4 hours Ago By Vicky Fong
Harbin Fashion Week celebrates its 11th year as one of the most prestigious platforms for both emerging and established designers. Among the 34 international fashion labels showcased at the event was Atelier Prive Melson, a Malaysian brand by designer Melvin Ashley Shah. Harbin Fashion Week celebrates its 11th year as one of the most prestigious platforms for both emerging and established designers.
The event attracts international designers from various backgrounds, creating a melting pot of diverse creativity. What distinguishes Harbin Fashion Week is its balance between avant-garde and mainstream designs, coupled with its exceptional production value. With an audience from around the globe, the event enjoys a truly international flair.
This year, the week also coincided with the ASEAN Winter Games 2025 in Harbin, China. Among the 34 international fashion labels showcased at the event, which ran from January 10 to 15, was Atelier Prive Melson, a Malaysian brand selected to participate. Its designer, Melvin Ashley Shah from Kuala Lumpur, was honoured with an award, a testament to his talent and innovation.
We caught up with him to learn more about his experience. A global stage for Malaysian talent Melvin shared that he was amazed by the diversity of styles and influences at the event, all coming together in such a high-profile fashion week. “It was incredible to witness such a blend of creative expressions,” he said.
When asked how he managed to secure a spot on this international stage, Melvin revealed that he was discovered at ASEAN Fashion Week, where a fashion stylist and stage director associated with Harbin Fashion Week recommended him. “They loved my collection and introduced me to the Harbin Fashion Week community,” he explained. “After they reviewed my portfolio, I was invited to join the event — a huge blessing for me.
” A Spring/Summer Collection celebrating timeless elegance This year, Atelier Prive Melson showcased The Allure of Atelier Prive Melson Spring/Summer 2025/26, a collection of 20 pieces featuring floral prints and lightweight fabrics. The designs embodied a carefree, timeless ethos, presented as an exclusive ready-to-wear collection for 2025 Harbin Fashion Week. During the opening of Harbin Fashion Week, each of the 34 All-Star invited designers presented one gold-coloured outfit with the theme “Go For Gold” in conjunction with the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin.
The audience received the collection positively, and Melvin was interviewed by local media and journalists following his presentation. The award On the closing night of the 2025 Harbin Fashion Week, Atelier Prive Melson, along with its designer Melvin Ashley Shah, was awarded the title of Most Popular Designer, alongside four other designers from France, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Challenges and support for Malaysian designers When asked about the challenges of participating in such an international event, Melvin mentioned the financial and logistical hurdles that designers often face.
“Organising everything for a global show is no small feat,” he said. However, he acknowledged the increasing support from local initiatives and fashion incubators offering mentorship, which is invaluable for designers aspiring to break into the global scene. “I hope to collaborate in the future with agencies or organisations that support local handicrafts and textiles in my collections,” he added, highlighting the importance of incorporating Malaysian heritage into his work.
Encouraging global exposure for Malaysian designers Melvin is a strong advocate for more local designers to participate in international fashion weeks. “We have so much to offer,” he said. “By participating more in global events, Malaysian designers can gain greater recognition and respect.
It is crucial for our designs and cultural influences to be seen on the international stage. The more exposure we get, the more opportunities we will have to showcase the richness of our heritage.” Exploring Harbin’s Winter Wonderland After the fashion week, Melvin had the chance to explore Harbin, home to the world’s largest ice and snow culture festival, which features theme parks, skiing events, and parades.
So, did the cold weather affect him? “Not at all,” he said. “I’m used to travelling to cold countries for both work and leisure. As a designer, you learn to adapt to any environment.
I made sure to plan my outfits carefully and ensure my models were comfortable. It was all about balancing practicality with style, and that was a fun challenge.” For more information, contact @ateliermelson on Instagram or type in #ateliermelson on your social media.
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