Within the art deco edifice of Freemasons Hall, Limkokwing University showcased its fourth collection for London Fashion Week 2019 in February this year. Underlined by a smattering of Malaysia’s traditional textile mixed with fabrics from Botswana, Lesotho, Indonesia and Iran; the world's first university fashion label also collaborated with Wanderlust & Co and Saadiah Aziz for the show.
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1. Foreword

According to the label’s creative director, Dato’ Tiffanee Marie Lim – who is also the university vice-president – this year’s show is significant because it’s a practice of the Limkokwing philosophy and the reason the university is distinctive, which is to go where no others have gone.

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2. World's First

“The innovation has been in removing the mystery of this process for education, getting globally recognised for having determination and doing what many working designers or brands never get to do. Being the first university to do this has influenced many others to follow suit,” she says.

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3. Inspiration

The showcase this year had a strong emphasis on the journey of self-discovery, transformation and transitions in the face of adversaries and challenges in life. All in all, it is a reflection based (not entirely) on Whitney Houston’s documentary Can I Be Me and is a little darker with stronger streetwear influences.

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4. Nod To Tradition

“We featured more Malaysian-inspired garments this time around, like the stunning black sequined baju kurung while some of the other pieces are a reimagining of a Malaysian in a fall winter season. Every piece was made on campus this time.”

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5. Local Context

There were also beautiful smooth and baroque Sabahan pearls and hand-sewn songket flowers from Saadiah Aziz, a Borneo artisan who is very passionate about local craft. Majority of the shoes were Malaysian-made too.

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6. Lust For Life

“The collaboration with Wanderlust has been a great one. They also represent a modern story and have an opportunity to become a household name. We used rings that look like loose knots and the necklaces with roses were quite romantic,” adds Dato’ Tiffanee.

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7. Big Hit

The response to the collection has been encouraging, especially on some of the jackets and suits, she says. “There are a few practical pieces that could be worn separately with other outfits. The panelled trousers are very flattering, and we’ve already received some orders. The hoodies with two hoods were also a hit in London.”

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8. Making Headway

For over a decade now, Limkokwing University has showcased its collection in many cities, including Osaka, Chengdu, Cambodia, Botswana, Jakarta, Paris, London, Sri Lanka and Singapore. Dato’ Tiffanee gets a certain high from working with young talents and energetic students.

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9. High Note

“The are only positive challenges, I hope people find the label and university interesting and follow us through the journey to grow the global story,” she concludes optimistically.

Credits

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Limkokwing University

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