Kota Kinabalu: The Chocolate Fantasy Runway Challenge (CFRC) 2025 is set to return this Saturday (May 24) with a stunning display of style, sustainability and storytelling at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), starting from 1pm.
Held in conjunction with the Malaysian International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025, this year marks the first time the prestigious event will take place in Sabah, further elevating the State’s profile on the international fashion and cocoa scene.
The design competition invites fashion talents from across Malaysia and beyond to reimagine couture through a chocolate-themed lens, merging artistry, fantasy, and sustainable innovation.
Back for its second edition, the CFRC has grown into more than a fashion competition – it has become a creative movement celebrating culture, ethical design, and modern storytelling.
This year’s theme, “ChocoNeo Culture,” encourages designers to explore futuristic and culturally rich interpretations of chocolate-inspired fashion, using experimental materials and eco-conscious methods.
The term “ChocoNeo Culture” fuses chocolate, innovation, and cultural identity, encouraging participants to break convention while celebrating heritage through design.
“This event is more than a show, it is a celebration of creativity, vision, and responsible design,” said organiser Malaysia Association of Ethical Fashion Designers (MAEFD) President Zayana Yazed.
She added that the challenge provides a national stage for emerging talents to showcase their creativity while championing ethical and sustainable fashion practices.
Winners will receive the CFRC 2025 Best Design Award.
Participants will also have the chance to connect with key figures in the industry, including fashion professionals, media representatives, and potential collaborators or clients.
The event is expected to draw fashion enthusiasts, creatives, and cocoa lovers alike, offering a unique experience where haute couture meets ethical innovation.
Organised by MAEFD, a non-governmental organisation focused on promoting responsible practices in Malaysia’s fashion industry, CFRC is the brainchild of a collective of designers, educators, and consultants striving to redefine the future of local fashion.
