The ESMOD Kuala Lumpur Graduation Fashion Show on September 28th, 2024, was held at ESMOD Kuala Lumpur @ The One Academy (TOA). It featured the newest batch of soon-to-be graduates who set the fashion runway ablaze with their show-stopping masterpieces.

The exquisite collections of 13 emerging fashion designers showcased a total of 65 stunning garments, each with its remarkable individuality, concept, and craftsmanship.

ESMOD Kuala Lumpur students are nurtured with the best Parisian fashion design education through comprehensive syllabuses that cover not only creative-based fashion designing but also high-level practical techniques of pattern-making led by experienced international fashion designers, most of whom hail from Paris, the fashion capital of the world.

The talented line-up comprises: Antonina Trevelyan Nejati Namin, Cheng Hui Rou, Cheryl Lock Yong Jia, Chiah Herng Pinn, Daniel Lee Zhen Hong, Kew Qian Ru, Lew Yen Yee, Mithesha Bimali Ekanayake, Ng Kai Xiang, Sam Xin Loo, Teo Pernie, Yap Yu Qi, and Yurika Yudha.

Finally, the highly coveted prestigious “Golden Needle Award” – so named because it is a pure gold needle made into a necklace – is awarded to the exemplary student each year to honour his/her achievement throughout their study at ESMOD Kuala Lumpur. This year, the exclusive award was presented to Cheryl Lock Yong Jia, who is also the president of this batch of graduates.

Below is a transcript of STUDYMALAYSIA (SM)'s Interview with the Winner of the Golden Needle Award, Cheryl Lock Yong Jia:

SM:
Hello Cheryl, this is Tan Mui Hong. On behalf of STUDYMALAYSIA, I would like to congratulate you on winning the Golden Needle Award. I’d like to interview you and record this conversation for publication in my media.

SM:
My first question to you is: Why did you choose this course, how has the academy prepared you, and how exactly are you feeling right now?
Cheryl:
I chose this course because I’ve been passionate about fashion since I was 15. I’m fully committed to working in this field. I also love drawing and designing, so it's something I’ve been dedicated to since a very young age. I truly believe that The One Academy and ESMOD have trained me to be a better person and helped turn my passion into something real. They’ve shaped me every single day, and I am sure this training is going to stand me in good stead in my future career. My future plan is to hopefully open my own brand, launch my own designs, and continue working in the field I love.

SM:
What advice would you give to new students aspiring to be fashion designers?
Cheryl:
You have to work really hard to achieve your goals.

SM:
Embarking on a course like this requires a lot of financial investment. I understand you’ve spent quite a bit on models and production.
Cheryl:
Yes, that's true. Fashion does involve money, but as I said, if you’re dedicated and working toward your goal, money spent is not wasted on the wrong things. Use it wisely, invest in the right areas, and make your dreams come true.

SM:
Do you believe that the investment you've made will enable you to recoup costs and earn a good income?
Cheryl:
I really hope so.

SM:
Finally, how would you describe The One Academy and ESMOD?
Cheryl:
They’ve shaped me into the person I am today. I’m grateful to my school for honing my skills and making me a better person every single day.

SM:
One last question: What was the most memorable moment during your time at The One Academy?
Cheryl:
It is not just a specific moment that is memorable, but working with my friends certainly makes my study here very memorable. I believe that studying and collaborating with classmates builds teamwork, and good teamwork always results in better work.

SM's Interview with Model Ms Vanessa:

SM:
Hi Vanessa! How was your experience working with Cheryl?
Vanessa:
It was my first time working with her, but I’ve worked with ESMOD before. I was quite nervous since I had to appear at the beginning of the show and being the first to walk with her designs. It was an amazing experience, though, and her outfits were stunning. All of her collections were incredibly well done. I was excited to work with and for her.

SM:
As an experienced model, what did you think of the outfits?
Vanessa:
They were definitely of international standard. I’ve always liked ESMOD because their fashion shows consistently feature impressive work. The designers there are encouraged to compete on an international level, not just locally. I think that’s fantastic, and all of the designers of The One Academy did an amazing job this time.

SM:
Congratulations, Vanessa. Thanks a lot for sharing your feedback.