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The striking design is one of up-and-coming designer Lee Bao En, 22, who was crowned winner of the first ever AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search earlier today.

Lee, from UCSI, was inspired by the rich history of Cambodia, and wowed both judges and the audience during the finale fashion show which was held on the last day of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015.

Featuring 10 finalists shortlisted from young fashion and design students all over Malaysia, their creations took centre stage on the runway in Pavilion's Centre Court.

The theme was Southeast Asian destinations, and inspirations ranged from deep sea creatures and architecture to topical issues like haze and deforestation.

Lee emerged the top of the list, after fierce competition. The panel of judges included AirAsia CEO Aireen Omar, KL Fashion Week founder Andrew Tan, and well-known local designers Khoon Hooi and Jovian Mandagie as well as editor of EH! Magazine, Khairul Abidin Ishak.

At a press conference later, Aireen said the designer search was one of many ways they develop young talent.

"This new project aims to support them with the highest form of exposure and opportunities available in the fashion industry," she said.

But why fashion? Aireen's answer is simple: "Why not?"

"AirAsia's vast route network and connectivity, especially in the Asean region is a catalyst for many fashion industry players to easily exchange ideas; visit different cities in the region to experience the different cultures and draw inspiration; the possibilities are endless!" she said.

Ter Mei Ching, 20, from Esmod Kuala Lumpur took third place with designs that drew inspiration from the Penang Bridge, reflected in structured dresses and shades of grey.

Taking on issues of the destruction of nature and deforestation, Shazmin Hashim's whimsical collection won the 23-year-old Universiti Teknologi Mara student second place. Her designs represented the contentious issue beautifully, with delicate branches adorning stark white fabric.

It was almost reminiscent of fairy-like woodland feel instead.

According to Tan from Fashion Week, the competition wasn't just about discovering new talent and the glitz and glamour of the runway show.

"As far as KL Fashion Week is concerned, it's not about just a competition and there you go.

"For us it's about ensuring these designers have a career that they will follow through with us," he said.

With this in mind, all three winners will be returning for the next KL Fashion Week, but this time to showcase their entire collection.

Andrew also hopes to create a capsule collection twice a year to be made available on the AirAsia site.

Apart from that, Jovian also made a surprise announcement that will see winner Lee apprentice for the noted fashion designer for a year.

With bright futures ahead of them, these are undoubtedly the up-and-coming faces of fashion to look out for in Malaysia, and one day, beyond. – August 16, 2015.

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