Heritage-inspired Malaysian haute couture brand Sofia Iman opened Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2025 in a powerful manner, headlining the official opening runway in a landmark collaboration with Suria KLCC on Monday, 4th August.
Based on the theme Heritage Reimagined, Style Redefined, the showcase captivated a 500-strong audience with a collection that celebrated the rich legacy of Malaysian craftsmanship through a contemporary lens.
The opening show was a vibrant affair, graced by prominent figures including the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week founder Andrew Tan, and Datuk Sr Mohd. Salem Kailany, group CEO of KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd.
A number of guests were beautifully draped in songket and batik, echoing the show's theme and paying homage to the nation's rich textile heritage.
An exquisite interpretation
In a unique and inspiring display of unity, Sofia Iman’s vision was interpreted by eight celebrated Malaysian designers: ABU, Ashley @ Kapas, Atelier Prive Melson, FUZA by Fuzana Mokhtaza, Jimmy Lim, Jimmy Wong, TANGOO, and Uzair Shoid.
The collection served as a tribute to the master weavers of Terengganu, the artisans behind the brand's exquisite songket pieces.
By infusing traditional techniques with modern silhouettes, the show aimed to elevate songket beyond its traditional confines, presenting it as a globally relevant fashion statement.
Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd executive director and CEO Francis Tan praised the landmark collaboration.
He said: “Our partnership with Sofia Iman for KLFW 2025 is a testament to our commitment to nurturing local talent and showcasing the richness of Malaysian culture. To witness a brand that began its journey with us at a modest promotional booth in 2008 now command the stage as the opening designer for KLFW is a full-circle moment we never imagined and are incredibly proud of. It is a powerful story of growth, belief, and shared ambition.”
Tan further emphasised Suria KLCC’s role as Malaysia's iconic experiential shopping destination, pointing out that the runway wasn’t just a celebration of fashion, but more of a way to champion Malaysian heritage and creativity on a global stage in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026.
He said: “This collaboration underscores our mission to provide a platform for local designers to shine and for the world to see the beauty and innovation inherent in our traditions. Our commitment extends to providing a space where their creativity and legacy can grow. We are proud to support local designers who have built such a strong name in fashion and are excited to welcome renowned fashion duo Rizman Ruzaini to the Suria KLCC family, with their boutique opening in the third quarter of 2025."
A major honour
For the Sofia Iman brand, being selected as the opening designer for its first-ever KLFW runway was a profound honour and a validation of its mission.
According to maison founder Puan Faralina Binti Abdul Wahab: "This showcase is the culmination of years of dedication, creativity, and staying true to our cultural roots. Our presence at Suria KLCC has shown us that customers desire modern interpretations of songket that they can incorporate into their daily lives. This collection was a direct response to that, and opening KLFW 2025 was an unparalleled opportunity to present our story, honour our artisans, and share Malaysian craftsmanship with a broader audience."
The show set an inspiring tone for the week-long event which features over 55 of the country’s finest designers and brands, celebrating Malaysian identity and innovation on the nation's most prestigious fashion platform.
