Runway to Aisle: MBFW 2025 Proves Bridal Fashion Has Entered a New Era

this wasn’t your typical wedding fair. No frilly chaos, no tired Pinterest boards. Malaysia Bridal Fashion Week (MBFW) 2025 didn’t just arrive — it made a statement. With a three-day blowout at Astana Hall, Bamboo Hills, this inaugural event stitched together couture, culture, and serious creative ambition into a bold new blueprint for the future of bridal fashion in Malaysia.

Hosted by luxury bridal titan The Gown Atelier from 25 to 27 July, MBFW pulled out all the stops. Think 23 heavyweight designer labels from across the globe, over 2,000 guests including stylists, planners, celebs, media, and, of course, brides-to-be. It wasn’t just about dresses — it was about changing the way we think about weddings.

“As Malaysia’s first full-scale bridal fashion week, MBFW introduces a new platform for creativity, collaboration, and couture expression in the wedding scene,” said East Chin, founder of both The Gown Atelier and MBFW. “We created MBFW to spark inspiration and elevate the bridal experience – not just for brides, but for everyone shaping the wedding journey.” Her vision? An annual showcase that raises the bar, honours diverse styles, and celebrates fashion as a deeper form of cultural and personal identity.

Breaking the Mould — and the Runway

Sure, bridal showcases exist in Malaysia. But nothing has come close to this scale, curation, and creative punch. From the get-go, MBFW made it clear that this was something else. The runway itself — designed in an infinity loop — nodded to The Gown Atelier’s logo and symbolised unity, artistry, and lasting love. Subtle? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

And let’s not forget the gowns. This was couture with a capital C. For many attendees, it was a rare up-close-and-personal moment with pieces usually reserved for international fashion weeks.

A Global-Local Power Move

The designer lineup read like a fashion editor’s dream. Global icons like Zuhair Murad, Vera Wang, and Chung Thanh Phong shared the stage with homegrown couture giants like The Atelier — a name with deep Malaysian roots and global clout. The Gown Atelier’s exclusive partnerships with many of these labels only reinforced its status as Malaysia’s premier bridal fashion curator.

MBFW kicked off with an invite-only opening night, pulling in fashion insiders, celebrities, and creators. The first runway round? A striking blend of classic Western white gowns and Oriental-infused silhouettes by Zuhair Murad, Berta Chandra, and The Atelier — proving that elegance and cultural nuance don’t just coexist; they thrive together.

Adding more star power to the mix: international actress Arden Cho (you might know her as the voice of Rumi in K-pop Demon Hunters) graced the scene, along with Malaysian actress Yumi Wong. YouTuber Han Xiiao Aii strutted down the runway in The Atelier and Ivan Yong, while Hong Kong’s Hebe Chan made a surprise appearance during Alethea Sposa’s Sangjit showcase.

From East to Avant-Garde

Themed days kept things fresh and fiercely curated. Day 2’s Oriental Charm put tradition front and centre — but not in the predictable way. Cheongsam and qi pao were reimagined through a modern lens, perfect for the bride who wants to honour her roots without looking like she raided a costume trunk. Designers like Alethea Sposa, Nicole Boenawan, Tian Xi, and Berta Chandra delivered vibrant, culturally-rich looks that hit the sweet spot between heritage and high fashion.

Day 3 wrapped with Ivory & Hues, a celebration of bridal minimalism and maximalism alike. Clean lines? Check. Dramatic trains and full-skirt moments? Double check. Ivan Yong, Maison Pera, Yaralis Kothor, and Wang Feng showed just how expansive the modern bridal vocabulary can be. The night ended on a high with a closing celebration that brought everyone — designers, guests, and insiders — together in a toast to MBFW’s wildly successful debut.

Beyond the Dress

But MBFW wasn’t just a feast for the eyes — it was an immersive experience. Attendees tried their hand at DIY bouquet-making, customised perfume, painted edible art cookies, and snuck in a quick express manicure while sipping on curated drinks and nibbling gourmet bites. It was indulgent, interactive, and designed to keep the energy high.

Hosts Kevin Chong and Diana Danielle (who also took the stage for a soulful live performance) kept the vibe dynamic, while live violin and saxophone sessions added a luxe soundtrack to the weekend.

Brides who signed up with The Gown Atelier during the event enjoyed exclusive perks from MBFW’s vendor lineup, while daily lucky draws ended with two seriously jaw-dropping grand prizes: a RM75,000 luxury mattress from Simmons and a RM20,000 bespoke diamond ring courtesy of BEON Diamond.

The Industry Just Got a New Standard

Backed by Astana Bamboo Hill, BridePay, Aurizn, and an all-star list of sponsors like Bobbi Brown, Sanyu Chen Makeover Academy, Butter Diary, POSH Nail Spa, Alicescape_, Lynn’s17, Tap Tap, and Tuk Tuk Catering, MBFW was more than just a fashion event — it was a full-scale production with vision and polish.

For The Gown Atelier, MBFW is a natural evolution of its mission: not just to dress brides, but to reshape how weddings are experienced. With some of the world’s most coveted bridal brands under its belt, it’s setting the pace for what a modern bridal journey can look like — refined, inclusive, and unapologetically stylish.

If MBFW 2025 was the first chapter, we’re already eager for the sequel.