THE fifth edition of the Penang Fashion Week was truly a feast for the eyes as the opening gala was launched at Gurney Paragon Mall.
Among the 300 invited guests were international celebrities, local and international designers and social elites.
The catwalks were obviously the highlight of the night on May 3, showcasing collections from Bon Zainal (Malaysia), Jonathan Liang (Paris) and Kev Yiu (Hong Kong).
In addition, models also proudly showed off stunning jewellery from Hong Kong famed jeweller, Chow Tai Fook, at the runaway.
The dancers from Euphoria Penang kicked off the event with an energetic performance, followed by a cameo from Christinna Kuan, an uprising fashion and beauty blogger. The 21-year-old rendered her new cover song ‘Room’ in Mandarin.
This year, 12 designers from ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase, in collaboration with Gurney Paragon Mall, will come together to debut their impressive masterpieces on the second day (May 4).
They are Hayden Ng (Singapore), Sylvia Lim & Jennifer Neoh (Singapore), Natacha Van (Cambodia), Lenny Agustin (Indonesia), Bandid Lasavong (Laos), Micheal Ooi (Malaysia), Pitnapat Yotinratanachai (Thailand), Ho Thu Dang Thao (Vietnam), Pat Santos (Philippines), Fadzil Hadin (Brunei), Zin Myat Myat Win (Myanmar) and Li Zhen (China).
During the three-day fashion feast, all the 12 designers’ collections are displayed at the pop-up store at Level 1 at the mall.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who graced the opening gala, thanked Gurney Paragon Mall for supporting the industry’s growth year after year.
“It thrills me a lot, ever since we started our Penang Fashion Week in 2015, fashion and the design industry in Penang now plays an equally importing role with other artistic fields,” Yeo said in his speech.
“It has played an important role in developing capabilities and helping local designers to get onto the world stage.
“What excites me in this industry is the amount of new talent emerging. Today more and more young and talented local designers are on the rise, bringing with them new and exciting concepts into the fashion market.
“Their creativity has showcased Penang as a rising destination for fashion, alongside our retail and hospitality. And I am pleased that during Fashion Week you will have the opportunity to see some of their latest creations.
“It is also wonderful to see the Fashion Week includes a tyro section which young talents from the fashion institutions like ESMOD KL, Equator College can demonstrate their talent.”
Hunza Group executive director Khor Tze Ming said for longer term, stakeholders together with the government must work in uniformity to bring about higher value of travel and retail experiences that is much needed for Penang.
Hunza, which owns and runs Gurney Paragon Mall, is the only developer that manages a mall in Penang.
“Despite the soft market sentiments, we take up our responsibilities as a retail player to restore confidence. It’s a way of giving back (to society),” she said.
Also present at the gala opening were Hunza Properties Berhad Group adviser Datuk Seri Khor Teng Tong, Tower Club executive director Datuk Danny Law Heng Kiang, Hunza Group executive directors Khor San Leng and Lily Tan, and former George Town Festival director Joe Sidek.
The programmes:
May 4 (Saturday)
11am: Equator College
1pm: ecco
3pm: P.D.T. Accessories
5pm: Hush Puppies
7pm: ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase
9pm: Micheal Ooi X Hero Tai
May 5 (Sunday)
11am: ESMOD
1pm: Keith Kee
3pm: Runaway Designer Search & Born With Style Fashion Showcase by UCSI University
5pm: Lancaster Journey
7pm: Vinstella
9pm: Belle by Annabelle T.
Story by K.H. Ong