PENANG Fashion Week 2026 will make its mainland debut at Design Village Outlet Mall in Batu Kawan from Nov 13 to 15, bringing together local and international designers, fashion brands and emerging creative talents for a three-day showcase.
Returning for its second edition, the event will be held under the theme “Fashion Evolution – A New Era of Style”, highlighting the changing Malaysian fashion landscape by bringing traditional influences together with contemporary designs.
The event aims to provide a platform for established fashion labels, local designers and emerging talents to showcase their work and connect with the wider fashion industry.
Organised by Velvet Signature, the event is supported by PETACE and PE Land, in partnership with TLM Event.
Speaking at a press conference at Komtar, state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai said the event would provide opportunities for students to showcase their designs and gain exposure to a wider audience.
“Beyond established names in the industry, Penang Fashion Week 2026 also provides opportunities for students to present their creative works and gain exposure to a wider audience.
“By giving emerging talents a platform to showcase their designs, the event seeks to encourage the development of young designers and strengthen connections between fashion education and industry,” he said.
Wong also explained that hosting this year’s event in Batu Kawan would help introduce it to a wider mainland audience rather than repeatedly holding it on the island.
PE Land Penang chief operating officer Andy Song said Design Village is excited to host its first runway event, bringing a new fashion experience to Batu Kawan.
“This is the first time Design Village (DV) have a runway event, and we are excited to bring a new perspective to Batu Kawan,” he said.
He also highlighted the affordability of fashion at the outlet mall, noting that changing trends did not mean previous-season collections are no longer relevant.
“Fashion trends have changed so much these days that even a formal outfit can look great with a pair of sneakers. More importantly, the great prices at Design Village make fashion much more affordable.
“Just because a collection is from a previous season does not mean it is out of fashion,” Song said.
Meanwhile, Velvet Signature founder Ivan Choo said the event aims to go beyond showcasing fashion by creating opportunities for local talents to connect with regional and international industry players.
“We not only want to showcase creative talents and fashion, but also provide opportunities for our local talents to connect with players in the regional to international fashion scenes,” he said.
Also present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang and TLM Event managing director Jack Wong.
Participating local fashion brands include Michael Ooi and JR Collections, alongside international names Puma and Hush Puppies. Students from UCSI University and Kolej Komuniti Bukit Mertajam will also showcase their designs.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Siew Chia En