Bringing dreams to life: How August Store brought Mihano Momosa’s vision of romance to Kuala Lumpur

That beauty is now translated into breathtaking pieces of fashion. Ethereal gowns of organza and feathers that seem to float in the air; oversized rosettes in bold, beautiful tones; power suits that are dusted in feathers and draped in tulle. But as dreamy as the pieces are, they’re not made for a fantasy woman. “The Mihano Momosa woman is a modern day woman who is in control of her life,” Anusic explains. “Her priority is freedom. She is of course romantic, as my designs are. But she is very much in charge of her life.”

It’s a vision that aligns seamlessly with August Store’s concept—an always dynamic, inviting collection of womenswear brands from around the world. Here, founder Vivian Quah has curated a space that celebrates fashion that resonates with women on a personal level. 

“We champion thoughtful consumption, celebrating brands that prioritise quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability,” Quah tells us. “We also believe in community-driven retail, fostering a space where customers can engage meaningfully with brands, designers, and each other. Our pop-ups, collaborations, and exclusive trunk shows make August Store a dynamic and evolving experience rather than just a place to shop. Gotta keep things exciting am I right?”

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“I'm very excited that August Store made this happen and that we are here to share,” Anusic says. “And not just the aesthetic, but the brand values as well. We are proud to show the craftsmanship and dedication that we invest in each piece.”

And what better way to immerse yourself in a new fashion brand than through a trunk show? “Fashion is so personal,” Quah says. “Instead of passive shopping, at our trunk shows customers get to interact directly with designers, understand the craftsmanship, and even shop limited pieces that aren’t typically available in Malaysia. It’s not just about bringing international brands here, but about creating a dialogue between different fashion cultures. KL is becoming more sophisticated in its approach to fashion, and I want August Store to be a space where people could access global fashion in a way that feels personal and intentional.”

Beyond just chasing the next shiny thing, Quah’s intentions for August Store are to celebrate and share unique fashion across the globe. “As the buyer for August Store, I’m constantly exposed to different designs, trends, and craftsmanship from around the world,” she says. “With that exposure comes a sense of responsibility—to not just curate, but also to educate and bring awareness to our community.” With that in mind, Quah is constantly on the look out for designers and brands who are enriching the fashion sphere through unique points of view. 

“Every trunk show at August Store is a curated journey, not just a shopping event,” she explains. The trunk shows are deeply personal and immersive; shoppers are not just able to meet the designers, but also engage in private styling slots, workshops and Q&A sessions. “The goal is to make every trunk show feel like a private invitation into the world of the designer—where customers leave with more than just a purchase, but with a deeper connection to the brand.”

The Mihano Momosa trunk show at August Store was a project years in the making, that started with a chance encounter on Quah’s Instagram feed. The pieces were instantly captivating, but Quah took her time to observe the brand as it grew and flourished, until the time was right to bring them to Kuala Lumpur. “Every trunk show has to start with a shared vision—we work closely with the designer to craft a narrative that feels both authentic to them and exciting for our audience,” Quah shares.

And so for one weekend, August Store was transformed into a Mihano Momosa vision—lined with the brand’s dreamy dresses and suits, showcasing Anusic’s work to a new Malaysian audience. For the boy who grew up learning to sew, it was a vision come to life. “I always knew that I wanted to be in fashion and fashion always inspired me,” he says. “I spent my childhood with my aunt, who was a seamstress, and I started my own brand when I realised that was the only way to develop my vision without compromise. I live in my own creative world, which is undisturbed by the world outside. I'm grateful to have the freedom to follow my emotions and work without pressure.”

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So one dream has been ticked off, and what a dream it is—a fully actualised fashion brand with its own remarkable, distinct DNA of romance and beauty. But there is another dream to fulfil.

“My biggest wish is to dress Dua Lipa,” Anusic smiles. “I'm her biggest fan. I can imagine her in a blue suit with a big flower or a feather dress.” As for August Store? There’s a world of designers out there, and a fashion-ready audience in KL, waiting for the next great trunk show. 

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