Buckle up, because Malaysian streetwear just shifted into high gear! Neonate and SVG Worldwide, the dynamic duo of local streetwear, teamed up for a show that had the fashion world on the edge of its seats. On a dazzling night, recently, the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) was transformed into a runway… and the result? Nothing short of monumental!
Consider this the fashion equivalent of a podium finish, as the two style giants unveiled their grand collaborative debut, presenting their electrifying collection: ‘RACE DAY.’ It was an off-schedule spectacle, defying conventions and setting the bar high for Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2023 (KLFW23).
Now, picture this: 83 looks, 83 models, and over 3,000 guests crowding the South track of the SIC. It was a night to remember, a fusion of fashion and racing adrenaline that left everyone breathless. The ‘RACE DAY’ collection, divided into eight distinct colour stories, took inspiration from the vibrant world of racing. Red, orange, blue, yellow, silver, green, brown, and black – each colour told a different part of the story. The models, a mix of seasoned pros, media personalities, and influencers, collectively strutted a staggering 132 kilometres for this spectacular show.
And what better backdrop than the SIC, certified by FIA, the first world-class race track in Asia? It added an undeniable dose of authenticity to the theme – a normal day at the race track turned extraordinary on the catwalk.
Karl Shafek, Founder and Creative Director of Neonate Clothing Company, expressed his enthusiasm for the groundbreaking collaboration: “The undertaking for this collaboration is huge, because not only do we have to cater to the demographics of both brands and making sure that while we stay true to our brand DNA, it has to have that element that speaks of the partnership. Having a theme like RACE DAY makes it both easy and hard at the same time.”
Ashraf Anuar, Founder of SVG Worldwide, echoed Karl’s sentiments: “It’s easy, because while the freedom to create is still present, it confines us to an area that is wide enough to go crazy but still taking into account the cohesiveness aspect of it. And hard because a collection with a name like RACE DAY, the set-up needs to match the theme.”
But it wasn’t just a fashion show; it was a production of epic proportions. Approximately 300 crew members worked tirelessly to ensure everything went off without a hitch. Over 3,000 guests, including 900 VIPs, graced the event, turning the SIC into a fashion spectacle that could rival any international event.
The clothes themselves were nothing short of spectacular. Neonate and SVG spared no expense, using rich materials like denim, leather, cotton, rayon, wool, and even gemstones to craft their garments. The line between streetwear and haute couture blurred, showcasing the evolution of fashion. Custom SVG X Neonate RACE DAY racing suits added a touch of glamour and high fashion.
Neonate and SVG gave a nod to their sponsors, including Komono Malaysia and Converse Malaysia for providing accessories like sunglasses, watches, and sneakers. They also expressed their gratitude to KLFW and its Founder, Andrew Tan, for their unwavering support in elevating the Malaysian fashion industry.
The night concluded with a mini concert featuring some of Malaysia’s hottest young hip-hop artists, leaving the audience with an adrenaline rush that matched the show’s theme.
