By Cynthia Ignatius
On October 26, 2024, the beautiful Taiping Lake Gardens became the stage for the International Ipoh Fashion Week (IIFW) 2024. This year’s show, themed “From Taiping with Love,” marked 150 years of Taiping’s history, blending fashion, culture, and charity in a unique way.
The event was set against the stunning Raintree Walk, where the rain trees created a natural canopy, adding elegance and charm to the show.
The fashion week featured collections from ten designers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Morocco, each showcasing their country’s unique style. Models walked down the iconic Raintree Walk wearing traditional and modern designs, reflecting the spirit of Taiping’s heritage.
At the IIFW 2024, Hauz of Borneo from Malaysia celebrated Sabah’s beauty with designs inspired by its landscapes and culture. Indonesian label Puan Aspekraf brought the elegance of batik to the runway, showcasing Indonesia’s traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary twist.
Other designers include Khair Johari, Mukrawee Lee, Gilbert Headhunter, Rohacraft, Polo Haus, Batik Kiambang Bertaut by Datin Hj Syarifah Diamatri Aida, and Kolej Komuniti Batu Gajah.
Moroccan designer Loayo presented a chic, modern line that highlighted sleek silhouettes and stylish details. Each collection added a unique cultural essence to the event, blending heritage with contemporary fashion on Taiping’s Raintree Walk.
International Ipoh Fashion Week has always been about more than just fashion. This year, as in previous years, part of the event’s proceeds were dedicated to meaningful causes. Proceeds from IIFW 2024 will benefit the Paediatric High Dependency Unit (PHDU) at Hospital Seri Manjung, supporting critically ill children, as well as animal welfare efforts at Zoo Taiping.
This charitable aspect has made IIFW beloved by both locals and international guests, who come not only to see the latest in fashion but also to support important causes.
IIFW 2024 was a wonderful way to celebrate Taiping’s heritage and the power of fashion to bring people together. With “From Taiping with Love” as its theme, the event highlighted the beauty of Taiping’s history, culture, and nature, making it a memorable celebration and a proud moment for Taiping and the fashion world.
