The highly anticipated highlight of the year – the ESMOD Kuala Lumpur Graduation Fashion Show returned with its newest batch of soon-to-be graduates who conquered the runway with their fashion masterpieces. Celebrating their graduation with a bang, the fashion show that took place on the 20th of August 2022 at Level 13, The One Academy witnessed the collections of 19 young, up-and-coming fashion designers who presented 93 pieces of exquisite creations.

This time around, the stage saw to the FD1909 batch of students exhibit incredible designs surrounding the theme “Croiranting” – a play on the word quarantine, because they started working on their collection in 2021 during the lockdown, they all profess to love croissants, and perhaps they would also like to rant about their frustrations through their creations.

Prior to the unveiling at the fashion show, the ESMOD KL Jury Week took place where a jury panel made up of several notable people in the industry, namely fashion designers Khoon Hooi, Joe Chia, Justin Yap and Daniel Lau, was invited to evaluate and score the students’ collections. Also in participation was Paul Marchand, ESMOD Paris’ Head of Fashion Design and Pedagogic International Coordinator, who specially made a trip here for the graduation fashion show. They listened to the rationalization behind their collections and provided advice as well as pointers on how they can be improved.

After the successful fashion show which drew a big crowd of spectators, it was time to crown the winners. This year, the ‘Best Fashion Design’ award was won by Lim Wee Yang, while the ‘Best Pattern Making’ award went to two winners this time – Anthony Chai Zhi Yung for menswear and Agnes Yeow Ying Ni for womenswear. The ‘Best Collection’ award was won by Marcus Tan Jun Keat for an outstanding collection overall.

The most coveted ‘Golden Needle’ award was presented to Samantha Low. The pure gold needle made into a necklace is one of the highest recognitions by ESMOD International, presented to the top students to honour their hard work and achievement. These students have been nominated by their lecturers for their exemplary effort throughout their journey at ESMOD Kuala Lumpur.

Upon graduation, these young talents will go out to take the fashion world by storm and this fashion show serves as a prelude to their talents and creativity. In previous years, the past ESMOD KL graduation fashion shows have been a stunning success and we aim to continue providing a platform for the students to proudly exhibit their hard work and knowledge earned over the years.

It is easy to see that the future is indeed bright for these young fashion designers as they have created not only amazing pieces of fashion but also exceptional works of art in their masterpieces. The next step in their journey to success is to undergo an internship under some of the biggest names in the fashion industry to further enhance their skills. This has been practiced under the ESMOD program in collaboration with ESMOD International over the years.

[The One Academy of Communication Design was established in 1991 with the aim of promoting the region as the world’s center of creative reference. Strategically located in the thriving creative hub of Bandar Sunway, Selangor, with a branch in Georgetown, Penang, The One Academy is today a top notch leading international institute in art, design and creative multimedia, renowned with graduates who steer successful careers in creative capitals worldwide. The courses offered are Digital Media Design, Digital Animation with Game Development, Film Visual Effects, Illustration, Movie & Game Art, Advertising & Graphic Design, Interior Design, Paris Fashion Design & Pattern Making and Fine Arts.]