THE Penang Fashion Week (PFW) 2025 is set to make a stylish comeback from Oct 10 to 12, shining the spotlight on the island’s growing fashion and creative scene.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai announced that the three-day event will be held at the Main Concourse of Sunshine Central in Farlim.
“Penang is positioning itself not only as a cultural and tourism hub but also as a fashion-forward destination with a distinctive voice.
“Under the theme ‘Beyond Borders: Fashion Without Limits’, this year’s edition of PFW celebrates Penang’s homegrown creativity and craftsmanship while opening doors to new design frontiers. The event will feature a curated lineup of local designers, emerging Penang-based brands and Malaysian fashion talents, all coming together to showcase collections that reflect Penang’s unique blend of tradition, innovation, and multiculturalism,” Wong told a press conference at Komtar today.
PFW 2025 will highlight the diversity and creativity of Penang’s fashion industry with participants including guest designers from Jandy Roman of the Philippines, Vietnam, Faridz Salleh from Kuala Lumpur, 45 LAB, A.S.A.P., COMO, Dapper, Deewa, De’sara, DS by Dephney Sim, Equator College, Goggles, Han Chiang High School, Hanzo, Hawkeye, Mukrawee Lee, POLYCC, POLO Kids, Undressed Bridal House and Zhusaid Creations.
The event will feature a full programme of runway showcases, mannequin displays, designer pop-ups, style exhibitions, and interactive installations. It will also host the PFW Kids and Adults Model Search Grand Finale, which aims to discover the next generation of Penang models ready to shine on regional and international platforms.
Wong added that PFW 2025 will also pay tribute to Penang’s fashion heritage by spotlighting the Penang Nyonya Kebaya, which was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Dec 4, 2024, during the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee in Asunción, Paraguay.
The kebaya, under the title “Kebaya: knowledge, skills, traditions and practices”, was jointly nominated by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
“Once the attire of Peranakan women in Penang, the kebaya is now recognised globally as a timeless expression of craftsmanship, femininity, and cultural pride. Its intricate embroidery and storytelling motifs will be featured on the runway as part of the celebration of Penang’s enduring legacy in fashion,” Wong said.
Organised by Penang Fashion Week and produced by Velvet Signature, long-standing contributors to Penang’s fashion and creative industries, the event is supported by the state government through PETACE and Penang Global Tourism.
Event project manager Ivan Choo said 60 models and 20 local and international designers will be taking part in the three-day celebration.
“All fashion enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and members of the public are invited to experience the style, stories, and soul of Penang at this year’s Penang Fashion Week,” Choo said.
Meanwhile, Bryan Wong, group marketing communications manager of Sunshine Central Penang, said PFW 2025 carries added significance as it coincides with the mall’s first anniversary on Oct 11, with Sunshine Central also serving as the event’s venue sponsor.
“As Penang Fashion Week 2025 coincides with our anniversary, it makes the celebration especially meaningful. We believe this event will inspire innovation, strengthen the creative economy, and position Penang as a rising fashion capital in the region.
“Over the past year, Sunshine Central has hosted a wide range of community programmes, cultural celebrations, family-friendly activities, and creative showcases that bring people closer and add vibrancy to Air Itam,” Bryan said.
Also present at the press conference were Penang Global Tourism senior tourism executive Goh Pei Ling and PFW 2025 assistant project director Stephen Teh.
Pix by Law Suun Ting