www.mifa.com.mySeptember 2011 Edition 1

The VenueZebra Square will be host to the Malaysia International Fashion Week for the very first time.

Menswear FashionGlam Lelaki will take the lead in showcasing the best menswear designers in the Malaysian fashion scene.

M-IFA GalaThe M-IFA Gala will once again be witness to the best and deserving industry players who will receive their special recognition.

Signature WeddingsThe bridal showcase returns after going on a hiatus since 2007. Co-hosted by Signature Weddings & myDentist

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Text by: Sariah Wan Jaafar & Nadia A.M. Edited by: Shirley Koo Graphic Design by: Jeff Chia

FASHION ARRIVED

mifwMalaysia International Fashion Week

21–27NOV .2011

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The much anticipated Malaysia International Fashion Week (MIFW) is back for the 9th time and it is set to stage a sensational show. This year will see MIFW participants strutting their stuff from 21 – 27 November at swanky new fashion venue Zebra Square.

Organised by mifa, MIFW has grown to such heights since its inception in 2003 that it is now known as THE fashion event in Malaysia, with hundreds of fashion enthusiasts flocking to our shores each year for this much coveted affair.

MIFW is not about trends, themes or entertainment, it is an important event in a vastly growing business as fashion has evolved into a very lucrative economy. Fans can look forward to a week of fashion shows showcasing the latest designs, exhibitions, Individual Business Matching Sessions for designers to meet buyers and other fringe activities and parties held in conjunction with the event.

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Mifa wants local designers to be able to reach the international standard in not just creative output but in business sense as well.Mifa is all about Moving Fashion Forward and within almost a decade of existence, Mifa has helped the fashion industry grow rapidly, creating a demand for fashion and for designers to step up their game in terms of a brighter business future. Mifa wants local designers to be able to reach the international standard in not just creative output but in business sense as well. Designers have to get serious when it comes to this industry as it is highly competitive.

Further assistance is given to local designers trying to break into the international market via mifa’s programmes such as Global Fashion Inspiration (GFI) – an initiative to bring Malaysian fashion designers and brands to participate in international fashion weeks and trade fairs. The main purpose of GFI is to enhance the visibility and exposure of Malaysian brands to an international audience and to create awareness of our local brands in the minds of international

fashion designers and trade buyers.

Under the GFI, the stylish collections of Malaysian designers Farah Khan, Khoon Hooi, Tom Abang Saufi, Gallo, KLutched, Ultra and Bernard Chandran have conquered the catwalks at fashion weeks in Russia, London, Colombo, Japan and many more.

Mifa collaborates with various corporations to help garner a better business for the fashion industry. The support of the government was garnered and Matrade now endorses MIFW for the 4th consecutive year.

This year, mifa is working with a vital partner to boost fashion trade - logistics company Logwin Logistics. This strategic alliance was formed to address the problems designers face with shipment and logistic arrangements of their collections bound for overseas fashion shows and trade events. Logwin is introducing services

specific to the fashion industry and will unveil them during MIFW.

The Malaysia International Fashion Week provide various opportunities to not just the fashion designers but also for all of its participating partners and sponsors to bring the impact of fashion further than expected. mifa is creating a global awareness for these partnering brands to be part of the current fashion domination the world is starting to observe at this moment.

With more international and even local companies and brands starting to take fashion seriously, the potential partnership to get involved in fashion is almost limitless. From the likes of MATRADE to Peugeot, the Malaysia International Fashion Week takes them on to be part of the fashion wagon.

mifa hopes that these initiatives allow others to follow suit in bringing Malaysian

MOVING FASHION

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fashion forward globally. The fashion week that is held annually focuses in achiveing these objectives and to not compete among other fashion showcases out there. If anything mifa supports more fashion events as it is able to give the proper platform for designers to obtain the attention which they deserve.

The MIFW 2011 will be highlighting a more exclusive array of designers from Malaysia to the Asia Pacific region. This year MIFW 2011 will be highlighting international designer Ashley Isham who will be showcasing his latest collection. Having just finished his London Fashion Week showcase in mid-September, Ashley will be making his way to the Asia Magic Gala presented by Logwin. Among other highlighted designers would include Lee Sinje’s collaborative fashion line with Cacac as well as a guest designer from Russia Fashion Week.

On a slightly sadder note, this year is Syeba Yip’s final year as mifa CEO since helming it for almost a decade. This iconic fashion advocate has left a permanent mark on the fashion industry which will flow on to many other generations to come. She will be passing on her duties to another fashion mogul in the industry who promises to further bring Malaysian fashion to its pinnacle in the global arena.

FORWARD

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

PEUGEOT FASHION FORCE

The Peugeot Fashion Force will be roaming the streets of KL on 3 Saturdays leading to MIFW 2011. The fashion mobile will be around Pavilion, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bangsar, Jalan Ampang and Changkat. Special MIFW 2011 invites will be given out to lucky winners. mifaTV will also be on the road in search of fashionistas out there.

Dates: 29 October, 5 & 12 November 2011

For more information, visit Mifa Malaysia’s Facebook page

MIFA MALAYSIA FACEBOOK PAGE

“Like” our Official Facebook Page to get exclu-sive updates on upcoming events, line-up and ticket giveaways. Fans can get a sneak preview of Behind The Scenes footages and pictures prior to the event and a chance to win prizes from our sponsors.

Facebook : Mifa Malaysia

www.mifa.com.my

Farah Khan - Russia Fashion Week 2011

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PROPELLING DREAMSHaving your hair styled by “the chief” Mike Loh from Snips College of Creative Art is like head candy for your hair.

As Malaysia’s fashion industry continues to grow, so does the need for more resources to develop and produce competent professionals of international standards. Mike is not only mentor to Malaysia’s finest coiffeurs but provides opportunities for graduates who aim to gain on-job experience with industry professionals.

Having a dream never hurt anyone and more than nineteen years ago as a hopeful, Mike Loh started his career working under another hair stylist. After much thought, he resigned and never looked back; thus Snips Salon was born and eventually it evolved into Snips Signature…not just another place to do your hair. Boasting nail and make-up services from professionals, Snips aims to give the client a memorable all rounder experience from unique hair services and products to beauty services.

On the business front, Snips Salon was the first salon franchise in Malaysia to enter the Malaysian Book of Records. Since 2008, the venture has grown in more than nine countries worldwide including Australia, Saudi Arabia,

Qatar, Dubai Beijing, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, India and the Philippines. Endorsed by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development it comes as no surprise that the business grew to astounding heights by giving franchisee opportunities to interested investors

Multitasking is all in a day’s work as Mike is the Secretary General of the Asian Retail-Chains & Franchise Federation (ARFF), Secretary General of IICI (Institute of Image and Cosmetology Industry), Vice President of CEO Club Malaysia, Member of the MRCA (Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association, Life Member of PUMM (Young Entrepreneur’s Association of Malaysia) and Product Advisor for Crystal O2 Japan. He is also the Associate Partner for Momo Salon in Hong Kong, Fusion Salon in Australia and Home Salon in Taiwan. With success comes added responsibilities as he is also the Mentor for “Zero to Hero” program (PUMM), Profile Artists for Wella Malaysia, Mentor for MARA and PNS and Guest Artist for Procter & Gamble.

So what’s next for Mike? Snips will launch the Snips College of Creative Art - a hodgepodge of fashion, beauty, styling and creative courses for those with dreams and passion for the fashion industry. The school’s primary objective is to transfer knowledge and technical know-how’s to their students, providing a well-balanced education to make the whole learning process a life-enriching experience. This will in turn contribute to the student’s personal growth and development of social skills, preparing pathways to successful careers.

THE NOT-SO-NEARFUTURE

Hairstyling Portfolio Of Snips In Mainstream Media

Mike Loh. Photography by White Studio

THE MALAYSIAINTERNATIONAL

FASHIONAWARDS

2011

26TH NOVEMBER 2011M-IFA GALA

8PMZEBRA SQUARE, KL

The Malaysia International Fashion Awards to

be held during the M-­IFA Gala is surely a

night not to be missed! Hosted by mifa &

MasterCard, catch top local fashion

designer showcases, performances & the

acclaimed award presentation honoring the

achievements of fashion designers and other

talented players within the fashion industry.

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Not just another place, Zebra Square is set to be the lifestyle hub for arts and fashion. Nestled within the luxuriant vicinity of the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC), its sprawling grounds of artistic space and lush gardens make it also the next venue for weddings and events.

It has everything a blushing bride and her handsome groom could want from a spacious reception area, a delightful courtyard for the dream garden wedding to the flamboyant and, easily transformed Great Room where magical and beautiful weddings will be held.The folks at Wedding Street will assist you with everything needed for your

ZEBRA SQUARE

Kuala Lumpur’s latest secret is out! Come November, the city will be abuzz with news of the latest fashion hub in town as Zebra Square hosts the much anticipated MIFW 11.

Flora Terrace Cafe

The Royal Selangor Golf Course

Front view of Zebra Square The Great Room

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big day. Check out their wedding photography, consultation services and decorations that will make your special day extra special.

A multi-talented personality we all would definitely like to meet is celebrity wedding planner Razak Ahmad. Not only will he dish out scrumptious fine dining cuisine at his Flora Terrace Café, he is famous for his one-of-a-kind weddings worldwide. No two weddings of Razak Ahmad are the same.

Zebra Square is a lifestyle venue, where creativity is ever constant flowing. Not only does Zebra Square cater to the hip and happening events and celebrate weddings of love, education remains an important element in this hub as well. Zebra Square is proud to be the home of Snips College of Creative Arts (SCCA), the education arm of Snips Hairdressing Group, the largest salon chain and the forefront of Malaysia's hairdressing scene as well as providing a ground for a Kid's Development and Holistic Area. We believe Education with FUN is the foundation to a healthy upbringing.

NOT JUST ANOTHER PLACE

The Courtyard The Bar Holistic development centre

Classes AvailableJanuary 2012 Intake

Ages 3 to 12

... not just another place

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MORE AT ZEBRA SQUARE

FLORA TERRACEBY

RAZAK AHMAD

Razak Ahmad. Photography by White Studio.

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Snips College of Creative Arts, SCCA was founded in 1998. It is the education arm of Snips Hairdressing Group, the largest salon chain in Malaysia and the forefront of Malaysia's hairdressing scene.

At the moment, SCCA provides several courses that are available that includes Professional Hairdressing Course, Professional Face Art Course and Nail Art Course.

To enable continuous growth and to remain competitive, SCCA ensures that all hairdressers and staff are trained periodically, both locally and abroad. SCCA will be launching additional courses in the following months such as the TV Talents Development Course, Fashion & Design Course and Fashion Marketing & Branding Course in Zebra Square. In collaboration with SCCA, the Institute of Image & Cosmetology (IICI) Taiwan offers an exchange program whereby the students are provided with exposure to the outside world.

Snips provides a molding ground to ensure nothing but success to each student even with the ever highly-competitive and demanding industry. As your entire career pathway has been paved out for you, SCCA is 'the' Dream Factory, where dreams truly do come true.

SNIPSCOLLEGE

OFCREATIVE

ARTS(SCCA)

Known for his lavish and extravagant weddings, celebrity wedding planner Razak Ahmad continues to impress with his many talents. Beginning his career as a florist, he now flourishes in wedding planning and his current F&B business; Flora Kafe, where familiar asian dishes, savouries and delights are served.

Opening his 2nd F&B outlet called 'Flora Terrace' in Zebra Square, this chic café boasts of indoor and alfresco dining options that can cater for formal sit-down affairs or the casual buffet set up, seating up to 120 people comfortably. Enjoy fusion cuisines for lunch and dinner or just come for a cup of coffee or tea with friends and family whilst enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful view of the city and the Royal Selangor Golf Course, day or night.

Beautiful things are what Razak loves surrounding himself with. What captures his heart is the natural beauty of flowers, so pure and so light that it brings brightness and happiness just looking and being around them. It is no wonder his cafes are themed after florals.

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PONEY AT MIFW 2011

Kids fashion has been garnering a lot of attention with the public appearances of celebrity kids decked in designer labels at a very young age. It is not surprising that fashion designers are kneeling down to cater to their growing market. Celebrity children are making headlines with toddlers already in high heels, $5000 dresses and real jewelry on their tiny wrists. Tapping into the kids fashion market is not new to local children's label Poney which after last year's fashion week success, are already making plans for this year. Last year Poney tied-in together with mifa's Fashion Gives Back MIFW launch in 2010. This year they will be participating in the Fashion Gives Back Charity Gala as a continuity to last year's launch by donating a limited edition garment in which the proceeds will go to charity. Poney will be showcasing their latest kids collection on the runway this coming MIFW 2011 featuring their miniature supermodels of which the giggly crowd will not be able to get enough of their spontaneous antics on stage.

Poney's Kids Showcase will be on the 27th of November 2011 4:30pm @ Zebra Square KL.

The Poney Kidswear Showcase returns with miniature models in funky fresh fashion at Zebra Square for the MIFW 2011.

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The decorations were beautiful, the cake was wonderful and the dress, just gorgeous. To top up her perfect day, the bride was beaming with a lovely, stunning smile. But we’ll let you in on a secret. Mother Nature didn’t exactly bless the blushing bride with a flawless set of dentures.

Photographs last a lifetime and who doesn’t want to be captured in their element best? Especially on the most memorable day of one’s life? mydentist, a cosmetic dental clinic, has been helping many brides achieve that picture perfect look they’ve always been dreaming off.

Gone were the days when people dreaded going to the dentist. Times have changed because dentists now offer a variety of amazing dental cosmetic work that would have been unheard off back in those days.

Many people, especially celebrities and socialites, have been getting their teeth straightened, shaped, whitened and even replaced. It’s becoming a popular trend to have your teeth done. mydentist has had an

A-list clientele of local celebrities such as Deborah Henry and Amber Chia. Even ministers, politicians and their wives have been seeking dazzling smiles from mydentist.One of the innovative treatments offered at mydentist is invisalign, a revolutionary way of straightening your teeth. Say good bye to painful, ugly wire braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners made out of clear, almost invisible plastic, which you wear over your teeth.

Having beautiful teeth is just as important as having the perfect wedding dress to match the special occasion. Thus in MIFW this year, mydentist is collaborating with regional wedding guide Signature Weddings to organise a wedding showcase. The last MIFW wedding showcase was held in 2007. This

wedding showcase will bring together all partners relevant to your wedding day. Expect the likes of designers Eric Choong, Carven Ong, Allure Couture, Nthiran Couture, Suhara Jewel Art and Celest Thoi.

This is the first time such a collaboration is made happen in MIFW and with this collaborative effort, Signature Weddings with mydentist hope to bring an extra edge in bridal fashion as it features the best bridal and evening wear designers.

Signature Weddings with mydentist for MIFW 2011 is set on the 26th of November 2011 4:30pm @ Zebra Square KL. Prepare to have a preview of your future wedding on the fashion week runway.

SIGNATURE WEDDINGSwith MYDENTIST

Eric Choong Celest Thoi Allure Couture

Carven Ong Suhara Jewel Art Nthiran Couture

© Disney

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TRIBUTE TOMICKEY & FRIENDS

Next year will be a grand year indeed as MIFW celebrates its 10th anniversary. To honour this special occasion, there would be an exclusive showcase featuring an array of mifa’s most memorable past participants, winners and finalists presenting a unique collection featuring Disney elements.

The star-studded line up include Andy Yap, Aisya Hanem, Jason Yek, Jimmy Lim, Satheswaran, Michelle Shia, Marcus June, Alex Yap and Lucas Blim. These talented individuals were chosen based on their achievements in mifa competitions such as 10 Rising Stars, Who’s Next Designer Search and mifa8.

Some of them have already made a name for themselves overseas. New Zealand-based designer Jimmy Lim, who was awarded the prestigious title of Deutz Fashion Design Ambassador of the Year at Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2004, staged his first debut in Asia at MIFW 2007 with much success.

These designers are tasked with a very exciting project - to bring childhood icons back to life through high street fashion. The childhood icons we are referring to is none other than Disney’s famous characters, Mickey Mouse and his friends. This special collection featuring Disney elements will be created by these designers in a Tribute to Mickey & Friends showcase.

Disney is no stranger to the fashion scene as they have collaborated with various designers to incorporate their identity into the designers’ works. They have had many runway hits with power brands such as D&G, Chanel and designer Jeremy Scott.

D&G recently featured Mickey Mouse images mixed with colours and prints in their Mens Fall/Winter 2011 collection which is all about fun, youthfulness and street-wear, the very essence of what D&G is about.

Just before the release of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Disney announced a stunning collection of apparel and accessories featuring favourite characters from the classic Lewis Carroll tales. Disney collaborated with renowned jewellery designer, Tom Binns, leading fashion designer Sue Wong and Swarovski, the world's largest

producer of cut crystals, to create an interpretive line that brings the allure and mystery of the film and characters to life.

And who would not love having Mickey on

your feet? Designer Jeremy Scott teamed up with Walt Disney and Adidas Originals to create Adidas JS Mickey Hi, a limited edition orange, red, yellow and black high tops originally created for Jeremy Scott’s Fall/ Winter 2009 runway show titled “Mouse Trap”. Inspired by the vintage Adidas model, the Eldorado, Jeremy Scott incorporated Mickey elements including a long Mickey Mouse tongue which defines the sneakers look.

Designers are known for getting their inspiration from surprising sources, but one of the most unlikely muses in fashion has got to be Mickey Mouse. Both Mickey and his coy consort Minnie feature in several new collections this season, from costume baubles to high jewellery. In fact Walt Disney himself worked with Salvador Dalí, Charlie Chaplin and Roald Dahl, and his company has been expanding its product base for decades, redefining the idea of high/low cultural collaborations.

In recent years, D&G, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Iceberg, Neil Barrett, Manish Arora, Hayden-Harnett, noted for handbags and accessories, and Italian ready-to-wear line Pinko, along with furniture maestros Cappellini and Cory Grosser have all also partnered with Disney. Castelbajac has used images from 101 Dalmations for its current autumn/winter collection. A seriously “haute” hook-up comes from high-end jeweller and red carpet favourite Chopard. In October it will launch a new Mickey Mouse-inspired collection that will include watches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and writing instruments, all encrusted with diamonds and other gems.

MIFW 2012 will also see the launch of the Tribute to Mickey & Friends (TTM) Designer Search, a spin-off from mifa’s annual Who’s Next designer search. This special competition to seek the most promising young designer will be held in conjunction with MIFW’s 10th anniversary.

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The annual Malaysia’s Most Glam will collaborate with Glam Lelaki to celebrate the best of men in fashion and beyond

Streamlined tailored suits, utilitarian parkas, lightweight tops, elegant fitted trench coats, snakeskin loafers and belts – these were just one of the many exciting ensemble within the collections of John Galliano, Givenchy, Dior

as their designs took to the catwalk at the Milan Menswear Fashion Week last June. Move over ladies as men’s fashion is becoming more and more prominent in the fashion industry. Men are no longer satisfied with throwing on boring checked shirts with the same old black slacks. Men have evolved into discerning consumers who think nothing of indulging in the latest trends just so that they can look every bit as good as their women folk.

Acknowledging that men deserve to look and feel great about themselves, more and more designers are concentrating on the less-fairer sex to include a wider menswear selection into their collections.

And catering to the growing interest in men’s fashion are men’s magazines. BluInc’s Glam Lelaki caters to the Malay speaking young male professionals who are constantly seeking the latest in terms of fashion and lifestyle trends.

The magazine features everything a modern guy needs to make it in the city. There are information and tips on what clothes would suit you and how you can enhance your appearance using the latest grooming and men’s personal

appreciate fashion spreads on what successful men are wearing in the entertainment and corporate world.

Various interesting editorials regarding the career world, entrepreneurs and personality profiles add to the more ‘serious’ side of things. There are articles pertaining to arts, music, travel, finance, fitness and men’s accessories such as watches, pens and briefcases. And a men’s magazine would not be a men’s magazine if the latest gadgets and vehicles were not featured.

Many famous personalities such as TV host and Asia’s latest heartthrob Henry Golding; Indonesian actor Hardy Hartono; actor, model and TV host Awal Ashaari; singers Anuar Zain and Amy Search; and actor Aaron Aziz have been featured on the covers of Glam Lelaki. mifa collaborated with the magazine to feature designer Bernard Chandran in London on the cover or its April 2010 issue.

Each personality speaks about the achievement in their careers, their personal interests and the challenges they faced in getting to where they are. It makes for a good inspiring read as they prove that you can be whoever you set out to be.

Glam Lelaki is collaborating with mifa to produce a Glam Lelaki Menswear Showcase during this year’s MIFW 11. Guests and participants can look forward to a more extensive menswear range in the collections of prominent local designers Key Ng, Silas Liew, Hyde, Joe Chia and Benson Chen.

GLAM LELAKI MENSWEARSHOWCASE

GLAM LELAKIMOST STYLISH& SUCCESSFUL

The project started in 2003 to recognize and celebrate Malaysia’s most glamourous celebrities, personalities, socialites and the movers and shakers in the country.

The selected MALAYSIA’S MOST GLAM personalities will be featured in GLAM’s December Issue and it will consist of fashion spread pages styled specially by GLAM’s editorial and creative team.

A cocktail party will be hosted at Zebra Square by the GLAM team to introduce the MALAYSIA’S MOST GLAM and GLAM LELAKI MOST STYLISH & SUCCESSFUL personalities in December 2011.

Glam Lelaki Menswear Showcase.

BRINGING FASHION FORWARDStyling by Idan. Logistics location at Logwin, Shah Alam.Photography by White Studio. Hair by Snips & Make up by MAC.

Styling by Idan. Logistics location at Logwin, Shah Alam.Photography by White Studio. Hair by Snips & Make up by M.A.C.

The mifa team visited the Logwin warehouse with our Most Promising Model of the Year 2010, Yuen. Styled by Idan and taken by White Studio, the photo shoot was held in Logwin's warehouse and the Logwin Lounge. They will be unveiling their latest service in fashion logistics during the Malaysia International Fashion Week's Asia Magic Gala. The designers Yuen are styled in will be showcasing in the upcoming MIFW namely Tom Abang Saufi, Jovian Mandagie, PU3, Benson Chen and Alia Bastamam.

Styling by Idan. Logistics location at Logwin, Shah Alam.Photography by White Studio. Hair by Snips & Make up by M.A.C.

Styling by Idan. Logistics location at Logwin, Shah Alam.Photography by White Studio. Hair by Snips & Make up by M.A.C.

The Logwin TeamPhotography by White Studio. Hair by Snips & Make up by M.A.C. Logistics location at Logwin, Shah Alam.

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WHO’S NEXT?Last year’s Who’s Next was held to discover talented designers who have potential in carving a career for themselves in the competitive world of the fashion industry. Contestants were pushed to put their creativity to the test and to increase their level of quality to be on par with international standards.

The programme last year was hosted by the lovely Deborah Henry, who as a model and host, has a keen sense in sophisticated fashion style. Award-winning designer Dato’ Bernard Chandran mentored the young designers throughout the contest, and together with other fashion and corporate personalities contributed their vast experiences to give the contestants all the help these young designers needed to become successful winners.

Contestants had to be creative, business-savvy, marketing-oriented, commercially viable, capable and quick in moving with today’s fast changing trends in their design and commercial challenges. To help garner more exposure not just locally but also throughout the region and the world, the contest was streamed online on mifaTV.

Who’s Next 2010 winner Silas Liew walked away with RM100,000 worth of cash and prizes, business coaching and guidance to start his own fashion business, and the valuable participation at Who's Next in Paris.

Other past successes from mifa’s young designer talent showcases is Jonathan Liang who is now a deisgner based in Paris with his clothing line Nue. Jonathan had won the 10 Rising Stars competition in 2009 together with Tengku Syahmi and has garnered a lot of international attention with his fine and minimalistic designs and was featured in London Fashion Week in 2010.

This year’s 10 contestants were selected by WW Magazine editor Wirda Adnan, President of Bumiputra Designers Association Mahani Awang and fashion designer Khoon Hooi.

Khoon Hooi is an ideal judge as he knows what it takes to become a successful designer in the international fashion scene. This award-winning designer has a boutique in Starhill Gallery and has made his mark in previous MIFWs and international fashion circuits. Khoon Hooi will soon be participating in Tranoi and Who's Next in Paris.

Who’s Next 2011 contestants will be showcasing a new collection in accordance with the themes they have submitted in a special presentation during fashion week. The entire showcase is not restricted to one particular theme as MIFW generally focuses on the commercial value of the designs as compared to collections which are not marketable.

Showcases such as these provide an excellent platform for young talents to emerge and garner exposure. Previous winners are now showcasing in international trade events and fashion weeks. mifa is looking forward to 2011’s winners achieving similar successes.

This year Kronenbourg 1664, the official Beer Partner of the MIFW 2011, will be undertaking the role to prize one lucky designer with the best creative element in their collection with a special trip to Paris to be part of the Who's Next trade show held bi-anually. The winning designer will also take back cash prizes from Kronenbourg as part of their efforts in supporting young fashion design talents in our country.

After the huge success of the inaugural 2010 Who’s Next Designer Search Contest, you can be sure that the bar has been raised for the contestants this year. 25 promising young designers were handpicked by a panel of judges from fashion schools in Malaysia - but only 10 have made it.

Jonathan Liang’s latest collection from his label Nue. Jonathan Liang wonmifa’s Most Promising Designer of the Year 2009 and is currently based in Paris, France.

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With international fashion taking the online world by storm through channels such as VogueTV and net-a-porterTV, it was only a matter of time for Malaysia to come up with its own portal to introduce and promote the Malaysian fashion scene to the world.Launched in June last year, mifaTV can be viewed from mifa’s Facebook page, its website www.mifa.com.my and also on Youtube www.youtube.com/mifatv. It features fashion and lifestyle programmes such as On The Deck, Wine & Dine, Larger Than Life, Spotlight by Gillian Hung, Fashion Fact File and Koffee with Kem. Programmes are uploaded regularly, allowing interaction with the public, especially through comments made on Facebook.

“Many fashion sites, blogs and magazines were starting to have video features especially on social networking sites Facebook and Youtube. We thought it was a great idea for mifa to have its own channel where we can broadcast online programmes related to fashion and lifestyle topics,” says mifaTV Features Editor & Senior Producer Nadia A. M.

The programmes are focused mainly on the Malaysian fashion and lifestyle industry, offering a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes, what the industry has to offer and how we can be on par with most global fashion industries. Mifa hopes that this will generate more interest towards local designers and the local fashion scene.

“mifaTV offers a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes of fashion events, fashion shoots, discussions and ideas. It allows audiences to have a feel of what mifa and the fashion industry do to promote Malaysian fashion to the world,” adds Nadia.

It is very hectic but exciting for the mifaTV crew who are busy covering the various events and photo shoots around town. Producers are always planning on what to produce next even before the current shoots are done. There is never a dull moment at the studio.

“Our team puts a lot of effort in producing the programmes. Every detail is looked into, from the topics of interest down to the music selection. We like to keep it current and fresh as we want to appeal to a wider audience, not only those who are from a fashion background.”

Nadia hopes that mifaTV will be the ‘it’ channel people will want to watch because of its ‘cool’ factor. mifaTV’s ultimate aim is to be the primary fashion online channel in Malaysia and within the region.

GOING DIGITAL

Kem has an infectious smile which can be seen on his talk show ‘Koffee with Kem”. Currently aired on mifa TV via www.youtube.com/mifatv since May this year, “Koffee with Kem” explores current issues and trends, providing infotainment through various interviews with celebrities, royalties, designers, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs and normal everyday people.

KwK is currently collaborating with mifa TV and Wanita Wawasan (WW), a new magazine debuted in September 2011. For mifa TV, KwK will be given a corner within a mifa event area where Kem will interview celebrities, personalities, VIPs and special guests on topics related to fashion and lifestyle. Guests will be entertained before the actual event starts and those who missed the event will be able to view it via mifa TV.

Kem does not have a specific favourite guest but he did say that he was honoured to be given the opportunity to interview Datuk Siti Nurhaliza and Tan Sri Datuk Jins Shamsuddin despite being a “new kid on the block.”

Further down the road, Kem would love to see KwK as a TV programme but being a perfectionist, he feels that he is not yet ready. “I need to improvise my communication skills, voice projection and spoken and body language. Mifa TV is a good training ground for me to improvise myself in these areas.”

Kem would also like to collaborate more with government bodies, NGOs, academies and training institutions. Kem is currently in talks with academies to incorporate KwK in their programme modules.

Another collaboration Kem would like to explore is with an established coffee maker. Kem plans to do some charitable work via Kwk.

Besides keeping busy with KwK, Kem is still doing weddings but on a much smaller scale. He has also contributed a “Designing The Right Business” column for The Women’s Institute of Management Wealth Series called “Small Business Success Stories” to be launched by YAB Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor end of July 2011.

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