Local designers shine at Neon Fashion Runway

Neon Fashion Week 2019 in Paradigm Mall Johor Baru started with a stunning show that featured designs by local designers followed by three days of fashion shows that showcased 21 popular brands, available from stores in the mall.

The designers with their models in the grand finale
of the Neon Fashion Runway event

These brands include selections from Carlo Rino, Nana Collection, Spiffy, Mixxo, Common Sense, Good2U, SPAO, Owl, A-Look, Seen, COCO, Parkson featuring Sfera, MDS, Trucco, and Hundred% featuring TNT, Stoned and Eversince.

The second edition of the mall’s fashion week kicked off with an upbeat tone and the timeless trend of eye-catching neon colours as invited guests and local celebrities arrived, dressed in glam outfits highlighted by a shock of neon.

Upon arrival I was tagged with a neon bangle and shown into the refreshment area where nibbles and cocktails were being served.

Models wearing a collection by Michael Ooi

The music beating from the DJ deck was drawing crowds to the concourse which was occupied by a fashion runway complete with blinking neon lights on its backdrop.

As the crowd swelled, I met friends and recognised some celebrities – among them Singapore actor, Terrence Chow, and Malaysian actor, Wayne Chua.

I’m familiar with Terrence Chow as an actor but I didn’t know that he was also a designer because his designs were later showcased in the show!

My eyes are peeled to spot Jeffrey Cheng, a former runway model who (I was sure I should be able to tell…) earned the prestigious titles of, The UNO Manhunt Malaysia, The Best Model of the World (Malaysia) and The Hottest Hunks Malaysia.

Designer Michael Ooi [Center] with his models

And there he was, dressed in a stylish outfit all in White, a design by Malaysian designer, Michael Ooi, which he would model on the runway when he joined the cast of male models in the show.

Another multi-talented Malaysian celebrity at the event was Hero Tai, actor and host with IQIYI channel, Beijing and Taiwan’s “iWalker HERO” programme, who founded the Hero T apparel brand.

His collaboration with Michael Ooi would showcase a sporty unisex collection under the Hero T brand with designs inspired by elements in 16 sports including MotoGP, scuba diving, snowboarding and surfing, designed in a Black and Gold theme.

Hero Tai [Center] walking the runway with his models

These bold colours represent how every athlete would fight for Gold and Black, the best colour to create a clear contrast against the colour Gold.

In 2016, Michael Ooi launched his label, Made.to.Measure with a collection that mixed fashion with his industrial design background.

It was impressive that Michael Ooi not only represented Malaysia as an esteemed member and fashion ambassador of ASEAN Fashion Designer Showcase, he also received The Most Promising Designer Award at Borneo Fashion Week 2018.

Glancez designer [Second from Left] with models on runway

When I learnt that Glancez was a contemporary fashion label based in HongKong and owned by a Malaysian from Johor Baru, I was ridiculously happy probably because I was proud of this talented and enterprising Johorean.

My admiration for Glancez designs shot even higher when I discovered that this was a sustainable brand with a zero-waste policy and does not use animal-based materials.

This brand also proudly showcased its collection at Paris Fashion Week.

Designer Ranndy Goh [Center] with his models

When I saw the designs presented on the runway, I liked its wearable styles that focused on bright and attractive colours and comfortable designs.

Then I read that Ranndy Goh, renowned designer from Penang whose portfolio included collaborations with Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Habib Jewellery, once said, “I believe that fashion should be luxurious yet practical while retaining a touch of femininity.”

As I found my way to the seat with my name on it, I pondered upon his words and realized that I fully agreed with his sentiments.

Representative from Design faculty of Raffles University
Johor [Center] with two models on the runway

The event was about to begin, and ushers were busy showing guests to their seats.

I could only imagine the excitement backstage as the models were being dressed and the finishing touches added to their hair, face and outfits, while the crew was well prepared to help the models change into the next sets of outfits…

Meanwhile the light and sound people were on their toes, ready to coordinate the lighting and music to match with the various sectors of the show…

And then there were the mandatory welcome address, speeches and presentation of souvenirs to the VIPs, designers and sponsors.

Actor Terrence Chow [Center] who is also a designer
with his models on the runway

In his opening address, Guest of Honour the assemblyman for Perling, YB Cheo Yee How, expressed his pleasure at seeing local talents coming back to Johor and doing their part to contribute towards developing a more vibrant community here.

Finally, the show got underway as the models took turns to strut their styles on the runway in a non-stop showcase of wonderful fashion in a stunning Neon Fashion Runway event.

In addition to the fashion creations by established designers, some interesting designs by students in the Design faculty of Raffles University Johor were also highlighted.

Paradigm Mall Johor Baru is managed by WCT Malls Management Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of WCT Holdings Berhad.

Located off Jalan Skudai at Taman Bukit Mewah, 81200 Johor Baru.

Open daily from 10am to 10pm.

For more info, visit website: www.paradigmall.com.my/jb