International Ipoh Fashion Week (IIFW) Season 6.0: Raintree Walk Taiping
The sixth season of the International Ipoh Fashion Week (IIFW) made a grand return this October with the theme From Taiping With Love, transforming Taiping into a hotspot for fashion and philanthropy.
The charity black-tie gala dinner, held at Hotel Taiping Perdana on 25th October 2024 attracted fashion enthusiasts and generous donors for a remarkable cause.
Together, they raised RM35,000 for Hospital Seri Manjung and RM2,000 for Animal Welfare Zoo Taiping.
The runway extravaganza continued the following day with a fashion showcase open to the public at Raintree Walk in the scenic Taiping Lake Gardens, emphasising IIFW’s commitment to making fashion accessible to all.
A Fashion Extravaganza in Taiping Lake Gardens
The event on 26th October brought the world of high fashion outdoors, set against the serene backdrop of Taiping Lake Gardens. Fashion lovers gathered to witness a dynamic line-up of designers and performers. The emcee welcomed guests with an energetic opening, setting an enthusiastic tone for the evening. This introduction highlighted the community’s pride in hosting an event celebrating both fashion and the rich heritage of Taiping, in conjunction with the town’s 150th anniversary.
Honouring Tradition: Hauz of Borneo
The show opened with Hauz of Borneo, an inspiring presentation of Sabah and Sarawak’s traditional costumes. Each design represented the heritage of ethnic groups like the Kadazan Dusun, Murut, Rungus, Iban, Bidayuh, and Kelabit, showcasing distinctive patterns, colours, and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
The collection celebrated Malaysia’s cultural diversity, adding a uniquely traditional start to the evening’s showcase.
Global Fashion Icons on the Runway
This year’s IIFW gathered a captivating mix of international designers alongside Malaysian talents, presenting a fusion of global fashion trends:
VIQ delivered an elegant fusion of swim and sportswear collection, attracting attention with its chic and refined aesthetic.
Puan Aspekraf from Riau, Indonesia, showcased designs that artfully blended traditional Riau heritage with contemporary flair.
Loayo by Loubna Ayouche of Morocco enchanted the audience with her colourfully sophisticated designs, bringing Moroccan artistry to the Malaysian stage.
Galeri Ummi’s Batik Kiambang Bertaut by Datin HJ Syarifah Diamatri Aida is a batik originating from Indragiri Hilir, Riau, Indonesia. This batik was recently released by Datin Seri Hj Syarifah Darmiati Aida, the owner of Galeri Ummi. Batik Kiambang Bertaut carries a deep meaning, rich in beauty, loyalty, hope, and moral messages embodied in various motifs.
This diverse array of designers turned the runway into a global platform, highlighting how fashion can transcend borders and connect cultures.
Special Musical Performance by Ayu Damit
To further elevate the event, Malaysian singer Ayu Damit treated the crowd to an exceptional performance. Her two songs added a melodic interlude that kept the audience engaged, bridging the gap between fashion segments with her soulful voice. Her performance was exceptionally warming as she was joined by a local frog mascot, “maskot manja Taiping.”
POLO HAUS by Bajuux: Everyday Elegance Meets Timeless Design
Malaysian fashion group Bajuux brought its brand POLO HAUS to the stage, presenting a collection centred around Ready-to-Wear essentials. Known for minimalist design and timeless sophistication, POLO HAUS is recognised for pieces that blend quality with functionality, embodying the essence of everyday elegance. Highlights of the collection included the Ultimate Polo Tee and the iconic Denim Series, designed for those who value style and comfort.
This showcase also underscored POLO HAUS’s local legacy, paying homage to its roots while championing contemporary fashion that seamlessly fits into daily life.
Celebrating Emerging and Established Designers
The event continued with a blend of local and regional talent, each adding their distinct touch to the occasion:
Kolej Komuniti Batu Gajah showcased the creativity of emerging student designers, representing the future of Malaysian fashion.
Khair Johari mesmerised the audience with a mainly plus-size collection blending modern aesthetics with traditional inspiration.
Mukrawee Lee from Thailand brought a vibrant touch to the show, infusing Thai/Chinese handmade elegance into her designs.
Gilbert Headhunter from Borneo concluded the function with a bold and culturally rich collection that honoured his heritage, using traditional textures and motifs to make a lasting impression. FashioniSTAR Francis Yip also showcased Gilbert’s upcycled creation.
A Finale to Remember
The evening culminated in a grand finale, a fitting end to a night that celebrated not only fashion but also cultural appreciation and unity. The designers, models, and guests all came together to mark the success of IIFW Season 6.0, which seamlessly blended charitable giving with the beauty of fashion.
Fashion for a Cause and Community
International Ipoh Fashion Week (IIFW) 2024 in Taiping stood as more than a fashion event—it was a platform for inclusivity, creativity, and charity. By raising funds for meaningful causes and inviting the public to experience the beauty of fashion firsthand, IIFW reinforced its vision of a united community.
View the full photo album of International IPOH Fashion Week Season 6.0: Raintree Walk Taiping on our official Facebook Page by clicking HERE. All photos used here are credited to Yusri Ibrahim (abgyusstudio), unless otherwise indicated by a watermark.
Video: International IPOH Fashion Week Season 6.0: Raintree Walk Taiping
Event: International IPOH Fashion Week Season 6.0: Raintree Walk Taiping
Venue: Taiping Lake Gardens
Date: 26th Oct, 2024
Time: 6pm
