Fashion Forward

Keith Sim’s cutting-edge aesthetics sets a new tone in Kuching. Models showcase unconventional designs, signalling a fresh and daring era for the city’s evolving fashion identity.

Breaking away from conventional styles

Kuching is becoming a little more upbeat these days, with more happenings in trendier places.

Geradine Sim, one of the ladies shaping the fashion scene, texted me an invitation to attend a private viewing of two collections by one of Kuching’s young fashion designers.

Keith Sim, who was born in Kuching, has spent time in Perth, Western Australia, where he pursued his passion of being a fashion designer.

He studied Fashion Products and Markets at the renowned North Metropolitan TAFE, where he learned from talented tailors, designers, and artists.

From left: Datin Sri Jacqueline Ngu, the writer, and stylish trainer Arzmy Hargreaves.

Keith’s Chinese New Year collection.

In 2019, he won the Best Designer award at Borneo Fashion Week in Kuching.

Keith, an emerging designer, made his debut at the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) in August this year, however I missed his show.

Back in my hometown this month, it is inevitable not to show my presence.

Keith designing using deconstructivism, according to the KLFW review, is a fresh and creative approach that breaks away from conventional design principles.

His innovative approach to dismantling and reassembling garments to create new forms resulted in asymmetrical, irregular, or fragmented pieces seen on the runway during KLFW 2023.

By embracing imperfections and unfinished elements, Keith’s aesthetic appears to challenge traditional notions of beauty and perfection in fashion.

There were raw edges, layers, mixed textures, and unique silhouettes that reflected the unconventional and liberating times we live in.

As the twilight hour sets in, more ladies turned up for the event.

There was the well-heeled crowd, the beautiful Tai Tai who never seems to age, and the Gen Z who loves fashion or works in the fashion industry.

Before the show began, we looked through the brochure for the prices of the two collections that were going to be presented.

The Memento and Chinese New Year collections were priced in the mid-range, with a couple of outfits priced higher.

For couture attire that is tailored to fit well, Keith’s rates for this market are considered reasonable.

The natural landscaped BVLGANVILLA boasts classic interiors decked with images of Frida Kahlo, the iconic painter, on strewn cushions, and some retro posters on multi-hued walls, making it appealing to aesthetic-conscious clients.

It is quite a setting for a show where models can move from room to room.

Because our show was where the event began and concluded, we got more than a glance at the outfits.

Fashion models today are more diverse in terms of ethnicity, size, and age.

In the past, it was only designated for slim models.

As guests chose their items, the designer and his sales team moved about to take their orders.

This less invasive but equally efficient method of selling is one way of marketing your brand and merchandise.