Th ere are many jaw dropping aspects of Malan Breton’s career, but most notably is the man himself who is completely self-made, devoting much of his time to philanthropy. Originating from Taiwan, Breton is the recipient of more than 80 international awards for his work in fashion, costume design, music, film, philanthropy, and education. He stands out as a fashion designer not only for his winning personality as his personal motto is “Wherever you go, shine,” but for his designs and numerous collections designing for everything from WWE and FA Cup athletes to uniforms for the Taiwan ROC government, invited to present collections to the British Royal Family and the Government of Taiwan amongst others. His designs are sophisticated and classic as he experiments with traditional cuts, embodying a modern elegance. On the covers of over 200 international magazines, Breton is renowned for his sumptuous fabrics, elaborate detailing and tailored silhouettes. Most probably know him as a guest host on “Top Model” and “Project Runway” or as the star of his own show on Bravo TV called “The Malan Show” but there is no end to Breton’s talent as he is a top ten euro-pop chart singer, also performing and costuming shows on Broadway. He has taken his place as one of the most inspirational designers of this century, with his collections worn by celebrities and socialites alike. Join us now as we get to know the man behind the fashion, as Breton is here with Splash Magazines to enlighten us as to how he came to be a designer, his inspirations, and what it was like to work with supermodel and activist Elton Ilirjani.
Photography Credit: Arun Nevader
Photography Credit: Arun Nevader
Give us a glimpse into your background. How has it made you the person you are today?
First I must say thank you, your magazine has covered my work since the early days when I came off of TV, you have never not once been there and for this I am grateful. My day to day life is very spiritual. I begin the day at 06:30 in meditation, then I start drawing, or if I am in NYC I will compose music at my piano. My life began in Taiwan, a place that moves with the natural elements, elements of enlightenment. These are things that inspire me, nature, water, and the contrast of cityscapes. I think this is why NYC was such a pivotal place for me. I always look for the beauty, even in the darkest places, and create from that. This is also symbolic of my life. Making the greatest moments of some of the most adverse elements. I was brought to NYC as a model in 1996, I had sixty USD and a box of suits I made for myself. At one point I bought a cranberry muffin from the baker on 54th street with my last dollar fifty, and cut it into seven pieces. Each slice was my daily meal for the week. I am grateful for the meetings, and friends and acquaintances I made in NYC, people who saw I was a really hard worker and that gave me a chance when others just looked at me as an object (I was really beautiful then).
Did you always want to be a designer?
I started designing my first garments at 11, but my sketching started when I was seven or eight. I was obsessed with drawing the Rolls Royce 1925 Jonckheere coupe, and Bugatti Type 37 A Hanni Roadster. Once I grew exhausted from sketching automobiles, I realized many of the shapes of the early autos were inspired by the curves of a woman’s body. That is when I would experiment with hourglass, S curve, and silhouettes of the Edwardian era. That is when I realized I loved fashion. At that time my grandmother introduced me to her wardrobe. It was the most incredible thing for me to see that there were so many layers from the foundation, to the linings, to the exteriors, and then haberdashery and embellishments. I have always been so attracted to detail, as a student of dance and music as a child these things were important to me. I knew after I created my first dress that I was so happy, but when I actually saw the response of someone wearing the garments, that is when I knew I could bring others joy in my dream.
Photography Credit: Arun Nevader
Photography Credit: Arun Nevader
What inspires you?
My life has been inspired in different chapters. I think in this chapter I am inspired by human emotion. I have been writing a lot of music lately, and when I play it for people their eyes fill with emotion. This was the response of many of my collections, especially my show at Madison Square Garden, we had just come out of the 2016 elections, and the entire theatre of 7,000 people was in tears of emotion at the end of that collection showing. I am a student of the theatre, I performed in many shows as an actor, and dancer. Every element in theatre from the lighting, staging, music, to the actors, and garments evoke such emotion. I write a script every season, and each character is costumed in a piece that is part of my collection. Then we present the collection in a way that brings focus to the heart of humanity, with hope.
Define fashion.
Fashion is to me an element that brings you to your greatest place of confidence, and self love.
Tell us about your latest collection.
My latest collection shown in NYC was inspired by fairytales of the 19, and 20th century, Emerson, and a personal experience with humanity that gave me great strength after I realized it was a lesson in self respect. I used fabrics that were hard and soft, like human skin, in armor from the elements of society. I was inspired by puzzles, and the idea that we could put ourselves back together after being taken apart by people and things that may have taken us to a dark place.
Photography Credit: Arun Nevader
Photography Credit: Arun Nevader
Photography Credit: Arun Nevader
What is your design process like?
My design process is about telling a story, as I mentioned I write a script each season, then create for each character. This season I wrote the music also, and a friend in Paris performed the songs for me. I never want an element to go unseen. And I learned from being on TV, that humans want to feel a connection to what they are seeing. Otherwise they become very bored.
What is your favorite piece from Spring/Summer 2025?
My favorite piece in the collection was what I called “the god of the sun” It is a symbol of self awareness, love, strength and power with trails that came off the shoulders that were 27 feet long.
Who are you designing for?
I design for many people, but most important to me is that I design so others can shine. I try to stay out of photos these days, as I want the people I dress to feel their love, the love they have for themselves when they are in my garments. I have dressed everyone from doctors, professors, celebrities, socialites, to royals. I am so grateful for the beautiful people I have had the honor of dressing. I was invited to show a collection to the British Royal Family once. Someone from the family came to me after the show, and said that when they saw my creations, and how they are presented, they felt such a spiritual connection. It was very kind.
Photography Credit: Chris Daw
Model Elton Ilirjani / Photography Credit: Arun Nevader
What was/is your favorite project to work on?
My favorite project ever to work on has been my work in philanthropy. I am so blessed to have a platform that can help others.
What was it like working on your latest documentary “Je Suis Mona” with international supermodel and activist Elton Ilirjani?
Elton is the kindest, most gifted soul, I am so blessed to have them as a very close friend. A muse that feels the clothing, feels humanity. We composed a beautiful sonnet in film that has given Elton a chance to share with the world what I saw in them when we first met at London Fashion Week, the “IT” factor that is so rare these days. We have shared so many special moments in the process of this film, it is a very special friendship to me. The film has received awards in The USA, UK, and we will be submitting it for Academy Award, and BAFTA consideration.
Photography Credit: Arun Nevader
Photography Credit: Arun Nevader
Anything else you would like your fans to know?!
Though I have let my collections speak for me since stepping away from TV, I am eternally grateful for your continued messages of love. I love when people stop me on the street. In Paris I was in the Marais last week, and a group of young fashion designers had seen me on “Projet Haute Couture” that streams in Paris, they were so sweet. Never let your dream die because society says you are not enough. Because if you keep trying, no matter the adversity you may face. Anything you work hard for is possible.
Please visit Malan Breton at www.malanbreton.com for more on this legend and his latest projects.
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