Back with a bang

THE AirAsia’s Runway Ready Designer Search is back again in a bigger and better manner.
This 2017 edition – which has been expanded to cover all 10 Asean countries – will give the opportunity of a lifetime to aspiring designers in the region.
“ Asean is a region filled with rich culture, which has inspired many fashion designers across the globe. But most importantly, Asean also has a strong talent pool which we hope to help bring to the forefront of the fashion industry through this regional designer search.
“We are very proud to announce that we have expanded the AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search to all 10 Asean countries, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s competition will bring,” said Aireen Omar, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Berhad, during the launch.
With prizes worth at least RM350,000, the winner will walk away with a confirmed slot in Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready To Wear (KLFWRTW) 2018, RM25,000 sponsored by FashionValet to produce a capsule collection, 150,000 AirAsia BIG Points as well as AirAsia flights and more.
Andrew Tan, founder of KLFWRTW, added that the “energy and creations witnessed last year were fantastic” and as such, they are eager to see what the five-country expansion has in store.
“AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search is, without a doubt, one of the most prestigious designer search events in the Asean region. With enormous media and industry exposure provided to all the finalists, it has shortened the gap between dream and reality for those who aim to have their own brand one day,” he elaborated. Vivy Yusof, co-founder of FashionValet, agreed as much.
“I'm very excited to be part of the third season of AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search – the biggest season yet! Last year was truly an amazing experience, but I know this year will be even greater. There is no other opportunity like this for designers in Asean, so we are expecting to see a wide variety of styles and creativity.”
The competition will see audition tours across the capital of each country, from April to June, in search for the top two aspiring fashion designers to represent their country at the Grand Finale, which will take place in KL this August.
Renowned fashion designers from each country such as Q Design and Play from Thailand, Anthony Ramirez from the Philippines and Mel Ahyar from Indonesia will be part of the panel of judges for the audition at each respective city; while Tan and Vivy will be the permanent judges for all auditions.
Meanwhile, for the Malaysian audition, renowned local fashion designer, Alia Bastamam, as well as the editor of Female Malaysia magazine, Yang Mei Ling, will be part of the judging panel.
This designer search is open to any individual of any nationality, 30 years of age or below, and residing in any of the 10 Asean countries.
Interested candidates are advised to submit three women’s ready-to-wear sketches inspired by Asean destination along with the complete registration form (available at klfashionweek.com). One can also get more information by emailing aarrds2017@klfashionweek. com.