The Runway designer boutique logo
For some time I have been curious to find out the thoughts of designers abroad upon Brunei, regarding their opinions and views of our local fashion scene. The launch of The Runway designer luxury boutique opened up this opportunity as I was able to personally meet them as well as gain insight on their creative backgrounds and collection. Before I get into the elements of this post, I'd like to give a huge, appreciative thank you to my dear friend Amal of Bohemian Brighties for inviting me to the launch party and taking the time to help a homie who can't drive out (Thanks Mal, if you ever need anything from me eg. an ootd photo, a hitman or Viet spring rolls, I got your back girl).
The Runway gives access to more Malaysian designers, those currently seen hanging on the frames include Syomirizwa Gupta, PU3 and Rico Rinaldi. Nora, the founder of The Runway makes this possible with "made-to-measure" sessions for the designer wears. I missed an opportunity to meet Rico but managed to catch up with Syomir and talk about the humble beginnings of the Syomirizwa Gupta fashion house.
With the designer aka man behind the collection
Rack of Syomirizwa Gupta Cruise 2016
The cruise collection seen above was Frida Kahlo inspired as he explains set the colour scheme as well as story line behind his Cruise 2016 collection. The keynotes to this collection were discovering individual styles, empowering women through fashion prints as well as being progressive with cultural influence. This collection particularly strikes me as it had plenty of outerwear that was still light to drape on despite the climate in this hot ass region. I have been in constant search for statement outerwear that I can cling over because at times, I like to be extra but with a level of rational clothes for the weather.
Conversing with Syomir about his fashion brand was a piece of cake because his enthusiasm overshadows and is obvious through the ways he explains his passion as well as interest as a unique style house.When asked about the initiation of the brand in Brunei, Syomir unfolds the growing interest of Bruneians upon fashion houses abroad as well as increasing expressive style purchases. It was refreshing to hear another designer mention the changing fashion interests of locals as well as how foreign brands are acknowledging that fact. To me, this was new information because a few years back, the fashion scene in Brunei was rather too small scaled or uncharted for the outside world to recognise. Likewise to what Syomir stated during our chat, "it's the people that make a lot of difference".
Video of the short chat with Syomirizwa Gupta. Warning: Terribly low audio sound quality
TL;DR Syomir is a charming soul who finds inspiration from artistic culture and history. His collection is currently available along with PU3 and Rico Rinaldi at The Runway, Kiulap Brunei.
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