a runway. It’s a platform for storytelling, sustainability, and also cultural pride,” Stephanie explains.
“We want to champion Bornean and Malaysian designers while connecting them with industry leaders, media, and global audiences.”
“Fashion With Purpose” — Elevating Local Talent To The World
This year’s concept draws inspiration from the power of fashion as a force for cultural preservation and economic empowerment. From traditional Bornean textiles and craftsmanship to globally relevant design innovation, BFW 2025 will bridge heritage with modernity.
“‘Fashion With Purpose’ reflects Borneo’s roots and its aspirations. It’s about highlighting how fashion can drive sustainability while celebrating identity and creativity,” Stephanie adds.
Global Reach, Local Impact
For 2025, BFW is also expanding its reach with strategic partnerships with international media platforms and fashion influencers, opening doors for local designers to step confidently onto the global fashion map.
“We’re in discussions with several international designers and fashion houses to be part of our lineup. These partnerships not only elevate the prestige of the event but also provide local designers with opportunities to network on a global scale,” Stephanie shares.
Emerging designers will be given the same world-class stage, media coverage, and networking opportunities, ensuring that new voices in fashion are amplified alongside established names.
Sustainability, Heritage & Strategic Partnerships
BFW 2025 places sustainability at the forefront, requiring designers to integrate eco-conscious materials and processes into their collections. Alongside this, the festival proudly showcases Borneo’s rich cultural heritage, weaving motifs, textiles, and craftsmanship into modern interpretations that resonate with both local and international audiences.
“Sustainability is woven into our designer requirements, material sourcing, and event production. At the same time, Borneo’s cultural identity remains central to the collections, giving traditions a contemporary edge,” says Stephanie.
A Long-Term Vision
Looking ahead, Stephanie envisions Borneo Fashion Week as a leading fashion platform not only in South-East Asia but also in Asia and also makes it an annual affair again.
“My vision is for BFW to be recognised globally as a hub where culture, sustainability, and innovation meet. With ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’, we aim for BFW to be listed in the annual MOTAC (The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) calendar,” she shares.
“Long term, I want this platform to continue nurturing local talent, attracting global collaborations, and creating real economic opportunities for designers and artisans across Malaysia and Borneo.”
THE FASHION DESIGNERS LIST
MALAYSIA: ANGELIQUE , ALDRIN , CLARISSIMA , CALVIN THO , DECEMBER TEO , GC JADE , INAYAD , OCELY , SAERAH , BARZWANG , JAYK , WAN BYNUN , EVEN ONG , PENAN BAG , MASWIRA MAJID , NASHA PRIVE , YACUTHA
VIETNAM: BIANCA, GRACIE; SINGAPORE: HAYDEN NG, INDRA MUBARAK; BRUNEI: BILANG
