Limkokwing graduates strut their stuff

Twenty-five fashion graduates of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya got the chance to show off their fashion designs to a packed audience comprising invited guests, friends, family and members of the public over the weekend at the ground floor concourse of Bangsar Shopping Centre inKuala Lumpur.

The latest instalment of the university’s Creativity in Motion series showcased attention-grabbing collections that took in various cultures and new trends, with 40 students from 30 countries taking to the catwalk to model the clothes.

“We are extremely proud of these young people who have inspired us with a different story told from each collection,” said Tiffanee Marie Lim, Limkokwing’s associate vice president for creativity and innovation.

“In a very short time they have brought to life their creative expressions for others to enjoy. We know they will be the best in the world, claiming what they deserve, very soon.

“Our annual graduation show is different from other institutions. We normally hold it in places such as in shopping complexes for the public to enjoy being part of it. The public can judge the show.”

Four of these young designers won recognition for outstanding achievement.

The Most Creative in Textiles Award was given to Astika Hutami Suprapto of Indonesia for her catwalk collection based on a “matador” concept.

Lee Ji Hee of South Korea won the award for the Most Innovative Designer for her collection based on a “sad painting” and Dulguun Purevjav of Mongolia received the Most Creative in Conceptualisation Award for his collection based on a “shaman”.

There were two winners from Malaysia: the Most Creative Collection  went to Sara binti Ahmad Masdi for her collection based on “Indian saree”, and Doly Ho Yin Nee for her collection based on “school uniform”.

“I am very excited to be award recipient for the Most Creative Collection and thrilled to see that my work has been recognised,” said Ho, 21, who had already received two job offers, one as a tutor and another as a fashion stylist. Naturally, she has opted for the latter as it allows her to showcase her more creative work.

The students were amazing as the whole show, a culmination of months of planning, was produced completely by the students themselves; from stage design and logistics, to student models and budding singers from the university’s Sound and Music Design Academy, giving them all valuable experience in these departments.

What are their plans after graduation?

Purevjav, 22, of  Mongolia, who won the Most Creative in Conceptualisation Award for his collection, said he plans to travel to Italy to continue his studies in the fashion industry. “I want to see more of the world to gain valuable experiences and skills to fulfil my love for fashion.”

Anisa, 22, from Jogja, Indonesia said: “I plan to work for a fashion company either locally or overseas for a few years and eventually own my boutique business.

“I want to thank everyone especially my parents who were very supportive of me throughout my pursuit of what I love the most: fashion.”

The graduating class has marked the debut of successful designers who are already making their rounds and marks in the industry, such as Nicole Chan and Angeline Lee, finalists in Mercedes Benz Stylo Fashion Festival as best emerging designers, and most recently, Lee Ji Hee from South Korea and Astika Suprapto from Indonesia who won the first and third place respectively at the Anugerah Perantis Muda fashion competition.