Written by Jane-Menn Cheong
The fashion industry in this lovely heat-stricken country we call home is slowly (but surely) blooming into something that is greater than we can possibly imagine. With the multitude of womenswear designers who design with the intention to empower; we have shortlisted a few of our personal favourites who have gone above and beyond.
Pearly Wong
Utilitarianism infused with a tinge of streetwear that is feminine, yet non-conforming is probably the simplest way to describe Pearly Wong’s designs. With an emphasis on silhouettes and layers, Pearly’s designs are a greyscale dream juxtaposed by an interesting use of fabrics and textures. The Fashion Institute of Technology graduate launched her eponymous label back in 2012 and has since released a number of collections. Having recently presented her latest collection at Harbin Fashion Week 2019 – the designer describes her designs as, “…simple but functional, contemporary but no of-the-moment and tailoring pieces with a tough individual in mind.”
Cassey Gan
A maximalist to the highest degree, Cassey Gan started off as a Chemical Engineering major who went on to pursue her career in fashion after graduating from London College of Fashion. Colourful and saturated with a very distinct identity, the designer is definitely one who puts individualism before anything else when it comes to designing. With a sense of joy injected into each collection, the optimistic air of her clothes come from her many inspirations – be it art, travelling or nostalgia. Her most recent Autumn/Winter ‘19 collection was a celebration of textures and prints melded together seamlessly with her signature non-form fitting silhouettes. Designed with female empowerment in mind, the collection was presented last February at London Fashion Week 2019.
Yoke & Theam
Carrying on family traditions, the sisters behind Yoke & Theam aim to continue the legacy that their grandfather had created as a shoemaker over the years. With a range of chunky platformed sandals, heels and sliders – the shoes they make are quintessentially feminine by nature yet perfectly gender neutral at the same time. Reminiscent of the childhood sandals your mom would put on you in the ‘90s, these sandals are given a modern twist with contemporary elements. Their latest collection titled, “Uncover the Adventure” features a range of sliders and sandals suited to both men and women.
Kulet
Pronounced as “Kulit” or the Malay word of skin, this footwear label is full of timeless designs for the more sophisticated female. Founders Aina Syahirah and Julie Anne, derived the name from the hues in which the shoes are made – nudes that are suited to the wearer’s skin tone. With minimalistic designs to endure the test of time, the label also supports the “compassion in fashion” movement by using non-animal derived leather for their shoes.
Baju By Sharina
An artist with a passion to continue the tradition of wearing batik as a daily feat, Sharina Shahrin cultivated the label back in 2016. Working with batik artists in Terengganu on the designs, the prints lay themselves on the simple silhouette of the baju Kedah. Colour blocking and styling each of the pieces, the label’s campaigns put an emphasis on inclusivity; featuring women of all ages, shapes and sizes.
