If you’re feeling patriotic and looking for a chance to celebrate the stories, traditions and creativity that make Malaysia unique, this article is for you. When it comes to fashion, those stories can be found in more places than you might expect.
From timeless leather craftsmanship and tailored menswear to children’s clothing, modest fashion and contemporary womenswear, Malaysian brands have grown by understanding the people and communities they serve.
This Malaysia Day, discover the stories behind four homegrown brands at Alamanda Shopping Centre and see how Malaysian fashion has evolved across generations.
BONIA: A Malaysian Brand with Italian Inspiration
It might surprise some shoppers to learn that BONIA is a homegrown Malaysian fashion name.
Founded by Chiang Sang Sem in 1974, BONIA began with a focus on leather craftsmanship. During a visit to Italy, Chiang was inspired by the work of 16th-century sculptor Giambologna, which eventually led to the creation of the BONIA name. The brand went on to develop from its leather roots into a wider lifestyle and fashion label, with products spanning handbags, accessories, footwear and more.
Today, BONIA has grown into an internationally recognised name, but its story remains rooted in Malaysian entrepreneurship. It is a reminder that being Malaysian does not mean limiting yourself to local influences. Instead, local brands can draw inspiration from around the world and turn those influences into something uniquely their own.
Shop at BONIA on the Lower Ground Floor.
Smart Master: Keeping the Art of Tailoring Alive
For generations, a well-tailored suit has been a symbol of confidence, professionalism and special occasions. Smart Master brings that tradition into the modern Malaysian wardrobe.
Founded in 1999 by master tailor Dickson Phang, Smart Master was built around the expertise of tailoring and the importance of a good fit. From ready-to-wear suits and shirts to tailor-made services, the brand has made formalwear more accessible while retaining the attention to detail associated with traditional tailoring.
Its collections have also evolved beyond the traditional suit, with smart casual clothing and accessories giving modern customers more ways to dress for work, celebrations and everyday occasions.
Smart Master’s story shows how Malaysian fashion can preserve traditional craftsmanship while adapting to changing lifestyles. Whether dressing for a wedding, an important presentation, or simply looking your best, the right fit can make all the difference.
Shop at Smart Master on the Lower Ground Floor.
Siti Khadijah: Rethinking Traditional Prayer Wear
Sometimes the best innovations begin with a simple question: how can we make something people already use every day work better?
For Siti Khadijah, that question centred on telekung. Founder Puan Padzilah Enda Sulaiman noticed that women often struggled to find prayer wear that was comfortable and fitted well. This inspired the creation of Siti Khadijah in 2009, with a focus on improving the comfort and experience of wearing telekung.
The brand’s designs introduced practical innovations, including stretchable facial cuffs that helped provide a better fit without relying on pins or complicated adjustments.
From that initial idea, Siti Khadijah developed into a recognised Malaysian modest fashion brand, showing how innovation can work alongside tradition rather than replacing it.
Its journey reflects an important part of Malaysian fashion: taking familiar cultural practices and finding thoughtful, contemporary ways to make them work for modern life.
Shop at Siti Khadijah on the Ground Floor.
VARIANTE: A Modern Expression of Malaysian Womenswear
Malaysian fashion is not only about looking back at tradition. It is also about how today’s designers interpret modern life.
Established in 2005 by Malaysian designer Leslie Variyan, VARIANTE was created as a ready-to-wear label for the modern and empowered woman. Its designs combine classic and versatile silhouettes with contemporary touches, creating pieces that can transition from home and work to evening occasions.
Leslie’s interest in fashion began early, influenced by accompanying his mother to her tailor. That early exposure to fabrics, tailoring and the way clothing could transform how a woman looks and feels eventually shaped his career as a designer.
Today, VARIANTE represents another side of Malaysia’s fashion story: the creativity of local designers who continue to develop new interpretations of style for modern Malaysian women.
Shop at Variante on the Ground Floor.
Celebrate Malaysian Fashion at Alamanda Shopping Centre
These homegrown stories are part of what makes Malaysian fashion worth celebrating! Which is why this Malaysia Day, Alamanda Shopping Centre is bringing that spirit to life through its upcoming Alamanda x MODA Malaysia Day Fashion Show.
Alamanda x MODA Malaysia Day Fashion Show
10–13 September 2026
The celebration continues at the Centre Court with the Alamanda x MODA Malaysia Day Fashion Show, a four-day fashion event showcasing Malaysian designers and creativity.
The Centre Court will be transformed into an immersive runway inspired by Malaysia’s diversity and unity, featuring elements such as the hibiscus, Malaysia’s national flower, alongside the iconic colours of the Jalur Gemilang.
Across four days, shoppers can look forward to at least 10 fashion shows. Handheld Malaysian flags will also be distributed to audiences as part of the Malaysia Day celebrations.
Stay Patriotic in Style
From a Malaysian leather brand inspired by Italy to tailoring traditions, children’s fashion, modest wear and contemporary womenswear, these brands each tell a different story about what it means to create and grow in Malaysia.
This Malaysia Day, discover the stories behind homegrown fashion at Alamanda Shopping Centre and experience Malaysian fashion on the runway during the Alamanda x MODA Malaysia Day Fashion Show from 10–13 September 2026.
