The first ADIWARNA RUNWAY ended successfully at Alamanda Shopping Centre on Sunday (13 September) after a lively four-day fashion event for Malaysia Day celebrations. The event featured fashion shows, live performances, and shopping for consumers all in one place.
Taking place from 10 to 13 September at the mall’s Centre Court, the event was organized by Alamanda Shopping Centre in collaboration with the Malaysian Official Designers’ Association (MODA). It kicked off with a main presentation from 22 designers, each showcasing a unique outfit made from special textiles inspired by the bright colors of the hibiscus, which is Malaysia’s national flower.
The milestone showcase attracted important guests, including representatives from Tourism Malaysia and Kraftangan Malaysia, highlighting common goals in the Visit Malaysia 2026 plan to promote local creative talent to visitors both regionally and internationally.
Francis Tan, Executive Director and CEO of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd
Francis Tan, Executive Director and CEO of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd, said: “ADIWARNA RUNWAY marks an important milestone in our journey to redefine Alamanda Shopping Centre as Putrajaya’s primary lifestyle and community destination. Following our comprehensive redevelopment, we are committed to moving beyond traditional retail transactions by turning our spaces into vibrant cultural platforms. Bringing a premier, national-scale showcase directly to Putrajaya gave our shoppers and the community an engaging, memorable experience while providing our country’s finest designers with significant commercial reach. We will continue introducing high-impact activations that celebrate Malaysian artistry, drive footfall, and bring families together.”
Cyrus Chin, President of MODA
Cyrus Chin, President of MODA, echoed the milestone’s significance: “ADIWARNA RUNWAY is a living showcase of how we nurture our local designers, push creative boundaries, and unite our industry to shape the future of Malaysian fashion. Partnering with Alamanda Shopping Centre, a landmark that draws a diverse, multicultural visitor base to Putrajaya, helps us build visibility and commercially viable opportunities for Malaysian designers to grow with confidence at home and globally.”
DESIGNER SHOWCASES AND THE ADIWARNA RUNWAY BAZAAR
Across four days, special runway shows showcased the latest ready-to-wear clothes, modern modest fashion, and custom collections from 16 talented designers: Justin Yap Atelier, Yuleza, NANALYANA, EL by Ellie Lim, Zayana Yazed Creations, Outdwell, CARRO, HERA, Bill Keith, CASALWA, SITI KHADIJAH, Ariff Atelier, 3THELABEL, Arlina Ayou, Yani Bakhtiar, and Variante.
Many MODA designers mentioned that this platform gave them the freedom to explore their creative ideas.
Ariff, founder of Ariff Atelier, drew on his roots for the collection. “This collection celebrates the vibrant Malaysian Indian community and its rich cultural heritage through a contemporary fashion lens,” he said.
The founder of NANALYANA kept the message simple. “Don’t dilute your vision, cut out the noise and channel your energy into what truly matters.”
For Arlina Amdan, founder and creative director of ARLINA AYOU, the craft itself carries the meaning. “Batik has always been more than fabric to me. It holds the hands, care and stories of the people who make it. Every design starts with me, but it comes to life through the artisans I work with.”
Bill Keith took a more practical view. “Focus on what you’re capable of doing, not just what you want to do.”
Leslie Variyan, Founder and Creative Director of Variante, reflected on what the platform meant beyond the runway. “Adiwarna Runway was such a meaningful experience for me, both as a designer and as a member of MODA. It was heartwarming to see the genuine support and camaraderie among fellow designers, and wonderful for shoppers to see the clothes come to life on the runway. A great celebration of fashion, creativity and community.”
Puan Hajah Padzilah Enda Sulaiman, founder of Siti Khadijah, tied the collection back to everyday life. “Bringing the lineup of our Telekung, womenswear and Teman menswear to the runway allows us to showcase how Siti Khadijah can be part of our customers’ lives beyond moments of worship. More importantly, it gives us an opportunity to connect with them through fashion while showing the breadth of what the brand has to offer.”
Running alongside the fashion shows was the ADIWARNA Runway Bazaar, a pop-up market in its second edition where shoppers can buy ready-to-wear items and artisan accessories from designers. MODA noted that the bazaar plays a key role in connecting consumers with local brands. The first edition was themed “Style Your Way.”
STAR-STUDDED ENTERTAINMENT & COMMUNITY INCLUSIVITY
Injecting festive energy into the Centre Court, the four-day schedule included live performances by popular Malaysian artists like Datuk Syafinaz Selamat, Daniel Chuer, Yazmin Aziz, Bunga Isme, Daniesh Suffian, Layla Sania, Farah Dolhadi, and Ernie Zakri.
Layla Sania said, “I’m really thrilled to have performed at an event that combines music, fashion and creativity like this one. The response from visitors at Alamanda was very encouraging, and the energy was truly special. I hope this performance gave everyone an enjoyable experience and helped strengthen my connection with my fans.”
Bunga Isme added, “I believe fashion and music have something in common as both are ways we express our identity and our stories. That’s why, for me, supporting local designers is so important. They don’t just create clothes; they carry Malaysian identity, culture and creativity. When we choose to wear and showcase their work, we’re actually helping their story reach further.”
Ernie Zakri noted, “Performing at Moda Adiwarna Runway was such a beautiful experience for me. I loved how music and fashion came together that afternoon, and it was really special to be part of a platform that celebrates creativity and our local talents. I’m grateful I got to share that moment with everyone.”
The Family Fashion Show at ADIWARNA RUNWAY featured the top 10 winning shopper pairs.
To highlight Alamanda’s focus on families, the show was part of a Model Search held in August. The winners got to walk the runway, styled by five designers: Variante, Arlina Ayou, HERA, CASALWA, and NANALYANA.
There was also an aspiring talent showcase where student designers from UiTM, INTI, Sunway, Raffles, UNITAR, UCSI, MUSPACE, La Mode, International Sewing School, and SSFS Studio showed their collections.
To thank Alamanda for hosting, MODA presented the mall with a special oil painting by Malaysian artist Mr Pheng, celebrating the spirit of ADIWARNA Runway with a mix of color, creativity, and unity.
The event was organized by Alamanda Shopping Centre in collaboration with MODA, with support from MAC Cosmetics, FIOLE, R Beaute Group, and JUSTBCOS, along with contributions from Siti Khadijah and Variante.