C. Khor
Penang Fashion Week will make its mainland debut from 13 to 15 November. The three-day show takes place at Design Village Outlet Mall in Batu Kawan. It is the event’s second edition. The show opens on Friday 13 November and ends on Sunday 15 November.
Organisers announced the dates at a press conference in Komtar. Wong Hon Wai, the state’s tourism and creative economy exco, spoke at the briefing. The theme is “Fashion Evolution – A New Era of Style”. It will blend traditional influences with contemporary designs.
The event runs from Friday to Sunday. Overall, here is who is taking part, why the venue matters and what is still unclear.
Who is taking part in Penang Fashion Week
The report does not say where the first edition was held. The programme features local and international designers, fashion brands and emerging talents. Local names include Michael Ooi and JR Collections. Puma and Hush Puppies are the international brands listed.
In addition, students will present their work. They come from UCSI University and Kolej Komuniti Bukit Mertajam. As a result, the show gives young designers a public runway.
Organiser Velvet Signature is running the event with PETACE and PE Land. TLM Event is a partner. In practice, the mix of sportswear brands, local labels and student shows should appeal to different audiences.
Why Batu Kawan Design Village
Wong said the event aims to encourage young designers. Wong also said holding it in Batu Kawan would reach a wider audience on the mainland.
The venue is a first for the mall. PE Land Penang chief operating officer Andy Song said it is Design Village’s first runway event. He added that its prices make fashion more affordable. However, he gave no price figures.
Velvet Signature founder Ivan Choo said the aim is to help local talents connect with regional and international fashion players.
Meanwhile, the mall has been building its cultural and food programmes. Likewise, other Penang malls are reinventing themselves, as Island 88 shows.
What is not known yet
The report gives no ticket price and no show times. It also lacks a list of shows, so the daily programme is unclear. Therefore, visitors should check with the organisers before they travel. Visitors who plan to stay overnight can also browse our guide to new hotels in Penang.
Moreover, the event falls on a busy weekend for Penang. Tesla plans a Cybercab showcase at Gurney Plaza on 13 November. The George Town Illustration Festival follows on 14 November at Island 88.
Later in the month, the George Town Literary Festival runs from 27 to 29 November with free entry. As a result, Penang has a busy run of public events.
Still, the Batu Kawan venue sits on the mainland side. So visitors coming from the north of Peninsular Malaysia may find it easier to reach than the island sites.
In short, Penang Fashion Week gives the mainland a new runway event. The organisers have not yet released a schedule. Fans should look for details closer to 13 November. They should also plan for the full Friday to Sunday run at Batu Kawan.
Sashidaran Gunathevan
Yalinie Mathan
Maran Perianen
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