KUCHING Aug 29: A young designer hailing from the Land of Hornbills is carving a niche in the fashion world with innovation and cultural appreciation at the forefront of his journey.
Keith Sim, drawing inspiration from Sarawak’s vibrant lifestyle, showcases a collection that intertwines storytelling, tradition, culture, and inclusivity.
Born in Kuching, Sim unveiled his brand ‘KEITHSIM’ in 2017, and he recently made his debut at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW 2023) with his collection ‘MEMENTO.’
His enthusiasm was palpable as he shared his journey with TVS, describing it as a delightful journey, from the conceptual stages to the KL Fashion Week showcase held at Aloft KL Sentral.
When asked about the driving force behind each collection, Sim expressed that inspiration knows no boundaries.
“Everywhere is a source of inspiration,” he conveyed, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the creative process. He added that ordinary occurrences and mundane tasks can spark extraordinary ideas, capturing the essence of a designer’s craft.
Sim also embraces his roots, weaving Sarawak’s dynamic identity into his designs.
“Tradition and culture are pivotal in Sarawak’s context. As someone with Chinese heritage, my collection blends various cultural elements,” the young designer revealed.
Sim’s innovative approach invites us to reimagine the modern facet of Sarawak’s culture, presenting a fresh perspective that bridges the past and present—a narrative that embodies his aspirations for transformative change through fashion.
Anticipating the future, Sim shared, “I envision returning in 2024 with a more impactful collection and presentation, showcasing more of Sarawak,” hinting at an even brighter horizon.
Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) celebrated its 11th edition from August 21 to 27, 2023. The event brought together 50 designers and brands, showcasing ready-to-wear collections across seven venues over seven days. -TVS
