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At The Exchange TRX, BLANC STUDIO and DIKSON MAH took to the runway alongside the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series
Fashion found its way to The Exchange TRX this August as Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Kuala Lumpur returned for its eighth edition from August 21 to 23. Across three days, 19 designers and labels from Malaysia and the region took to the runway, bringing together established names and emerging voices in a showcase of contemporary fashion.
The line-up included Singapore’s Furry Tales by Leia and Indonesia’s BLANC STUDIO, alongside Malaysian names such as DIKSON MAH, Justin Yap and Coterie by Celest Thoi. Under the theme “Welcome to Couture. Welcome to Beyond.”, this year’s edition explored the evolving relationship between fashion, craftsmanship and design.
The connection between fashion and automotive design continued throughout the week, with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s roadshow running from August 17 to 23. Visitors could explore the brand’s latest models and innovations before the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series took centre stage in the middle of the MBFWKL runway.
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Among the shows we managed to catch over the weekend were BLANC STUDIO and DIKSON MAH, both of which caught our attention for very different reasons.
First up was Jakarta-based BLANC STUDIO, a label known for its bold, edgy aesthetic. Inspired by the punk spirit of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, the collection came through in exaggerated shoulders, sculptural lapels, cropped biker jackets and wide-legged trousers. There was also plenty of sharper tailoring, with exposed construction and unexpected proportions giving the looks a more contemporary feel.
Think oversized shoulders and baggy trousers, two silhouettes that have been having a moment, paired with cropped biker jackets, sculptural lapels and sharper tailoring. BLANC STUDIO kept to its signature palette of black, white and muted tones, letting the proportions and construction stand out.
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Above BLANC STUDIO

Above BLANC STUDIO
Meanwhile, DIKSON MAH’S “Tension” brought a striking edge to the runway. Inspired by the invisible pressures we carry every day, the collection translated that feeling into sculptural silhouettes, sharp lines and exaggerated volumes that seemed to hold and wrap around the body. The crystal-covered top was easily one of the standout pieces, catching the light and adding a touch of sparkle.
There was plenty to look at, from floating structures and 3D-printed details to exaggerated volumes that pushed the silhouettes beyond the body. The proportions were what really stood out, with Mah playing with scale to create looks that felt sculptural without losing their wearability.
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Above DIKSON MAH

Above DIKSON MAH
And then there was the automotive star of the weekend: the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, which joined the models on the runway for its MBFWKL debut.
The two-seater roadster combines the sporty feel of the SL with the luxury you’d expect from Maybach. With its open-top silhouette, sculpted body and signature monogram details, it certainly wasn’t easy to miss.
Seeing it come down the runway alongside the collections was probably one of the more unexpected highlights of the weekend—but somehow, it worked. With its sleek shape and fashion-forward details, the SL 680 looked right at home among the clothes and models.
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Photography: Mercedes-Benz
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