Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) is set to return once again — this time, “Bigger & Bolder”. Slated for 4 August to 10 August 2025, this year’s edition (its 13th instalment) will feature more than 55 designers and brands from Malaysia. In addition, KLFW 2025 will also be held at the iconic KLCC Park once more following last year’s venue debut.
Designers and brands include annual favourites, first-timers and returning names. We had the opportunity to speak to five Malaysian designers — Kel Wen of Behati, Beverly B of BEV C, Hatta Dolmat, Oscar Lee of Outdwell and Syomirizwa Gupta — to find out a little more about their respective approaches to their upcoming showcases at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week this year.
Kel Wen, Creative Director of Behati
Tell us a little about your brand. How would you personally describe the brand?
I’d like to describe Behati as a melting pot of Malaysia’s multiracial culture, all races in one roof.
What can people expect from your show at KLFW this year? What’s the inspiration for the collection?
Theatre! The collection will be themed ‘culture education’, where we go back to school in Akademi Budaya Malaysia.
In your experience, what have you learned from being a fashion designer or clothing brand owner here in Malaysia?
A great brand must have its own narrative, it’s about my customer’s story, that is not entirely mine.
Can you share an advice or two for anyone who wants to get into the industry?
Find your market first and design your own designer narrative with a purpose.
Beverly B, Fashion Designer of BEV C
Tell us a little about your brand. How would you personally describe the brand?
BEV C is a genderless, convertible fashion label built on the idea of “Own your style or stay naked.” Our concept is minimalist yet rebellious, focusing on pieces that can be layered, transformed and interpreted in multiple ways. It’s fashion for people who aren’t afraid to stand out.
What can people expect from your show at KLFW this year? What’s the inspiration for the collection?
This year’s collection, “Twisted,” explores emotional distortion — turning chaos and imperfection into beauty. Expect deconstructed silhouettes, asymmetry and raw textures that capture a sense of movement and tension on the runway.
In your experience, what have you learned from being a fashion designer or clothing brand owner here in Malaysia?
I’ve learned that the market here is still growing, so you can’t wait for trends or validation — you have to create the scene yourself. It’s about staying stubborn with your vision while being flexible with the business side.
Can you share an advice or two for anyone who wants to get into the industry?
Learn every side of the game — from design to business — because passion alone won’t keep the lights on. And always, always push your own narrative.
Hatta Dolmat, Fashion Designer of Hatta Dolmat
Tell us a little about your brand. How would you personally describe the brand?
Hatta Dolmat is the only Malaysian fashion brand to receive two national records from the Malaysia Book of Records: one as the first fashion designer with a fully sustainable collection and another for creating Malaysia’s first couture cake dress. This highlights Hatta’s strong focus on innovation, creativity, couture excellence and corporate collaborations. A hallmark of the Hatta Dolmat brand is its distinctive use of original motifs and patterns, making each creation uniquely its own.
What can people expect from your show at KLFW this year? What’s the inspiration for the collection?
I’ve always believed in creating stories and collections that people can truly connect with something honest, something that invites reflection. After 10 remarkable years with KLFW, I’ve grown immensely and this time, it’s deeply personal.
I’m not here to impress or to be compared; I’m here simply to express my truest feelings. The theme is “Perahu Kertas” or Paperboat, a poetic symbol of my journey in fashion: delicate, uncertain, yet always moving forward.
In your experience, what have you learned from being a fashion designer or clothing brand owner here in Malaysia?
It’s just like sailing a boat across the ocean. Sometimes the sea is calm, sometimes you’re blessed with breathtaking views, other times you face heavy storms, dark nights, or relentless rain. Yet you keep sailing, you keep moving. Not to sink, but to endure, to stay afloat, and to sustain your journey!
Can you share an advice or two for anyone who wants to get into the industry?
Be brave. Do something remarkable that you’ll one day look back on with pride. Take care of your mental health, and make the most of your youth. Gather moments, create memories and build collections that inspire others and let them truly appreciate your existence.
Oscar Lee, Creative Director of Outdwell
Tell us a little about your brand. How would you personally describe the brand?
Outdwell began its journey in 2021 and debuted its first collection in 2022. The brand is deeply inspired by all elements of hip hop from breakdancing to rap and MC culture. If we had to sum up our creative foundation in three words: Music. Art. Film.
What can people expect from your show at KLFW this year? What’s the inspiration for the collection?
“Stars Align” is a collection born from disorder. A story of trusting missteps, embracing timing and finding clarity in chaos. Layered textures, imperfect symmetry and reconstructed silhouettes reflect a balance of progress and reflection of our old collections. This is Outdwell’s most personal collection yet and a constellation of past lessons and future intentions. When the stars align, you don’t just wear confidence. You become it.
In your experience, what have you learned from being a fashion designer or clothing brand owner here in Malaysia?
As a designer, you start by creating clothes for yourself but as a brand owner, you learn to design for others. I’m still discovering my voice while trying to understand my audience.
The toughest challenge isn’t designing, it’s building a brand identity and handling the realities of customer experience. Being a good designer doesn’t automatically make you a good business owner. That’s something I’ve learned firsthand.
Can you share an advice or two for anyone who wants to get into the industry?
A friend once told me: “Patience, passion, determination, and action.” You don’t need to have it all figured out, just let those four words guide you forward.
Syomirizwa Gupta, Fashion Designer of Syomirizwa Gupta
Tell us a little about your brand. How would you personally describe the brand?
My brand started 23 years ago from a little room in my apartment. Syomirizwa Gupta is a celebration of life, individuality and cultures from everywhere as our main inspiration. Our main identity has always been about our use of bold colours and its back stories. We believe everyone should be special, starting with the colour you choose to wear to start your day!
What can people expect from your show at KLFW this year? What’s the inspiration for the collection?
Expect something sexy, sleek and more personal as this year’s inspiration comes from the stylish but slightly naughty scenes that happen at a Syomir’s after parties. Some unbuttoned shirts, undone bowties with a touch of disco! But there’s also another collection to be launched on the same stage which I’m super excited about!
In your experience, what have you learned from being a fashion designer or clothing brand owner here in Malaysia?
What I’ve learned as a Malaysian fashion designer through all these years is once you’ve found your brand tribe, celebrate them with love and pride because they are the ones representing your brand
Can you share an advice or two for anyone who wants to get into the industry?
Fashion is more than just about clothes and shoes. Find your brand identity. Know your audience and do things consciously. It’s a tough business that deals with people’s emotions and feelings. Always evolve and know what is happening in the world and most importantly your own community that celebrates you.
Learn more about Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week HERE.
(Photos provided by Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week)
