Ong Chin Huat views Alia Bastamam’s latest Resort collections at the recent Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week.
Since launching her first collection in 2011, Malaysian-based designer Alia Bastamam has grown from strength to strength with each collection and today; her clothes are highly sought-after and seen on the backs of some of the most prominent VIPs, socialites and celebrities in town.
Her recent collections for Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2018- for both of her labels, Alia Bastamam Resort and the younger, hipper label Alia B. Resort wowed the fashionable crowds with their sleek and chic interpretation of what the “it-girls” would wear this season.
For her main line, Alia Bastamam Resort 2018/19, the sun, sand and sea provided the inspiration for the floaty kaftans and lacy, almost-naked evening dresses. Oversized boyfriend shirts provide cool comfort during these hot and humid summer days, while slouch satin pants add some daytime glamour when you have lunch under a vine-covered trellis.
A colour palette of graphic greens, blues and reds for the day definitely catches admiring glances, while evenings are seductive with silk crêpe in orange.
For Alia B., the silhouettes are younger, with a streamlined look with mini-dresses and a sleeveless tuxedo jacket, adding some panache.
“I decide to include a sampling of the aesthetic from my main line into this Alia B. collection,” Alia explains. “She’s more grown up this season so I’m walking away from the street style ‘thing.’ And I’ve designed a collection of womanly pieces with strong, empowering vibes.”
Evenings have an urban bohemian feel with skin tones and lush sateen making it sensual and seductive. Curves are emphasised, and the ubiquitous little black dress is interpreted in a slouchy and soft fashion.