Masyadi Mansoor crafts bold, expressive pieces built on the concepts of individuality, innovation and authenticity. Photo: Ewan Jade
Masyadi Mansoor grew up surrounded by creativity, with the vibrant hues of fabrics and the steady whirring of sewing machines belonging to his mother – a tailor – filling his childhood days.
This early influence drove him to pursue fashion design, at first working with different brands and handling everything from design to production before starting his own label: MSYD.
“The work experience gave me the foundation I needed. But honestly, it’s my personal struggles and upbringing that shaped me the most,” says Masyadi, 29.
“Growing up with limited resources taught me to be resourceful, experimental and expressive. That’s why my collections often carry themes of survival, resilience and transformation,” he says.
MSYD blends avant-garde aesthetics and streetwear with cultural storytelling, a unique fusion which translates to a visually stunning design aesthetic.
He crafts bold, expressive pieces built on the concepts of individuality, innovation and authenticity.
Masyadi Mansoor (centre) waving to the crowd at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025 after his runway show. Photo: MSYDRooted in storytelling and inspired by personal journeys, his designs aim to empower wearers to embrace their struggles, celebrate their triumph and express their true selves.
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To Masyadi, avant-garde isn’t just about being different — to him, it’s about breaking rules to tell a story.
“Growing up in Malaysia, I’ve always been surrounded by cultural narratives, folklore, and everyday struggles. So, I use avant-garde as my language to reinterpret those stories into something fresh,” he says.
“It’s not just about clothing, it’s about creating an emotion and sparking curiosity. That balance between pushing boundaries and honouring my roots is what shaped MSYD.”
At the recent Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025 MSYD’s runway show drew praise from critics and the crowd alike for its striking aesthetics.
The designer’s third outing at KLFW had models donning designs inspired by local folklore such as Puteri Gunung Ledang, Hang Tuah, Bawang Merah dan Bawang Putih and more.
Draped in creations that were bold and edgy with a fantasy element to them, models showcased looks that were wild and imaginative, complete with MSYD’s signature puffer jackets reinterpreted according to the theme.
Apart from this runway show, the designer also collaborated with Skechers for its Reign in Comfort show and Levi’s for the brand’s "Designer Feature" showcase at KLFW2025.
Could you tell us about your latest collection?
My latest collection, Legend Dystophia, reimagines Malaysian folklore characters through the lens of the MSYD world.
It’s about taking these familiar legends and transporting them into my own universe – one that’s raw, rebellious and dystopian.
Instead of staying in the past, they’re reshaped to survive in a futuristic setting, dressed in pieces that carry both cultural memory and modern edge.
Legend Dystophia is my way of showing how stories we’ve grown up with can live on in new, unexpected forms.
In your view, what sets Malaysian streetwear apart on the regional or international stage?
Malaysian streetwear is special because it carries layers – we’re influenced by so many cultures, traditions, and identities.
Unlike other places where streetwear is mainly about subcultures, here it’s a hybrid of East and West, modern and traditional.
There’s this rawness and authenticity that comes from our cultural mix, and I think that’s what makes us stand out internationally.
Legend Dystophia is the designer’s way of showing how local folklore can live on in new, unexpected forms. Photo: MSYDAs a Malaysian designer, what are some of the unique challenges and opportunities you’ve faced building your brand in this market?
The biggest challenge is that the market here is still young when it comes to embracing unconventional designs.
People love safe fashion, so pushing avant-garde can feel like swimming against the current.
But at the same time, that’s also the opportunity – because there’s space to create something new and carve out an identity.
I’ve also been lucky to collaborate with global brands, which proves that even from Malaysia, we can make a global statement.
How would you describe the core design aesthetic of MSYD to someone who’s never seen your work?
MSYD is rebellious, raw, and emotional. It’s streetwear that feels like art, with details that carry hidden stories.
The clothes often have oversized silhouettes, experimental textures and elements borrowed from personal and cultural memory.
It’s about turning struggles into beauty and making fashion that speaks louder than words.
Read more: Is this the end of streetwear? Malaysia’s fashion scene reflects a global shift
What is the one fashion trend right now that resonates with you and what is one that you think we need to leave behind?
I resonate with the return of storytelling through clothing – people want pieces with meaning, not just aesthetics. That aligns with what I do at MSYD.
A trend I think we should leave behind is fast, disposable fashion. It feels soulless.
Fashion should live longer than a season.
For aspiring designers who want to break away from convention, what advice would you give?
Don’t be afraid of being misunderstood.
At first, people might not “get” your vision, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valid.
Stay consistent, stay true to your voice and let your work evolve with your own story.
Most importantly, create from a place of honesty – that’s what will connect with people in the end.
