Syomir Izwa

If you ever feel like the fashion scene can seem like a sea of unending black, you need only click through to Syomir Izwa’s socials. (Or get yourself over to his boutique.) His personal style signifier is electrifying jolts of colour: head-to-toe kelly green for Raya, exploded pelikat checks in fuschia and cyan, oversized floral blooms, turquoise jubahs and hot pink coordinating separates. And of course, a judicious amount of accessories: layered chains, beaded necklaces, earrings and rings, always. “I’m lazy to wear shoes though,” he laughs. “So it’s always sandals or a white Converse!”

The bulk of Syomir’s great fits come, of course, from his own labels: relaxed resortwear line Syomsz and elaborate custom looks from Syomirzwa Gupta. The throughline is the joyful use of colour, whether applied across a sequinned mermaid skirt or linen sets made for lounging. It’s a distinctly Malaysian sensibility, and intentionally so. “I've seen it more and more lately, the younger generation’s point of view is to elevate traditional fabrics and techniques to a more modern and progressive cut and silhouette,” Syomir says of the local fashion scene. “Uplifting ethnic pieces to the same standards as other contemporary categories of clothes.”

How would Syomir describe his own style? “A relaxed approach to boldness with a mixture of clean lines, I’m always in my trademark palazzo pants, flowy shirt and always with my accessories!”