Like any other year, the final year students of INTI International College Subang’s Diploma in Fashion Design pulled out all the stops in organizing their annual INTICHANGE 06fashion showcase, albeit virtually. The pandemic did nothing to dampen the spirits of these young designers as they continued to strive hard despite the struggles they faced.
Models slaying the Moussaka collection by Adriana Anuar presented at the virtual INTICHANGE 06 Fashion Show.
The INTICHANGE 06 Fashion Showcase featured the works of six students who took the virtual runway with their designs. Their collection of outfits represented the concepts they had chosen.
“I am indeed very proud of the graduating students of the Diploma in Fashion Design programme. Unlike others who graduated prior to them, this is a cohort projected out from an unexpectedly challenging situation, making them unique in their skills set as they prepare themselves for the industry in the new norm,” said Ang Tong Yin, Dean of INTI’s Center of Art & Design (ICAD).
The annual event, much anticipated by final year students, has a reputation for being a platform to debut up-and-coming designers from the school.
Tong Yin further explained the idea behind the theme and the work put in by the students.
“The theme defines the event of presenting the designers’ creative thought processes, design solutions and creative passions through their final collection. They will soon become professional designers who are instrumental in changing the fashion industry in our country.”
Proudly presenting their unique designs were Arina Yasmin, the designer of her collection, Arcana Papillion; Lim Shim Yi, who presented Convenience; Kam Hui Ying, the designer of Equations; Tan Yen Li, the mastermind behind the Persephone collection; Siti Zubaidah, the designer of Endurance and lastly Adriana Anuar, the designer of Moussaka.
Tan Yen Li, of the six graduates shared with us her distant learning experience and how she sailed through the Movement Control Order (MCO) last year.
“The major problem I faced during my final semester was accessing to the materials for my collection. Travelling was restricted during MCO and I had to resort to buying everything online. Due to this, I had to plan ahead of time. As time passed, I started struggling in my education and also mentally. But my lecturers and classmates came to my rescue. They reassured me that everything will fall into place,” said Yen Li.
A model wearing one of Tan Yen Li’s creations from the Persephone collection.
She further added, “The Blackboard learning management system we relied on during MCO was beyond our expectations; it is more tech-forward and convenient than perceived as we rarely used the platform for class calls previously. Overall, it was an interesting final semester. It was not what I expected it to be, but it is an unforgettable one.”
Another student, Adriana Anuar, a budding designer and graduate at INTICHANGE 06 illustrated her dreams of building her start-up brand, Adana.
“It is up and running since the beginning of the year, catering minimal and effortless styles to Malaysian women. Adana aspires to be more than just a clothing brand; it aims to empower women through modest clothing. I do believe that through my time at ICAD, I have been instilled with a great foundation and knowledge to pursue my desire of being a successful fashion entrepreneur,” said the beaming Adriana.
“ICAD fashion graduates have over the years grown into widely recognized designers known for their skills and craftsmanship. This showcase is yet another example of their talent and it is exciting to see them progress out of the classroom and contribute to the industry,” shared Dr Jane Lim, Chief Executive of INTI International College Subang.
The international exposure, innovative learning and individual development of ICAD students are enhanced through participation in various competitions such as the ZALORA x INTI Fashion Design Competitions and ANIMAX Costume Design Competition. This is further enhanced by practical training with established local and international labels such as Beatrice Looi, Khooi Hooi, Monica Quen, Eleusis Bridal, ZALORA Malaysia etc.
Dr Jane concluded, “Empowered with the ability to apply their talent and artistic techniques in the creative process, and to express their ideas in their own distinctive style, ICAD’s graduates can look forward to becoming versatile, adaptable and enterprising professionals that are always on top of the latest trends.”