Step into the world of Outdwell, a rising star in street fashion. Rooted in streetwear culture, Outdwell draws inspiration from hip-hop, film, and art. Its Creative Director Oscar Lee’s (left) commitment to quality and inclusivity shines through, offering customised clothing for all genders.
Shaping street fashion trends
“OUTDWELL” is an obsolete verb meaning to outstay or to dwell beyond. Uniquely, it has been adopted by a fashion label that is making its mark in street fashion.
Outdwell made its debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur in 2022, alongside a slew of other designers.
Notably, the brand caught our attention with its white shirt, which seemed suitably unisex despite being a menswear label.
The man behind this fashion label is Creative Director Oscar Lee, born in 2002.
Oscar’s family originates from Alor Setar, Kedah. He was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur. After graduating in fashion design from an academy in Kuala Lumpur, he conceived his fashion label Outdwell as a small-scale project.
Oscar admitted that its evolution was catalysed by individuals who recognised the potential within both his brand and himself, affording him the opportunity to participate in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in both 2022 and 2023.
When asked about his commitment to developing his label, Oscar replied that he is absolutely committed to developing Outdwell on a full-time basis.
Recently, his brand held a fashion show in the fashion lounge of Maristar, where models also posed with the Smart Brabus EV car parked right at the entrance.
Maristar is a dining and entertainment venue with a concept by The Marini’s Group, featuring food, fashion, and passion, and it attracts a big crowd as it is a place to be seen at.
The writer has conducted a brief interview with Oscar.
Q: What is the collection for your show at Maristar, and how would you describe Outdwell fashion styles?
A: Presenting a fusion of styles from Act 1 to Act 4, the showcase by Outdwell at Maristar embodies the essence of our brand. With a diverse audience in mind, we have curated a collection that reintroduces Outdwell to the world. Rooted in streetwear culture, our brand draws inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of hip-hop music, film, and art.
What does fashion have to do with cars?
In the realm of fashion, cars play a pivotal role, much like the engine of style. Just as driving a Smart Brabus EV car demands the right attire to complement its essence, every fashion statement requires meticulous consideration.
Describe Outdwell’s design in three words.
For Outdwell, integrity, quality, and expression form the cornerstone of our creations. Drawing from the rich wellsprings of music, art, and film, our brand ethos is deeply intertwined with these sources of inspiration.
How do you ensure that your designs are both fashionable and functional?
Every design crafted by Outdwell undergoes a rigorous interrogation: Would I wear this confidently? Is it comfortable yet stylish? Does it strike the perfect balance? If the answer fails to satisfy these criteria, the design will not make the cut. While runway spectacles may occasionally feature avant-garde creations, each piece is a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries and igniting fervour amongst our audiences.
Ten male models, including one from Kuching, were featured. Ju Hee, who works in the financial services sector, has also been doing part-time modelling in Kuala Lumpur.
Oscar met him in 2022 and decided to have him model his streetwear.
“I also included one female model in my show because I wanted to make a statement that women can wear Outdwell too.
Although I have been focusing on menswear since I started two years ago, I also want to show that ladies can pull off menswear as well,” said Oscar, whose fashion is exclusively available online at www.outdwell.clothing and on Shopee.
The brand also specialises in customised clothing, with contact information accessible through its Instagram page.
