KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) is back with a twist, combining fashion with heritage.

       KLFW’s ninth edition will not just be celebrating the talents of local designers but will also be reviving the Thread of Heritage, A Truly Malaysian Textiles Exhibition.

       Paying homage to Malaysia’s lush versatile textiles, KLFW founder Andrew Tan said the exhibition aims to continue raising awareness of local fabrics while inculcating a deeper appreciation of its unique beauty and strong sense of history, supported by KLFW’s official bank partner, AmBank Malaysia.

       “This year’s exhibition is showcased by Cheminahsayang. This one-of-a-kind collection features a hand-blocked batik design that was meticulously and intricately curated by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and produced exclusively by Yus of Kakee Batik.

       “Each piece is truly a vision that encapsulates the wondrous beauty of Malaysia’s pattern-making and heritage,” Bernama quoted him at the KLFW 2021 media launch recently.

       Tan also said that as an extension of KLFW’s initiative to foster a deeper appreciation of the local fabric industry, organisers are also working with Taylor’s University and Barbie Mattel by collaborating on The Patung Project, a new initiative that will showcase Malaysia’s rich culture and heritage in an effort to preserve the hallmark of the diverse arts and crafts across different ethnicities in Malaysia.

       “The showcase will see students from Taylor’s Fashion Design Technology programme presenting their artwork at KLFW’s exhibition, which features 12 Barbie Dolls dressed in versatile garments based on four artisanal themes: Nyonya Beading, Tekat Embroidery, Calligraphy and Henna,” he said.

       KLFW 2021 will showcase 48 homegrown designers’ ready-to-wear collections both digitally and in real life from Nov 1-7 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur after taking the grand spectacle online last year.

       Tan said that as the country is transitioning from the Covid-19 pandemic to the endemic phase, KLFW is ready to reintroduce the biggest and newest fashion trends to Malaysia with its biggest show yet.

       “We have certainly gone through some tumultuous times. However, as with all other crises, this too shall pass. Although the road to recovery will not be an easy one, together we will always come out stronger.

       “I am heartened to see that the designers who are with us for KLFW 2021 showed resilience, reimagined their businesses, and made internal processes more effective at creating a leaner, more efficient workplace,” he said.