20/07/2025

ON SUNDAY JULY 20, 2025 theSunday Special XI

Working on one of her designs

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It was only recently that Maireese started introducing more colour into her work. It has been a natural evolution, a way to express emotion and growth while staying true to her design sensibility RI HOHJDQFH VLPSOLFLW\ DQG UH¿QHPHQW Whether in monochrome or colour, the goal remains the same, to create pieces WKDW IHHO H̆ RUWOHVV \HW WKRXJKWIXO DOORZLQJ D ZRPDQ WR ZHDU WKHP ZLWK FRQ¿GHQFH today and for years to come. “The Malaysian fashion scene in par ticular is booming and on the rise. But looking at the Asian region as a whole, I think Tokyo stands out as our fashion capital. It balances avant-garde creativ ity with a strong sense of identity and nk Tokyo stands out as our fashion al. It balances avant-garde creativ with a strong sense of identity and

global influence. It’s experimental yet deeply rooted in culture. That said, Seoul and Shanghai are rising fast with their XQLTXH YRLFHV DQG LQÀXHQFH LQ WKH IDVKLRQ industry,” she added. Fashion sustainability Sustainability in the fashion industry is a major concern. Every international designer and label is talking about it and redirecting their journey towards this course. For designers like Maireese to achieve global success, they must also embark on a journey towards sustain ability for their brands. “Fashion sustainability in Asia is grow ing and Malaysia is catching up. I think

we’re in a great position to shape our own version of sustainable fashion, perhaps something rooted in our local strengths and values. One designer I admire is Mandy Fong from Hong Kong. She fo cuses on zero-waste pattern-making, using recycled fabrics and natural dyes in her designs. Her work proves that sustainable fashion can still be creative, wearable and stylish.” Supporting the good cause of protecting the earth and combating the habit of overconsumption, Maireese will soon introduce a rental line that makes beauti ful gowns for special occasions accessible to women from all walks of life, without breaking the bank on something they

might wear only once. It will be her way of sending the message that style should be empowering, not limiting. “ /RRNLQJ DKHDG P\ ¿YH \HDU YLVLRQ is all about growth, connection and em powerment. I’m planning to expand my brand internationally, collaborate with both local and global designers, while creating timeless pieces that help women feel confident and express themselves fully. Here’s to designing with purpose, evolving with heart and making fashion more inclusive, one piece at a time,” Maireese said with optimism.

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