Volkwagen Malaysia collaborates with Alia Bastamam at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015

Every year, there is something called the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week. Of course not every motorhead or petrolhead is aware of this or truly bothers about this as they are usually in love with their cars instead of clothes. But anyway, the Fashion Week happens every year and it showcases Malaysian fashion. Not many cars involved usually but this year, Volkswagen has decided to connect directly into the fashion crowd by collaborating with homegrown couturier Alia Bastamam at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015 (KLFW RTW 2015). 

This marks Volkswagen's entry into the fashion world and fits well with the brand DNA which is known for its timeless design and good performance. According to the good people at Volkswagen Malaysia, KLFW RTW  has demonstrated that it is a great platform to feature creativity and ingenuity. So this time, Volkswagen has decided to become the Official Car Sponsor this year and to celebrate their debut, decided to showcase their most iconic (and therefore recognisable) designs with the Beetle, Golf R, and CC. 

They also previewed a new limited run Volkwagen Beetle called the Club. The Beetle Club in Hanabero Orange was proudly on display at the entrance of Pavillion Kuala Lumpur throughout the KLFW 2015 (i.e. the whole of last week). I suppose if any of you ended up there, you would have noticed that Beetle. Now you know it is another limited run variant. Much like the Bug edition launched recently too.

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Volkwagen Malaysia collaborates with Alia Bastamam at 
Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015

13 AUGUST 2015, KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Malaysia is looking to connect with fashion enthusiasts through its collaboration with homegrown couturier Alia Bastamam at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015 (KLFW RTW 2015). 

This marks the brand’s entry into the fashion world and fits well with the brand DNA which is known for its timeless design and good performance. “Over the years, KLFW RTW has demonstrated that it is a great platform to feature creativity and ingenuity. We are very happy to be the Official Car Sponsor this year and celebrate our debut, by showcasing our iconic designs with the Beetle, Golf R, and CC,” says Ms. Martina Berg, Marketing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia.

In addition, fans of the iconic Beetle are treated to an exclusive sneak preview of the Beetle Club in Habanero Orange which is displayed at the entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur through the course of KL Fashion Week.

Commenting on the collaboration with Alia Bastamam, “Alia is unquestionably one of the most established local designer, whose commitment to timeless and solid design perfectly complements our own philosophies. We are delighted to be exclusively debuting her Spring/Summer 2016 designs at the Volkswagen Fashion Night with Alia Bastamam runway show,” she adds.

“I am honoured to be collaborating with an iconic brand that I personally admire. It is amazing that we share an interesting thread of commonality,” Alia says. 

In the previous seasons, Alia dove into a permanent night, where blinding glamour ruled the collections in rich fabrication, sequins, fine lace and hand sewn embellishments. For Spring/Summer 2016, Alia puts that luxury away and pares down the offerings - she comes back to the lightness that inspired her to start the eponymous label when she debuted with a Resort collection in 2011.
"Fresh and hopeful," she says, "are what I want this collection to be. I want to bring back that ease and comfort for my clients because that's why I came into this industry in the first place - to design and create pieces that I would want to wear myself."

A lighter palette lays a calm over the Spring/Summer 2016 mood where 'light and bright' are key. Where there were luxurious fabrics and embellishments, Alia finds a replacement that makes the Alia B. and Alia Bastamam collections more appealing to an all-inclusive panorama of women. Pleated fabric becomes the focal point for the latest Alia Bastamam offering - an edged play to the pastel shades of butter and lilac. Loose silhouettes and string details give a free and undone ease for a slight bohemian tone. 

"Over the years, we've garnered a wider customer base and it's our responsibility to offer something for everyone. So for SS16, I'm including design for the modest woman. I love them and I love how they make modest fashion fresh and chic - I want to be a part of that for them because they've been so supportive of our brand," she adds. 

Spring/Summer 2016 would be Alia's 16th and 17th collections in her five years. To celebrate those five years, here is a collection that is close to the heart of the brand; sending out positive vibes that was previously outshone by ultra-glamour.

All shoes are especially designed for the show by Lewre Bespoke