Last year's instalment at The Yard in Sentul Depot drew fashion enthusiasts from near and far (Photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur)
Art is long and life is short, and creating something worthy of such lofty status and cultural cachet requires blood, sweat and tears poured out over countless hours. While fame can be easily achieved overnight with pure luck, especially in the current age of social media, history’s most illustrious names are, more often than not, close friends with the gruelling process of trial and error. This sense of lasting dedication to making something awe-inspiring, fine-tuned through patience and passion, is something those in both the fashion and automotive industries must master.
Though an unlikely pairing at first glance, these fields are more alike than you think. Heavily design-centric for contemporary consumers with a taste for the finer things in life at the core of product ideation, both industries are highly competitive, best suited for only the boldest and most driven among us. Be it a smooth-running vehicle or an expertly tailored article of clothing, on the track testing a new ride or burning the midnight oil at a sewing machine, top engineers and dressmakers are accustomed to operating in the fast lane, in more ways than one, and devote themselves to the construction of pieces of art meant to last a lifetime. When we buy a new car or clothes — items used on a regular basis — our choices help curate the image and personality we present to the outside world, introducing the individual without the need for words.
To celebrate this kindred spirit, German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz made its foray into the realm of fashion a few decades ago. Under its supplementary fashion engagement initiative, the brand has been the primary sponsor of several style events worldwide, partnering with various platforms to raise the profiles of emerging, cutting-edge designers. Now, its own annual event — Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW) — takes place across several major cities. Aptly headlined “The Icon”, the seventh Kuala Lumpur edition is positioned as one of the region’s most exciting.
Nadia Trimmel, vice-president of marketing and sales at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, elaborates on the title, a reference to both remarkable cars and couture: “Icons aren’t created overnight. They evolve, they inspire, they challenge the conventional. ‘The Icon’ is a tribute to the people, designs and innovations which stand the test of time, like the Mercedes-Benz brand. Much like a couture creation that reinvents classic elegance, a model like the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class stays true to its unmistakable DNA, yet embraces the future of an electric era.”
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This year’s round is set to grace The Exchange TRX from June 13 to 15, welcoming scores of Malaysia’s fashion elite to the runway at the Central Exchange atrium on the ground floor. Situated in the city’s beating heart, the mall — “a world-class experiential lifestyle destination”, in the words of Trimmel — serves as the ideal setting for a contemporary event of its kind. “Just like fashion, the spaces we choose reflect our company’s vision,” she says. “The Exchange TRX is highly regarded as a forward-thinking business hub with sustainable focus and an elevated urban lifestyle — all that mirrors our brand’s essence aligning with the dynamics on the runway.”
Some 16 labels, including local stalwarts like Dickson Lim, Celest Thoi, Khoon Hooi, UnitedWood and Justin Yap, will showcase fresh outputs on the catwalk. Additionally, award-winning Indonesian menswear designer Temma Prasetio will make a debut MBFW appearance, exemplifying Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s commitment to diversity and recognition of not only local talent, but that of our Asean neighbours too. Selected for their ability to redefine style and influence in the Malaysian fashion sphere, these visionaries embody the tagline “Electric is the Attitude”, which Trimmel describes as a mindset all about “embracing bold innovation and sustainability without compromising on style”.
Speaking of electric, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 will be front and centre at the event. Marketed as a “legend, reimagined”, this SUV combines a timeless look with modern off-road performance, made possible by pioneering EQ technology. A 116kWh high-capacity battery delivers a WLTP-certified range of 491km. Four single-wheel motors with virtual locks give it a whopping 587hp and 1,164Nm torque, enabling it to go from 0 to 100kph in a mere 4.7 seconds. As if that is not impressive enough, innovative G-TURN and G-STEERING functions help the model navigate loose surfaces (like sand or gravel), escape tight spaces and manoeuvre with precision, even on winding roads.
Its boxy silhouette, flattering against metropolitan landscapes and rugged wilderness alike, echoes the quintessential G-Class build. Subtle upgrades come in the form of a slightly raised hood as well as a reimagined A-pillar trim and rear wheel arch air curtains for smoother, quieter driving. The rear-mounted spare tyre compartment has been transformed into a storage box, maintaining its iconic appearance while offering 21st-century practicality. With MANUFAKTUR customisation, clients will be able to fashion unique bespoke vehicles ideal to take on any adventure.
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At Mercedes-Benz, form and function do not only collide, but exist in perfect tandem. “We create vehicles which are not just about mobility. They are about presence and making an entrance,” says Trimmel. “The all-new electric G-Class is exactly that: timeless luxury, cutting-edge innovation and unmistakable character, much like the most iconic fashion pieces that have defined generations.”
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur will take place at The Exchange TRX from June 13 to June 15.
This article first appeared on June 9, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
