This year’s KLFW Designer Search focuses on “Design to Sustain”, with the theme “Capturing Allure” inspired by the PEUGEOT 408, allowing talented designers to showcase sustainability through upcycling.
Stellantis Malaysia emphasized the importance of sustainability in both automotive and fashion industries. The collaboration with KLFW marked the first time an automotive brand has been involved in the Designer Search. The 15 finalists showcased innovative designs made from upcycled materials, highlighting the fusion of sustainability and style.
The finalists impressed the audience with their creative visions, breathing new life into recycled fabrics. Managing Director of Stellantis Malaysia, Jamie Francis Morais, expressed the company’s commitment to creating products with a lighter environmental impact through responsible sourcing and cutting-edge technologies.
The Designer Search workshop involved 63 artists submitting sketches and participating in a live fashion pitch. The finalists had to incorporate upcycled materials from Life Line Clothing Malaysia into their designs for the grand finale. A panel of 7 judges, including industry experts and fashion designers, selected the top three winners based on creativity, originality, and technical finesse.
The winners, Mei Xuan Tieo, Raja Irfan, and Salahuddin Hilmi, wowed the judges with their exceptional collections. They drew inspiration from the PEUGEOT 408 for their designs, capturing elements like technology, aerodynamics, and French heritage. These talented designers will have the chance to showcase their full collections at KLFW 2025 and Lao Fashion Week: Zero Waste.
Mei Xuan blended Japanese culture with the allure of the PEUGEOT 408 in her collection, while Raja Irfan incorporated the car’s sculpted lines and headlights into his structured designs. Salahuddin’s collection “Rockstar” exuded ruggedness and mystery, influenced by the car’s aesthetics and the colors of the French flag.
Andrew Tan, Founder of KLFW, praised the competition for raising the bar in Malaysian fashion, merging style with sustainability to align with the event’s vision. He commended the designers for their creativity, individuality, and innovation, and looked forward to seeing their collections at future fashion events. The partnership with PEUGEOT, who shares a focus on sustainability, further emphasized the importance of eco-conscious fashion.
Overall, KLFW 2024 celebrated the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and creativity, showcasing the talent and vision of young designers committed to making a positive impact on the industry.