Malaysia: Malaysia's cultural identity and national pride take centre stage at the inaugural Adiwarna Runway, where local designers showcase creations inspired by the country's heritage and the hibiscus, alongside the Malaysia Day celebration.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the four-day fashion showcase, which began yesterday and ends tomorrow at Alamanda Shopping Centre, brings together Malaysian designers to celebrate homegrown creativity and elevate the country's fashion industry.

The event opened with a special presentation by 22 members of the Malaysian Official Designers' Association (MODA), each unveiling a signature piece crafted using an exclusive textile print inspired by the vivid hues of the hibiscus, Malaysia's national flower.

A further 16 designers are staging dedicated runway shows throughout the programme, featuring collections ranging from contemporary ready-to-wear to modern modest fashion.

Beyond the runway, the showcase highlights the role of cultural heritage as a source of inspiration for the creative economy, as local designers reinterpret elements of Malaysian identity through contemporary fashion.

Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd executive director and chief executive officer Francis Tan said Malaysia Day provided an opportunity to bring Malaysians together through fashion, creativity and a shared sense of national identity.

'In conjunction with Malaysia Day, our objective is to curate an engaging retail experience that celebrates national pride, providing a stage where shoppers, civil servants and families can experience homegrown artistry firsthand,' he said in a statement today.

Tan said the collaboration with MODA also reflected the company's commitment to supporting Malaysian creative talent and celebrating the country's cultural identity.

Meanwhile, MODA president Cyrus Chin said Adiwarna Runway provided local designers with a meaningful platform to showcase their work and pursue greater opportunities.

He said the collaboration would help raise the profile of Malaysian designers and create opportunities for them to expand their presence both at home and internationally.

The programme also features the Adiwarna Runway Bazaar, where visitors can purchase selected ready-to-wear pieces, as well as performances by local artistes including Bunga Isme, Daniel Chuer, Daniesh Suffian, Ernie Zakri, Farah Dolhadi, Layla Sania and Yazmin Aziz.

A Family Fashion Walk involving winners of Alamanda's mall-wide Model Search will also be held as part of the programme.