Cover image via Suria KLCC (Provided to SAYS)
If you thought Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) couldn't get more iconic, think again
This year's highly anticipated fashion showcase opened with a bold celebration of Malaysian culture, thanks to a collaboration between local label Sofia Iman and Suria KLCC.
Themed 'Heritage Reimagined, Style Redefined', the show set the tone for the week ahead with a striking reinterpretation of traditional craftsmanship through a modern lens, particularly highlighting songket.
Held on 4 August, the opening show drew a crowd of over 500 guests, including KLFW founder Andrew Tan and KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd Group CEO Datuk Sr Mohd Salem Kailany.
Guests themselves dressed for the theme, many draped in batik and songket in homage to Malaysia's rich textile history.
The spotlight was on the eight Malaysian designers who brought Sofia Iman's vision to life: ABU, Ashley @ Kapas, Atelier Prive Melson, FUZA by Fuzana Mokhtaza, Jimmy Lim, Jimmy Wong, TANGOO, and Uzair Shoid
The collection served as a tribute to the master weavers of Terengganu, the artisans behind the brand's exquisite songket pieces.
By infusing traditional techniques with modern silhouettes, the show aimed to elevate songket beyond its traditional confines, presenting it as a globally relevant fashion statement.
Watch the video below for a look at the designs:
"Our partnership with Sofia Iman for KLFW 2025 is a testament to our commitment to nurturing local talent and showcasing the richness of Malaysian culture," said Francis Tan, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd.
Tan also reflected on how Sofia Iman's journey came full circle — from starting with a humble promotional booth at Suria KLCC in 2008 to now opening KL Fashion Week.
"It's a full-circle moment we never imagined and are incredibly proud of. It is a powerful story of growth, belief, and shared ambition.
"We are not just celebrating fashion; we are championing Malaysian heritage and creativity on a global stage as we look forward to Visit Malaysia 2026," he added.
Being selected as the opening designer for her first-ever KLFW runway made the moment even more meaningful for Sofia Iman's founder, Puan Faralina
"This showcase is the culmination of years of dedication, creativity, and staying true to our cultural roots.
"Our presence at Suria KLCC has shown us that customers desire modern interpretations of songket that they can incorporate into their daily lives.
"This collection was a direct response to that, and opening KLFW 2025 was an unparalleled opportunity to present our story, honour our artisans, and share Malaysian craftsmanship with a broader audience," she shared.
KLFW 2025 will feature over 55 Malaysian designers and brands, each spotlighting unique interpretations of style, identity, and innovation
"This collaboration underscores our mission to provide a platform for local designers to shine and for the world to see the beauty and innovation inherent in our traditions.
"Our commitment extends to providing a space where their creativity and legacy can grow. We are proud to support local designers who have built such a strong name in fashion," said Tan.
He also announced that local fashion power duo Rizman Ruzaini will be opening their boutique at Suria KLCC later this year.
From heritage weaving to high fashion, this year's KLFW is shaping up to be a powerful celebration of what makes Malaysian style so distinct and worthy of the global spotlight.
