CJMYBorneo Fashion Week (BFW) 2018 came to a thrilling end with the recognition of five designers and two runway models for exceptional talent in the fashion industry, The event brought curtains down in stunning style on what has been a spectacular three-day fashion extravaganza of runway shows and an exhibition with a line-up of over 30 fashion designers from West and East Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and Iran.
Lining up the entrance to welcome guests were models in traditional attire of Dayak, Iban and Bidayuh heritage – an embodiment of the fashion week’s primary aspiration of ‘ bringing Borneo to the world. ’ The spotlight at BFW 2018 has invariably been its exquisite heritage-inspired fashion, craft and lifestyle brands, with a spotlight on 16 Borneo designers and exhibitors.
Guests were whisked away to the luxurious villa, which provided the perfect setting for the evening, overlooking the tranquil South China Sea and the lush Mount Santubong as backdrop. The exclusive evening commenced with a runway show from four phenomenal designers, each one of them conveying a distinct aesthetic, blending Asian influences and elegant simplicity as models energised the poolside runway in immaculate designs.
The night’s biggest highlight was the presentation of seven coveted awards to deserving designers and models, recognised for their outstanding talent and contribution to the industry, specifically during the fashion week. Fashion designers, whose collections made a style-conscious impact through innovative designs, displaying a daring use of colour and traditional prints, motifs and movement, were acknowledged for their fresh approach.
Borneo Fashion Week in partnership with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology awarded two exclusive Diploma and Degree scholarships worth more than RM100,000 to two deserving designers under BFW’s Most Promising Designer of The Year 2018 category.
Designers’ creations were judged by a panel of fashion specialists – comprising of Limkokwing University Vice President of Content, Datin Nikki Lugun; Award Winning Ex-Fashion Editor, Founder and Advisor of Bumiputra Designers Association , Mahani Awang; and UNIMAS fashion academic, Asrul Asshadi Mohamad Morni – over the three-day period. Judging criteria was based on construction techniques, details, stitching, as well as design innovation.
Winners of the night :
BFW Designer in the Spotlight 2018 : Najla Shoes
(Awarded for creating the most buzz or publicity for her own brand and for BFW2018 via social
media and offline platforms)
BFW Model of the Year – Male : Zachary Puung Li Xin
BFW Model of the Year – Female : Vanizha Vasantha Nathan
(Awarded for their professionalism, runway presence and presentation of the designers collection
on stage)
BFW Emerging Borneo Designer of the Year 2018 : Kumang & Co
(Awarded for the best use of ethnic inspired designs in keeping with Borneo’s rich heritage)
BFW Most Promising Designer of the Year 2018 : JK Homme
Also recipient of Limkokwing Fashion Design Diploma Scholarship
BFW Most Promising Designer of the Year 2018 : Michael Ooi
Also recipient of Limkokwing Fashion Design Degree Scholarship
Designer of the Year 2018 : Rozie Khan Couture
(Awarded her meticulous work and for presenting a collection that encompasses BFW’s vision of
“bringing Borneo to the world”)
C. Khor
