Outdwell showcased its new collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur 2024. The brand’s designs, targeting young streetwear enthusiasts, emphasise individuality and boldness, blending hip-hop elements with high-quality craftsmanship and unique silhouettes.
Outdwell brings hip-hop culture to the runway
Hip-hop culture resonates with people globally due to its universal themes of self-expression, defiance, and empowerment.
When this young designer, who is deeply influenced by hip-hop culture, announced his participation in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur (MBFWKL) 2024, we were not surprised.
Oscar Lee, the founder of Outdwell, has built a fashion brand that caters to young and vibrant rule-breakers like himself.
In 2022, when he made his debut at MBFWKL, we were impressed by the unique structure of his shirts and jackets. Leveraging this prestigious platform, Lee has expanded his clientele, demonstrating how the event provided a valuable avenue for his brand, with Mercedes-Benz even dedicating a slot to this genre of fashion.
At the time of his debut, Lee was just 20 years old. Now, at 22, his Outdwell clothing line has already been worn by rock queen Ella, actors, artists, celebrities, and influencers.
The theme of his Fall/Winter Act 4 collection is “Overdosed”, inspired by concepts and ideas rooted in hip-hop and fashion — hence the name “Overdosed”.
According to Lee, the collection empowers individuals to embrace their unique identities, prioritising self-expression above all. It is also dedicated to the appreciation of high-quality products.
We asked him what sets this year apart from his previous years at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
“This year, we have simplified our silhouettes but enhanced unique details, making them one-of-a-kind and trademarked to Outdwell. Over the years, our brand has tried to master tailoring, but it has never felt suitable for the brand or its image. Therefore, we have elevated our streetwear game by altering the fabric and techniques used.”
When asked about his main inspiration, he said, “Always and forever, Hip Hop! The movement, motivation, energy, and passion of the culture inspire me to create garments that perform, not just look good.”
Lee’s love for hip-hop extends beyond fashion — he even produces his own rap tracks with the help of his older sister.
He draws inspiration from hip-hop music videos, imagining himself as a rapper on stage who needs outfits that make bold statements.
The venue for this year’s MBFWKL is the old Depot in Sentul. The former locomotive workshop has been transformed into a creative hub with various spaces for events and productions.
Nestled within a rare pocket of lush greenery in metropolitan Kuala Lumpur, it is an ideal place for performing arts and marks a significant departure from the usual runways.
“It’s not the same setting as in previous years. Back then, there was a huge stage, massive LED screens, and a modern vibe. But this year feels more raw and old-school, bringing back the nostalgic fashion shows of the early 2000s,” said Lee.
Who is his target market? If you are between 20 and 40, love hip-hop from any genre, and enjoy a blend of music, fashion, and performance, then Lee’s brand, Outdwell, might just be for you.
“Fashion should not be about what you wear daily. That would be too boring. There are moments when you need to become who you want to be. So, be bold and express your personality,” said this young hip designer.
Most designers find it challenging to create their own fashion pieces, but this 22-year-old does it all himself. Since high school, he has been passionate about arts and crafts. Eventually, he pursued formal training at a fashion academy, where he found joy in drawing and sewing.
The collections showcased here are all sewn by Lee himself, making each piece a testament to his dedication and skill. To get in touch or learn more about Outdwell, visit www.outdwell.clothing.
