This year, the city's biggest fashion event makes a return to the physical runway to showcase stunning collections by Malaysian designers
Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week was full of surprises this year, from unexpected music performances and dynamic walks from the most exclusive models to the emergence of even the most elusive royals and celebrities, who came out in support of their favourite designers. But that didn't take away from the focus of the week: fashion.
Tatler breaks down the best collections on display at KLFW 2021.
See also: Highlights from KLFW 2020
Behati
Creative director of Behati, Kel Wen makes a bold move away from festive wear to reinvent casual couture in his Kutior collection—a play on the Malay pronunciation of 'couture'. Puffer jackets, parkas and suits are reimagined in traditional Chinese fabrics and traditional detailing in an interpretation of Malaysia's multiculturalism. Standout pieces include track pants with Chinese knots as side poppers and ripped Chinese brocade trousers. "The ripped jeans was a last minute addition," reveals Kel Wen. He shares that it was meant to signify how he was ripping up the rule books on how heritage should be interpreted in fashion.
"This collection puts more of an emphasis on preserving traditional techniques," emphasises Kel Wen. "I understand that the way that many people preserve their culture is by keeping everything the same but that's not how I see it. What's important to me is that in 50 or 100 years, people will remember how to create the Chinese knots or sew the kekek pesak panel—so I didn't hesitate to do what I did!"
As a testament to Behati's forward-thinking approach to fashion, the Kutior pieces were modelled down the runway by Malaysian voguer Teddy and drag queen Kumela Kumslut, making KL Fashion Week history and earning the top spot as our favourite fashion show of all.
See also: How Yuleza's Designer You Sheng Turned His Family Batik Business into a Couture Atelier
