‘Ethereal Wanderlust’ by Yuleza delivers soft textures and delicate silhouettes (All photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur)
The average person may not immediately think of cars and clothing as an intuitive couple. But if there is any brand known for defying expectations with its revolutionary designs and technical expertise, it is Mercedes-Benz.
Fighting the tide of fast fashion and fuel emissions, the highly anticipated Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur (MBFWKL) 2024, guided by the theme “Re:imagine”, turned its focus toward sartorial and automotive sustainability. Framed by the industrial trusses and exposed brick of The Yard at Sentul Depot in KL, this event from Aug 16-18 — its sixth instalment — exhibited forward-thinking design at the highest level of both disciplines. Brilliant works from a line-up of local talent, both emerging and established, shared the spotlight with the German marque’s new fully electric EQS 450 4Matic SUV.
Presided over by its iconic three-pointed star logo, a myriad of styles from edgy and hip-hop to opulent and bridal dazzled audiences on the runway, yet fashion and automobile alike were joined by the event’s unifying vision of timeless appeal and cutting-edge creativity. “This event is a platform to celebrate and support designers who are challenging conventions and championing sustainability, both in fashion and our vehicles,” expressed Amanda Zhang, CEO and president of Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia, adding that MBFWKL 2024 “stands as a testament to our ongoing pursuit of innovation and environmental responsibility, creating a unique synergy between the worlds of automotive and fashion”. Attendees were invited to not only take in the next-level contributions of more than 10 artists, but also afforded the opportunity to experience exclusive test drives with Mercedes.
Influenced by the radical character of Neue Musik, “fashion composer” Alice Jane Chang presented a combined show for her labels A-Jane and Noiz titled “Refraction” — a series of sculptural silhouettes in black and silver mirroring the sleek metallics of the vehicle, incorporating Chang’s signature use of straps and circles. The evolution of its predecessors “Perception” and “Dissonanz”, this runway explored the manipulation of light and radio waves, inviting an interrogation of reality and the reconfiguration of one’s perceptions.
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In the pursuit of avant-garde, commercially viable and eco-friendly fashion, 90% of the looks were produced using carbon-neutral processes and waste-reducing techniques. Chang’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection featured alongside EL by Ellie Lim, comprising modern unisex apparel made using environmentally-conscious fabrics, and the latest looks from Doubleback by fashion maverick Will Lim, driven by unapologetic individuality and trend-defying streetwear.
Internationally recognised visionary Dickson Lim was among the show’s bigger names. Having made history as the youngest debutant designer at KL Fashion Week when he was 19 and as victor of the 2023 World Federation of Master Tailors Emerging Design competition, the trailblazer has dressed foreign celebrities Bretman Rock and 24k Gold. Boasting out-of- the-box tailoring and unconventional cuts, Lim’s latest collection named “Mutation of Love, in the Sands of Time” includes deconstructed, asymmetrical blazers with exaggerated crossed lapels that play on dimensions and uneven lengths. Boldly saturated colours and flame-patterned metallic shapes captivate the eye, a testament to the creator’s distinct and daring energy, as well as an unrelenting desire to elevate Malaysia’s fashion industry.
Gracing the event with a softer touch, womenswear brand Yuleza walked the artful poise and magical splendour of its new “Ethereal Wanderlust” collection down the stage. You Sheng Tan’s couture pieces merge nature’s beauty with traditional dressmaking techniques for a visual experience that speaks to a contemporary femininity. The combination of sophisticated pastels in pink, green and purple with light, flowing materials accented by floral sparkles capture a sense of wonder and fantasy in each meticulously tailored gown.
Talents like Aaron Yong, Celest Thoi and Justin Yap encompassed a wide aesthetic range, from brutalist garments to all-white bridal looks and luscious evening wear. Meanwhile, industry heavyweights such as UnitedWood by Jonathan Cheng and Voon Lai delivered chic separates and dramatic dresses. This year also marked the event’s graduation from exclusively local designs to an international level with Club21’s inclusion of global brands such as Self-Portrait, Amiri and Jacquemus.
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Of course, one would be remiss to let slip the automotive manufacturer’s own inspired creation in its new electrified marvel. Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia vice-president of marketing and sales Nadia Trimmel emphasised, “[MBFWKL] has become a platform that champions creativity, innovation and sustainability in the fashion industry ... By showcasing the all-electric EQS alongside these visionary fashion collections, we underscore our mutual dedication to a more sustainable and stylish future.”
The SUV, from its high-performance AMG line, is engineered with an advanced electric drivetrain, delivering an impressive range of up to 673km on a single charge. Its luxurious interior features the MBUX Hyperscreen, multicontour front seats, and a centre console and trim done in open-pore magnolia that add a rich elegance to this mechanical wonder.
This marriage of car and couture celebrates the artisans and innovators who keep their eyes trained on the horizon. Until the seventh instalment, we have plenty to look forward to.
This article first appeared on Sept 2, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
