/ beyond /F a s h i o n
A hooded top by Joe Chia.
Profoundly Fashionable
From Plato to pet fish, the inspirations behind today’s hottest Malaysian clothing lines swim deep. Mark Lean spotlights a few covetable designers whose substance shines through their style.
In the past few years,
c o u rt esy o f j o e c h i a
Malaysia’s fashion scene has taken a dramatic about-turn. A new generation of designers has jettisoned the wedding gowns, the cheongsams and the chintz in favor of their own evolving fashion narratives that are equal parts elegant and eclectic. Here, five designers you’ll be hearing more of in the years to come.
Joe Chia
Joe Chia’s minimalist aesthetic is quickly making him a name to watch in the international fashion scene. Besides Kuala Lumpur, his clothes are currently stocked in Milan, London, Florence, Amsterdam, St. Petersburg, Madrid, Los Angeles, New York and Shanghai. Chia’s utilitarian take on fashion is a commentary on recent world events influenced by street style. So expect structured hooded tops, cropped jackets and sportswear-type pants that veer on the right side of casual. Chia says that his designs for men and women are imbued with his personal experiences: “the things we see and learn, including world happenings.” Reflecting recent headlines, his Spring/Summer 2016 menswear collection grapples with weighty issues like terrorism and military control. Chia says that though he’s inspired by military elements, the creative spirit behind his clothes denotes freedom. “It’s the realization that violence doesn’t solve issues,” he says, “and that changes start with us.” joechia.com. tr av el andleisure asia .com / february 2016
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