(From fifth left) Taylor’s University The Design School head Assoc Prof Dr Luqman Lee, Faculty of Innovation and Technology executive dean Prof Dr David Asirvatham, vice-chancellor and president Prof Dr Barry Winn, guest-of-honour Tengku Datuk Hishammuddin Zaizi Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah, Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week founder and chief executive officer Andrew Tan and Wijaya with winners Ong and Low (holding their prizes) and other student designers at ‘The Show’ fashion showcase. — Courtesy photo
SUSTAINABLE fashion is gaining momentum globally and offers students an opportunity to get a foothold in the industry.
Taylor’s University Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology programme director Maria Sandra Wijaya said those passionate about ethical design along with both conventional and technology-based design skills would be well-positioned to thrive in the industry.
She said technology and innovation had opened new avenues in areas such as adaptive fashion, virtual showrooms and e-commerce, providing designers with innovative ways to create and showcase their work.
“As for future career prospects for upcoming fashion graduates, it looks promising as we advance in technology, sustainability and functional fashion,” she noted.
Wijaya said the university’s honours degree programme was geared towards preparing students for the industry.
These included industry interactions, valuable feedback from industry mentors and the chance to work on projects with both local and international industry partners, she added.
“In addition to honing their artistic and technical skills, success in the fashion industry requires designers to be passionate, resilient, hard working and possess strong interpersonal skills,” said Wijaya.
Ong recognises that fashion primarily involves art.
Among those in the programme are Dania Mefiana Putri Ong and Low Feng Yie.
Ong said she initially sought a path in the arts.
“Recognising that fashion primarily involves art through the use of my hands, I opted for that.
“Despite my initial choice being animation, I discovered that I excel in creating art through my hands.
Low spent hours drawing fashion sketches when she was younger.
“This approach allows me to witness tangible results in real life rather than from a monitor,” she said.
Low felt nostalgic when asked to reflect on the origins of her love for fashion.
“It started when I was very young.
“I would spend hours drawing fashion sketches and envisioning how the outfits would look on my dolls.
“That initial spark of creativity has since evolved into a profound passion for design,” she said.
Both of them will be going on to design for Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025 after winning the “Most Promising Designer” accolades during a fashion showcase at the university. — By KENJI NG KEN LIN
