Zhanna, the designer for Zhanna Otegen

A sketch by Zhanna from her collection.

Ng Kai Ting believes that anything you imagine, you can also achieve.

Ting draws inspiration from distinctly stylised and decorative theatrical posters.

Miko, the designer for Aros Bridal Studio.

Miko’s bridal collection is simple yet appealing.

Penang Fashion Week (PFW) is set to return for its fifth year at Gurney Paragon, Penang and with runway shows from local and international designers, it will once again offer us a fine overview of the creative and diverse local fashion scene.

A platform for new and emerging talents to showcase their creations, PFW will allow designers to parade their latest creations on the catwalk specially constructed in Gurney Paragon’s Atrium. Although for most shows, seating is limited to the invited guests of the designers, there is ample room around the periphery and upstairs balconies for the general public to enjoy the shows.

This year, on 5 May 2019, UCSI’s Institute of Creative Arts and Design (ICAD) alumni are set to launch their own brands at the Penang Fashion Week 2019. Zhanna Otegen from Kazakhstan, Ng Kai Ting from Malaysia, and Miko from China all did a Bachelor of Fashion Design with Marketing.

Here is a description of these talented young girls’ fresh brands:

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Zhanna Otegen is a new brand based on ready to wear exotic styles which focuses on something very uncommon and different than the ordinary. The garments are often mysterious, intriguing and centres on rich colours, embroidery, mysterious patterns, prints and mosaics. The brand focuses on men and women from the age of 18 to 35.

“My inspiration is Gustav Klimt's art.  He embedded allusions to sexuality and the human psyche in the rich, lavishly decorated figures and patterns that populated his canvases, murals, and mosaics. His art represents deep feelings for women's love and nature's beauty by using rich colours of gold,” said Zhanna, the designer, on her inspirations for her upcoming collection at PFW 2019.

Starting off small on social media (Instagram), Zhanna had to work hard for her brand’s marketing. Knowing her vision for her brand was big, this talented Kazakhstan fashion designer is ensuring that she has a befitting business strategy.

Anything You Imagine, You Can Also Achieve

Ng Kai Ting is a designer label which provides delicate artsy-style fashion and trends. The brand concept is associated with a few keywords like unique, innovative, creative and cosy.

“I was inspired by Alphonse Mucha, a Czech artist, who was famous during the Art Nouveau period. He is best known for his distinctly stylised and decorative theatrical posters,” said Ng Kai Ting, the local designer.

Thanks to social media marketing, Ting will continue to promote her brand on the virtual platforms as it is the most affordable and easiest way for brand awareness.

“I will also start selling a few of my pieces online to test the market and weigh in on the responses,” she added.

To all her juniors at UCSI University, Ting advised to simultaneously work hard and play hard.

“Remember to have a balanced life with both your studies and passions. The inspiration will come afterwards. Don’t limit your ideas by your inner fears because anything you imagine, you can also achieve it,” said Ng.

Carpe All That Diem

All the way from China, Miko is proud of her brand “Aros Bridal Studio”; an affordable handmade bridal wear.

“Originally, my intention is that every girl can wear their own unparalleled wedding dress and marry their true love. So I want to make sure that custom made wedding dresses are achievable because every girl deserves to own her dream wedding dress,” said Miko, the designer.

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" the movie is Miko’s inspiration for her upcoming collection in Penang Fashion week 2019.

“The traditional wedding dress colour is white, but my collection will be something new and fresh. I want to make the brides wear the garden with layers of light gauze filled with colourful flowers and leaves,” she added.

In the early stages, Miko spent most of her time in product designs. So her next step now is to market Aros Bridal Studio. She hopes to have her own franchise, locally and overseas.

"Be sure to participate in more fashion-related events or competitions and don't be shy as it will greatly benefit you in your career. Once your life as a student ends, it will be hard to find the energy and free time to partake in competitions, so don’t let the opportunity slip by now,” she reminded all her juniors at UCSI University.

For an exciting and glamorous weekend, be sure to catch Penang Fashion Week this 3rd to 5th May 2019 at Gurney Paragon, Penang.