Cover Alia Bastamam and her models at her New York City debut (Photo: Alia Bastamam)
Alia Bastamam and her models at her New York City debut (Photo: Alia Bastamam)
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The Malaysian fashion designer makes her mark in the city that never sleeps with a captivating presentation starring top models Tuti Noor and Nia Atasha
Over the last decade, Alia Bastamam has become a household name in Malaysia. She is known for sophisticated designs for the modern woman, often contemporary interpretations of traditional silhouettes with intricate pleats and finishings. In 2023, her exquisite creations are going global, finding success outside Southeast Asia. For instance, Malaysian actress Scha Alyahya chose to walk the 80th Venice Film Festival red carpet in an all-white Alia Bastamam gown.
More recently, the veteran womenswear designer marks yet another international milestone by staging her New York City debut at Doors NYC, a concept store in Soho West Broadway focused on platforming independent fashion labels and artists. Held on September 14, 2023, the highly anticipated fashion event showcased her fall/winter 2023 and spring/summer 2023 collections, Odyssey Act I and Odyssey Act II, as a precursor to the final act, Odyssey Act III, which will be revealed in 2024.
The three-part Odyssey series portrays a woman’s journey through her past, present and future. A story of Alia Bastamam’s design evolution, Act I features classic silhouettes accented with signature pleats and knots while the latter embodies her era of self-discovery as she experiments with sensual cuts, opulent fabrics, and striking colours incorporated in bold splashes and subtle gradients.
Above Tuti Noor was among the two Malaysian fashion models flown out to walk Alia Bastamam’s show
Tuti Noor was among the two Malaysian fashion models flown out to walk Alia Bastamam’s show
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“My designs are inspired by the rich archipelago of Asia and Malaysia with our many gorgeous islands and beaches, and I hope to bring a unique perspective to the fashion world,” says Alia Bastamam.
She also enlists the help of Malaysia’s most recognisable models, Tuti Noor and Nia Atasha, to showcase her designs on the catwalk and Malaysian female DJ duo BrownRice to provide the music for the memorable occasion.
See also: Bornean musicians Alena Murang and Kulleh Grasi's take on contemporary East Malaysia
Take a closer look at the fashion event below, from honoured guests to our favourite runway moments, such as Alia Bastamam’s final bow.
Above Alia Bastamam takes a bow after her New York City debut
Alia Bastamam takes a bow after her New York City debut
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DJ duo Brownrice and Alia Bastamam
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Based in Kuala Lumpur, Zue Wei Leong is the senior style writer at Tatler Malaysia. Read her stories on the latest in fashion, beauty and jewellery or follow her on Instagram at @fshnbrnr.
