Fashion designers Bill Keith, Jimmy Lim, Celest Thoi, and FARAMAS collaborated to put on a stunning show at CollabStore, at The Shoppes at Four Seasons Place in Kuala Lumpur.
A modish afternoon at CollabStore
Last Saturday, four fashion designers — Bill Keith, Jimmy Lim, Celest Thoi, and FARAMAS — joined forces to stage a spectacular show that attracted an enthusiastic crowd. The fashion show cum tea event took place at CollabStore, which is located at The Shoppes at Four Seasons Place in Kuala Lumpur.
It is a one-stop retail space that offers multiple brands of collectible wearable art, streetwear, contemporary and elegant clothes from local designers, as well as a platform for events and workshops. Richard Tsen, a fashion entrepreneur, is the founder.
The special in-store showing that afternoon reminded us of a trunk show (although they are no longer used). The term comes from the common practise of transporting merchandise to these events in trunks.
“I cannot believe I am doing a trunk show,” said Bill Keith, a renowned and veteran fashion designer in Kuala Lumpur known for his grand shows and flamboyant fashion.
He is well-known in the apparel industry, with an impressive couture fashion studio and several retail to wear (RTW) locations, with the most recent at CollabStore. He was overjoyed to see many of his invited guests showed up to support him.
Model Evelyn Ting from Kuching, who is based in Kuala Lumpur, was dressed in five stunning outfits for Bill Keith. She was grateful for the advice that she received from Bill Keith, a wonderful mentor to many in the fashion industry.
Evelyn, who stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, represented Sarawak in Miss Malaysia World 2022 and finished first runner up. She began modelling at the age of 13. Later, she moved to Australia to pursue her education and earned two degrees.
The models paraded in the designers’ wears for guests who were seated throughout the store. Tea was served, and it was a wonderful afternoon for many people to mingle and network. Many stylish guests were seen taking selfies and wefies. The cashier counter was also very busy.
Known for her white bridal gowns, designer Celest Thoi unveiled a new line of casual-chic white range that is perfect for everyday use. According to her, her Celest Thoi Coterie Collection was inspired by her coterie group of stylish friends who share common interests, taste, and lifestyle, and it consists of essential white shirts, shirt-dresses, and simple white dresses that are not only smart and modish but also comfortable.
“Everyone should have a good white shirt as a wardrobe staple,” said Celest.
Jimmy Lim is a well-known designer in Malaysia and New Zealand. He received the prestigious title of Deutz Fashion Design Ambassador of the Year at Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2004, and he represented the country as the Ambassador at London Fashion Week 2006. In 2017, Jimmy was invited to showcase in Busan Fashion Week. He received the ‘Decades of Excellence’ award at the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Awards 2021.
Jimmy Lim’s creations are based on the idea that people should be able to “play” without restrictions, allowing them to be mixed and matched by the user to create a totally unique look.
“Black is not a colour. Black is a statement,” designer Fara Mas said, explaining why her entire collection is black.
“In the light spectrum, black is the absence of colour, and in printing, black is one of the colours needed to produce other colours. In art, black is the presence of all colours. Fashion is art. Until someone discovers a darker colour, black will remain my preferred pick in fashion,” she concluded.
Her collection is monochromous and based on the ‘Capsule Wardrobe’ concept. The idea of a ‘Capsule Wardrobe’ refers to making smarter choices that allow us to create several looks with fewer pieces.
