We were free to choose which shows to watch, and I made sure I attended at least one show that showcases traditional Malay clothing, just so I can have a slight idea what their counterparts are for our Philippine terno and baro’t saya. Kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress combination worn by women in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Burma, Singapore, southern Thailand (source). There was a show just dedicated to this, which I found very reflective of the Malay culture - still grounded on centuries-old traditions and absolutely proud of every single bit of it. Congratulations to designers Azfar, Sazzin, Aqar Couture, Fairuddin, Saleh Hamid, Fiza Zulkarnain, Akmal Ariffin, Erwan Asbor, Eusopth Salleh, Ehfan Ibrahim, Raff Rafael, Zulfadli Nasir, Zarrieff, Arefen Zaidin, and Erdan!

The second half of this entry is from the Autumn in KL show featuring more local YODA designers as well as ones invited from different countries - Zakwan, Ammara Hijabi, Raymond Goh, Afiq Mohamed, Amer Rafique, Yamz, Zulfadli Nasir, Farliz, Merlee Shariff, Fizi Woo, Khalik Mustafa, Fashiongeek, Roy Mulianto (Indonesia), Edwin Ao (Philippines), and Nhat Minh Thuc Ha (Vietnam).

Edwin Ao (Philippines represent!) left a lasting impression with his cut-out, tailored creations. Super love his use of gray and black mixed with different kinds of green. Meanwhile, Nhat Minh Thuc Ha stole the show with his collection’s compromise between modern usually-Western fashion and homegrown Oriental elements, with all the ethnic prints and chunky knits. Lovely mix of red and purple. That outfit in the last photo is a winner!