Jovian Mandagie, Jonathan Liang, Ung Yiu Lin, and Silas Liew break through local fashion conventions
Image credits: The Edge, berrywalk.blogspot.com
In the 1980s, there was a boy who decided to not do accounting as his parents told him so, but fashion designing instead. After years of hard work, the Europeans applauded him – and the rest is history. Another man turned his name a luxurious icon worldwide. His crafts walked glorious red carpets, and many competed to buy over his venture.
The earlier Malaysian fashion prodigies – Bernard ‘King of Fashion’ Chandran and Jimmy Choo had it tough – with brows raised for their oddities. But their presence, as well as various modern conveniences, has built pathways for the younger seeds to bloom. We now have international fashion week, young designer competitions, and high-fashion start-ups around the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur.
We cherish these young Malaysian wonder kids in fashion design – and aspire for more!
Ung Yiu Lin (Shoesshoesshoes, IdyLinn, KLutched)
Young, beautiful, and smart – Ung Yiu Lin is truly a complete package. Her fashion venture started almost 6 years ago from shoe designing under the umbrella of ‘Shoesshoesshoes’, Yiu Lin aimed to provide Malaysian women with dressy yet affordable shoes. The business was armed not only with her love of fashion, but also her finance study background.
From there, Yiu Lin keeps hitting high notes – today’s one is KLutched (because they hail from Kuala Lumpur). In March 2011, Parisians witnessed her and Zareen’s creations with KLutched being featured in Paris Fashion Week. KLutched boasts exotic skins and leather with edgy twists to them. Their first masterpiece was an envelope clutch – ‘Kay El’.
“We noticed lots of bag brands out there who played with exotic skins had very simplistic designs, and were astronomically priced. And we add to that, the dimension of edgy designs, either it being a clash of textures, colours or the use of hardware.” stated Ung
Jonathan Liang (Nue, ULTRA)
He first created a bang in Malaysian fashion by winning ‘Most Promising Designer Award’ in MIFW ’09, alongside fellow designer Tengku Syahmi. The duo was as well a strong team since being course mates in Raffles International College Kuala Lumpur. The two are now designing for ULTRA, the eco-conscious fashion brand
“.. Then it came to a point where I thought it’s probably time I took the third step, which is to bring to life what I draw. There are so many ways to do that, such as through sculpting or installation art and more, but I chose fashion, probably because I have the most affinity toward it.” told Jonathan about his fashion designing focus, to Tongue in Chic
On the latest MIFW ’11, Jonathan showcased his new collection under the brand ‘Nue’. Skin-toned, nude, yet avant-garde could describe the stunning collection. At the international event, he was awarded with Emerging Talent Award.
Not only locally-celebrated, Jonathan’s collection flew to London Fashion Week in 2012. The pieces from ‘A la Mode’ were deeply appreciated that prior to the fashion week, they were featured in ‘Britain’s Next Top Model’ and worn by a few front row audience to the parties.
Silas Liew (Ragnum Lapideum)
From someone who only launched a collection, this 27-year-old is really impressive. Since unveiling of Regnum Lapideum menswear last November in MIFW 2011, Silas Liew is the new it-boy in Malaysian fashion industry.
Silas is the perfect example of university major does not avoid you from doing what you love. Indeed, his marine biology major has inspired his brand name – taken from Carl Linnus’ taxonomy system. He then pursued design in Raffles Design Institute, Kuala Lumpur.
“Although marine biology was interesting, especially the field trips, I felt like I didn’t belong,” Liew said in an interview after the MIFW ’11 show to The Star.
Well, you belong right here in fashion industry, Silas!
Jovian Mandagie (Jovian Mandagie, Batik is My Soul)
His tender age certainly doesn’t stop him from dreaming big, and realizing them. He has dressed the likes of Anita Sarawak and Ning Baizura. He designs both couture pieces and wedding gowns, with Erra Fazira flaunting Jovian‘s creation on her wedding day.
This Indonesian-born Malaysian-raised aspired designer founded a heritage fashion society – Batik is My Soul. The initiative attempts to promote Malaysian batik by putting haute couture twists into the traditional fabric. Partnering with Benson Chen, Ung Yiu Lin, and Marini Ramlan among others – the solid team presented a mind-blowing innovative collection of batik in outfits, accessories, clutches last November in MIFW ’11.
“BIMS is the treasure that has yet to be found and unfolded.” stated Jovian Mandagie.
Images credit: Idylinn Facebook page, KLutched, Jonathan Liang Facebook page, Eluvium (Silas Liew), Jovian Mandagie, klfashionscene.blogspot.com
Great write-up by @venusbuzz Thanks guys! http://t.co/azZ9vvKP
Thanks Jonathan! Keep up your amazing work! RT @toonas: Great write-up by @venusbuzz Thanks guys! http://t.co/SyQ9FRcT
RT @Azziskandar: RT @VenusBuzz: Malaysia needs you thank you, fashion wonderkids! @yiulin @toonas @jovianmandagie http://t.co/sEFrkhg2