IIFW 5.0 (Day 3): Lumut Fashion Runway

From high street fashion to beachwear and haute couture, also Penan woven handbags to eye-catching hairstyles, Lumut Naval Town was lighted up for the night with style thanks to the fashion runway showcase of the finale of International IPOH Fashion Week (IIFW) Season 5.0: Fashion With a Heart.

Video: KD Pelandok Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Brass Band Performance

Before the international fashion spotlight shone on the glittery fashion runway at Dataran Putra, KD Pelandok Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Brass Band performed to entertain the spectators with well-rehearsed instrumental pieces, as the sunset formed a captivating backdrop across the Lumut Waterfront.

Gracing the event were Yang Dihormati Toh Seri Bijaya Leftenan Kolonel (Bersara) Dato’ Shaharudin Bin Haji Nazari and YBhg. Laksamana Muda Dato’ Anuar Bin Mohamed, Panglima Pendidikan Dan Latihan, Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM). Other distinguished guests included Tuan Syamsul Hazeman Bin Md Salleh (Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Manjung); Encik Mohd Helmi Bin Arifin (Setiausaha Majlis Perbandaran Manjung); Mr Louis Sebastian (CEO & Founder IIFW); Ms Adeline Khan (co-founder IIFW); Tuan Shamsul Ridzuan Bin Idris (Pegawai Daerah Manjung); besides Councillors from the Manjung Municipal Council.

As the rhythmic music got us into the mood for the finale, silat exponents took to the floor for a traditional martial arts showcase, a feast for the eyes of foreign guests.

Day 3 of IIFW Season 5.0, which was also the closing showcase hosted by TLDM alongside Manjung Municipal Council, kicked off with the display of exquisite hand-woven bags by Penan women, i.e., Rohacraft by Rosita Haron. The stylish bags are versatile yet sophisticated for many different occasions.

The Rohacraft collection was followed by Lucky Seven, a label from China/Singapore. The children’s gowns have a touch of elegance, that children as young as six could effortlessly carry off. Suitable for princess-themed birthday parties or graduation ceremonies, the cute antics of the child models brought loud cheers from the spectators.

The children cleared the runway for Indonesian models who brought out the collection by Puan Aspekraf which has a mixed element of contemporary motifs with cultural traditions. Their dresses in bold colours of deep pink or golden yellow against black with batik embroidery certainly created a striking impression.

Next came a mainly red-black collection by Indonesian fashion house, Sha-Nad Studio. The 12-piece collection for men and women presented a seamless blend of contemporary style in timeless elegance.

It wasn’t just fashion after fashion. Breaking the monotone came Din Barbossa and his guitar, rocking the night away with two electrifying tracks. Joining him for more entertainment was Rehyana, substituting Ayu Damit who welcomed her fourth child the day before (2nd Dec 2023). Rehyana’s powerful vocals got the spectators on their feet, dancing to the beats, especially along with the evergreen anthem, “I Will Survive,” made popular by Gloria Gaynor.

Next came ESMOD. The students, who each contributed a piece of apparel, held their own amidst more established fashion houses. Featuring contemporary designs suitable for “that special night”, the designs exuded a sense of sophistication. After all, coming from a leading fashion design school in Kuala Lumpur, there is a certain standard that the students have to uphold.

FM@Cheongsam took over the runway with their futuristic-looking cheongsam that sports pointed shoulders, for an avant-garde flair. The only difference among the pieces in this collection is the colours – very bold solid colours from the top hat to earrings, to the hem of the dress, matched with black heels or boots. Just like Lucky Seven, FM@Cheongsam is also a fashion house from China/Singapore.

Kolej Komuniti Batu Gajah stepped up the style with a chic collection that included matching His & Hers designs. With suits and gowns suitable for any high-society event, every stitch and detail reflect a level of glam without going over the top. Among the many “sets”, there are also standalone designs for either men or women.

The extraordinary event continued. In came the Size Comel models highlighting the popular wedding gown designer-cum-wedding planner from Ipoh, Khair Johari, with his collection of silky ocean blue gowns. In contrast to FM@Cheongsam which only showcased one design in many colour pencil shades, Khair has different designs solely in one colour.

Closing the finale of IIFW Season 5.0 was Rette Tianita from Indonesia with her young, plus funky collection, where even men wore skirts. Playful, expressive and pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion sense, Rette Tianita’s designs are indeed a breath of fresh air.

All the models and their designers, in a collective celebration of creative styles, came out for one final walk on the runway, marking the grand finale and closing the curtain on IIFW Season 5.0 with panache, before the official sunset closing ceremony with an illuminated sailing ship by TLDM.