Glitzy launch to KL Fashion Week at Menara Star

Launch of KL Fashion Week RealVideoMedia Player 

FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA:Tan (left),Ning Baizura,Camelia,Hew and models from Andrew's Models applauding at the launch of KL FashionWeek 2003 in Petaling Jaya yesterday.-STARpic by LAI VOON LOONG

PETALING JAYA: KL Fashion Week 2003 was launched at Menara Star yesterday with much glitz, glamour and fanfare. 

Two of Malaysia’s most popular artistes – Camelia and Ning Baizura – and five models parading in creations by some of the country’s top designers gave a sneak preview of what to expect during the five-day fashion festival from April 23. 

Datuk Steven Tan, managing director of Star Publications, said that the event organised by The Star and presented by L’Oreal (M) Sdn Bhd would bring together international and local talents and would help inject new vitality and zest into the fashion world. 

“We believe that such interactions will encourage those already in the fashion and beauty industry to reach for higher levels of creativity and professionalism, and help spur young Malaysians in this direction, making Malaysia proud of its fashion prowess,” said Tan. 

“L’Oreal, as the No. 1 beauty company in the world with 12 international brands, is an ideal and relevant partner,” he added. 

Tan said the event should not be an ordinary Malaysian fashion show but a world-class extravaganza. 

“It should set a new benchmark for the local fashion and beauty industry, hence the series of ground-breaking events and the showcasing of both local and foreign talents in fashion designing and modelling,” he added. 

SHOWTIME:First row (from left)Camelia,Datuk Steven Tan,Datuk Ng Poh Tip (The Star group chief editor),Ning Baizura,Henry Tan (Mindshare),Datin Linda Ngiam (The Star general manager - Advertising and Business Development);Second row:Roseminah Ahmad (Utusan Melayu),Hoong Soon Kean (Nanyang Siang Pau);Third row:Edmund Ser (designer),(third from left)Shirieene Hajamaideen (Maizen Boutique),Rohzillah Mastor (Makmal)and Syed Sadiq Albar Syed Hamid (Makmal CEO);Fourth row:(from right)Goh Doh Kit (Lewre)and Christine Ong (Lewre)watchingmodels displaying outfits which will be featured at KL Fashion Week 2003.

Tan said it would not be possible to lift KL Fashion Week to such a level if not for the support given by the Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry, with the minister suggesting that the Fashion Week be included in the national calendar of events to be promoted overseas. 

L’Oreal managing director Alvin Michael Hew said the company was excited about the project. 

“The KL Fashion Week is very much in line with what we are trying to achieve with our business in the country,” he said. 

He added that the company, which had businesses in over 150 countries, was constantly in touch with fashion trends globally and was renowned for its prowess in science, research and development. 

He said that by promoting KL Fashion Week, the company strived to develop the creative aspects of Malaysians. 

KL Fashion Week 2003 would kick off on April 23 with two events:The Secretaries luncheon, catchily named ”Secretaries Unplugged;” andThe Charity Gala Dinner, with the theme “Sense and Sensuality.” 

Models from The Dalian Model Art School and Dalian Model Performance Company would showcase their fabulous Qipao at the luncheon and dinner. 

Both events would be held at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur. 

On April 24 and 25, there will be workshops, forums and demonstrations on topics such as image building, skin care, accessories, fragrance, shoes and modelling. 

DESIGNER SHOWCASE:Models from Andrew's Models displaying creations of (from left)Bernard Chandran,Datin Sarimah Adzrina,Zang Toi,Ang Eng and Rizalman.

These will be followed on April 26 and 27 by a fashion exhibition, showcasing local and international labels. 

Proceeds from KL Fashion Week 2003 will go to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar).  

Among the designers present at the launch were Datin Sarimah Adzrina, who would present a contemporary collection called “The Orchids of Borneo”, traditional nyonya kebaya designer Ang Eng and Key Ng, who would be presenting a specially designed men's wear range. Other top designers present included celebrity designer Rizalman, evening wear designer Melinda Looi, career wear designer Edmund Ser and traditional Malay wear designer Salikin who would all be participating at the fashion exhibition.  

The media partners for the event are TV3, New Straits Times, Utusan Malaysia, Sin Chew Daily, Nanyang Siang Pau, China Press, Mix FM, 9.88 and KL Monorail. The other official partners are Fuji, MAS and Mandarin Oriental.