Malaysian designers mark Pink October with special fashion collections

Proceeds will be donated to help raise awareness of breast cancer. Shown here is a scrunchie designed by Celeste Thoi. Photo: Moda

To mark Pink October and raise awareness of breast cancer, Malaysian fashion designers have released special collections.

Alia Bastamam collaborated with young artist Sofia Haron to create "Awaken" – a limited-edition sweater. All proceeds from the sales will be channelled to the National Cancer Society Of Malaysia (NCSM).

Read more: Malaysian designer Alia Bastamam is set to conquer the fashion world

The artwork featured in the design is said to reflect the importance of looking inward beyond what’s being projected on the surface. It symbolises the search for a deeper understanding and connection with humanity.

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The @aliabrtw x @sofiaharon AWAKEN sweatshirt is just the right amount of oversized! Check out our size guide on alia-b.com for exact measurements. Model is wearing size M #aliaxsofiaharon #aliabrtw #pinkoctober A post shared by Alia Bastamam (@aliabastamamkl) on Oct 3, 2020 at 7:28am PDT

"When our eyes 'speak' and when we see beyond the voice, that’s when we become more aware. Our own consciousness becomes awareness," the label explains.

The Malaysian Official Designers' Association (Moda) partnered Estee Lauder Malaysia for various Pink October activities.

Sixteen designers have come together to each create unique merchandise. These are sold at vending machines placed in four shopping malls in the Klang Valley and one in Johor Baru.

Funds raised from the sales will be donated to four organisations, NCSM, the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia, Cancer Research Malaysia and College Of Radiology Malaysia.

President of Moda Melinda Looi designed a brooch cum pendant. Named "Pinkster", it represents the "little cheeky pink monster that is hidden inside each of us, who is brave, lively, bold and full of spirit".

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MODA‘s official showcase release of the Pink Merchandise is here . Featuring 16 of our local Designers & a total of 20 different merchandises for you to pick from! You can finally get your hands on them starting 1st October at selected malls! Our special vending machines are dropping at @pavilionkualalumpur , @midvalleymegamall , @sunway_pyramid @avenuekmy & @midvalleysouthkey in JB, so keep your eyes out for @ylcreativevending machines in these hotspots! Here is my creation -"Pink-ster" is a brooch cum pendant of a little cheeky pink monster that is hidden inside each of us, who is brave, lively, bold and full of spirit. It is there to give us encouragement to fight, to cheer us up and to be brave. It has BLUE hands like the medical specialists who help to heal our souls. My own children inspired me, especially my daughter Maya's artwork of happy cheeky monsters and little men that are filled with love and stories of life. When u look at them, you feel courage, strength and happiness. I want anyone, especially those who are suffering from cancer to have the same feeling when they see it or wear it. By carrying positive vibes around, one will never give up on a battle. I have been supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month since years back.I feel that it is time for MODA to carry on such a meaningful initiative by joining force with its members, Estee Lauder Companies Malaysia and partners to create even more awareness for Breast Cancer month. Many of us have lost loved ones to cancer, and it is important that we voice out through our creativities to show that MODA does care. Credits: Photography : Aaron Lee of Lenswork Studio @lensworks_production , Assisted by Khairul Model in Pink : @nicoleannthomas Model in Blue : @therealbellarahim Makeup and bodypainting : @joeyyappw Hair: @hairstylistangelinelow_hair Concept/Styling: @custom.miked & @melindalooi #MelCares #MODAMalaysia @Modamalaysia #MODAforBreastCancerAwareness #BreastCancerAwareness #TimeToEndBreastCancer #EsteeLaudercompaniesMalaysia #MODAMalaysiaCares #MalaysianDesignersCare #GivingBack #PinkOctoer #Thankyou A post shared by Melinda Looi (@melindalooi) on Sep 28, 2020 at 3:43pm PDT

Looi says that she was inspired by her children. The aim is to share courage, strength and happiness.

"I want anyone, especially those who are suffering from cancer to have the same feeling when they see it or wear it. By carrying positive vibes around, one will never give up on a battle."

Read more: Prolific designer Melinda Looi keeps Malaysian fashion alive

Other items by the Moda designers include hair accessories, brooches, lapel pins, scarves and handbags, among others.

Keith Kee for example, created pink face masks adorned with butterfly embroideries, pearls and roses. Celeste Thoi designed an upcycled pink organza scrunchie inspired by ballerina outfits.

According to an infographic on NCSM's website, one in 30 women within Malaysia will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Of these, 43% present at late stages.