The global launch that will be held at Escale de Grenelle along the River Seine, will see an international audience made up of trade buyers, fashion agents and media from the European region viewing Malaysian fashion that incorporates unique designs and materials inspired by the various cultures in Malaysia. The collections are tagged to be fashionably modern, trendy, and suitable for international markets.
“We believe our designers are ready for global audience and have the capabilities to make a stand and leave a footprint on the global fashion industry. We hope Paris will help provide them a platform to be recognised by potential business partners or collaborators from the European market,” said Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud, CEO of MATRADE & Chairman of MFW.
A press conference announcing the MFW’s global launch was held today attended by the participating Malaysian designers, Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud, CEO of MATRADE & Chairman of MFW, Jean-Pierre GALLAND, Counsellor for Co-operation and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of France, Johnson Lim, CEO of Elite Expo Sdn Bhd and, Lee Mark CEO of The Hot Shoe Show and Co.. Also in attendance as a special guest was renowned Malaysian born French singer, Datuk Sheikh Abdullah Ahmad Bakhbereh aka Datuk Shake, who was recently appointed Principal for the local popular talent show Akademi Fantasia 2016.
“The Malaysian fashion industry has a lot to offer to the world but we need a strong marketing strategy to ensure Malaysia gets noticed by the world. The collaboration between MATRADE and STYLO International embodies a strategic public-private partnership and such inter-dependence is crucial in ensuring we are able to push this sector globally. Ultimately, with consistent efforts, we will be able to have a strong foothold around the world,” Dato’ Dzulkifli said.
He added that the design elements derived from the many cultures in Malaysia and ASEAN are a strong selling point as foreign buyers are always on the look-out for something out-of-the-ordinary in fashion and accessories.
“Today, up-and-coming young Asian designers are creating waves in the global fashion industry. The likes of JOE CHIA and Yii who now have presence internationally has proven that fashion week platforms like MFW can successfully open doors for the young and talented to be discovered by industry’s key players from the East and West,” said Dato’ Nancy Yeoh, the President & CEO of STYLO International and Co-Chairman of MFW 2016.
MFW, since 2014, has been making headlines and is focused on boosting the Malaysian fashion and lifestyle industry. The event is a strategic marketing platform to present local fashion brands to international buyers, whilst aspiring to elevate Malaysia’s status as a major fashion hub in ASEAN and beyond. MFW also provides a great opportunity for Malaysian companies and designers to reach international markets and achieve greater business mileage leveraging on this internationally promoted event.
For more information on MFW, visit www.malaysiafashionweek.my or email to [email protected]
For struggling designers I have seen a new trend of them setting up their own e-commerce sites and marketing their brand directly to consumers. If you can sort out the supply chain and use effective digital media marketing this can prove to be quite effective, especially for specialist and boutique designs.