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The Rise of Independent Fashion Designers

Online fast fashion, where catwalk trends and high-fashion designs are replicated and mass-produced at a low cost has become the go-to for many consumers worldwide. Despite all its glory, it encourages the purchasing of cheap clothes and discarding them after only a few wears due to poor quality. Not to mention its appallingly unethical circumstances and impact on the environment.

Fashion has always been a deeply personal form of self-expression – a reflection of individuality and creativity but mass production dilutes originality. As awareness grows, more people are stepping away from fast fashion’s throwaway culture, turning instead to sustainability through thrifting, mindful consumption, and ethical alternatives.

This now leaves space for a new wave of consumption which requires better quality, unique yet affordable garments. But who is bringing back the artistic craftsmanship that fashion once thrived on? The answer is simple: emerging designers. With fresh ideas, bold prints, new narratives and a commitment to sustainability, they are proving that the future of fashion is more exciting than ever.

To spotlight this movement, ESMOD Kuala Lumpur hosted its Fashion Festival from March 8 to 25, 2025, at The One Academy. Centered on corsetry, the festival opened with an exhibition showcasing collections by alumni-turned-entrepreneurs and current students. The following days featured a Paper Corset Workshop for high schoolers and the public, along with a three-day Advanced Corset Workshop led by French lecturer and fashion course leader Andréa Guérot. Attendees also experienced a live garment painting session by Eric Choong, a Malaysian fashion icon renowned for weaving traditional ethnic elements into his designs.

The festival wrapped up with an exclusive forum featuring ESMOD alumni Aaron Yong Wei Hao (founder of Weihaoyong Studio), Shoong Nuo-Wen (founder of Fétiche The Label), and Liew Hung Yi (founder of Atasan Studio), all of whom have been making waves on social media with their extraordinary designs. They have found success within their niches – Yong with elegant evening gowns, Shoong with songket, and Liew with bold anime-inspired designs. Their ability to blend cross-cultural influences with impeccable technique is proof that authenticity in fashion is in demand.?

“When you’re in school, that’s the time to experiment with everything. Have fun with your work and don’t limit yourself – that’s how you reach your full potential. When you go out into the real world with the skill set you’ve acquired, you can do anything,” advised Liew to the fashion students.

“Before starting a business, you need to identify your niche. Mine is songket corsets, and I make them appealing not just to the Malay audience but to all races in Malaysia,” explained Shoong. “Stay true to yourself and be persistent in your vision and ideology – that’s how you establish your signature style and grow as a designer,” she continued.

“Right now, social media is everything, so make the most of it. Having great work doesn’t guarantee visibility, so you need to put yourself out there to reach a wider audience. Building an online presence is a great way to gain recognition and attract opportunities,” said Yong.

Despite the misconception that the fashion industry is an oversaturated market, there is still plenty of room for unmatched innovation, creativity, and individuality by fashion designers. Social media has emerged as a powerful force in shaping fashion practices, with influencers revolutionizing the way we discover, consume, and engage with fashion content, the movement toward celebrating independent designers is gaining momentum. People are now seeking unique, high-quality pieces that tell a story, rather than mass-produced fast fashion.

ESMOD Kuala Lumpur is under the umbrella of the world’s first and oldest fashion school in the world with over 180 years of history. Just like The One Academy’s commitment to the “Masters Train Masters” coaching philosophy, ESMOD Kuala Lumpur students are nurtured with the best Parisian fashion design education through comprehensive syllabuses that cover not only the creative-based fashion designing, but also high-level practical techniques of pattern-making which are led by experienced international fashion designers, most of whom hail from Paris, the fashion capital city of the world. For more information, visit or call +603-7875 5510 or e-mail your enquiries to [email protected] / [email protected].