The 28-year-old designer's creative process is deeply intuitive and rooted in experimentation (All photos: Masyadi Mansoor)
You might have stumbled upon images of local songstress Aina Abdul on your social media feed at some point, clad in extravagant ensembles that lean towards avant-garde but often deemed pelik or peculiar by the average Malaysian. Behind some of these bold outfits is designer Masyadi Mansoor of MSYD, who is unapologetic in defying norms and embracing a philosophy of self-expression through his innovative designs.
While the concept of the fashion he puts forward may still be nascent within the local fashion scene, his creations are testament to his utmost dedication to authenticity and creativity. For him, fashion transcends mere aesthetics and serves as a medium for self-expression and artistic exploration. Fearless when it comes to pushing the parameters, his designs boldly redefine the fashion landscape, even if they do not resonate with everyone’s tastes.
“My brand’s style is anchored on avant-garde, alter ego and edgy. MSYD is all about challenging the norm and embracing the unconventional, with a focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail, fabrics and more. It’s a style that is both bold and refined, resonating with those who seek to make a statement through their fashion choices,” says the 28-year-old designer, whose inspiration to pursue a career in this industry stems from his mother, a talented tailor who always wanted someone to continue her creative legacy.
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“It’s always fascinating to reflect on my journey into fashion design. I’d say I began taking it seriously after being approached by a few industry players I have always looked up to. When these people started believing in my works, I knew I just had to do it.” Collaborating with insiders and receiving feedback have been invaluable in a journey marked by growth, challenges and triumphs, shaping him into the designer he is today.
“The ride has been a roller coaster of inspiration, experimentation and evolution. There have been moments of doubt and challenges but they only fuelled my passion further. From studying the fundamentals of design to exploring new techniques and materials, every step has been an opportunity to evolve and refine my craft,” he adds.
His creative process is deeply intuitive and rooted in experimentation. “It often begins with a concept or emotion that I want to explore, which could be inspired by anything from art to architecture but mostly it is personal experiences or societal issues.” Beginning with sketches, he then delves into fabric experimentation and silhouette exploration. Throughout this journey, Masyadi embraces a spirit of curiosity and fearlessness, unafraid to challenge the boundaries of traditional design norms.
“I’m constantly exploring new techniques and approaches, letting intuition and instinct be my guide,” he stresses. The designer, who counts Rick Owens and Kim Jones as creative heroes, has his hands full at the moment, working on several exciting projects that keep him busy and inspired. “I recently wrapped up a collaboration with Nike and am gearing up for my next project while working on my next collection.”
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What is it like working with Aina? “It has been an absolute pleasure. She brings a vibrant energy and enthusiasm to our collaborations that makes every project enjoyable and rewarding. What I appreciate most about working with Aina and her team is their collaborative spirit and open-mindedness. She’s always willing to experiment, try new things and push the boundaries, which makes the creative process incredibly dynamic and exciting. Whether it’s brainstorming concepts, selecting fabrics or refining details, her positive attitude and willingness to dive in head first really make her an absolute joy to work with.”
His best moment always occurs when he sees his creations come to life on the runway. There is a unique sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from watching models confidently strut down the catwalk, showcasing his designs to the world. “It’s a moment of validation, knowing that all the hard work, creativity and dedication that went into each piece has paid off. Seeing the audience’s reactions and feeling the energy in the room as my clothes make their debut fills me with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment.”
And what does the future hold for MSYD? “In the coming years, I aim to expand my brand internationally and collaborate with global celebrities. Alongside this, I will prioritise ongoing learning and skill development through workshops and industry events. By staying informed and making meaningful relationships, I’m confident I can achieve my goals and make a lasting impact in the fashion world.” Indeed, impact is the operative word here.
This article first appeared on Apr 15, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
