With metal doors, exposed bricks, and concrete lampshades, the stripped-down BEV C Multi-label Store houses some of the most celebrated fashion designers, both local and internationally—a stark contrast to the short stretch of storied street, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, in the southernmost city of Johor Bahru (JB).
Lined with a dizzying mix of street food and vintage bric-a-brac stores, the quaint street has earned itself a moniker as the “Heritage Walk”, where the past brushes shoulders with the present. Popular among the tourists from our neighbouring country, the surrounding streets are filled with crowds even on a weekday. Nevertheless, it’s hard to miss the BEV C Multi-label Store, not with literally every other storekeeper knowing where exactly the multi-label store is located—a nearby store owner even dubbed Beverly, the founder of both the eponymous brand Bev C and the multi-label store, as the first to bring in “modern culture” to the street and a “blueprint” of the local fashion community.
A designer herself, Beverly recognised the complications local designers encounter—most of them do not adhere to the regular seasonal releases, and a multi-label model is a win-win solution. “The selection in store is limited [if we stick to just displaying a brand], and a multi-label store resolves these problems. It also brings the community together under a roof, a hub that’s much needed in a town like JB,” Beanz Ho, the store manager, shared. As they grow, the team is also looking to bring in experimental designers like DSS Lab, known for their unique creations or fabric craftspeople at Regional Craft Lab who turned fabrics into bonsai.
Can you tell us more about how Bev C and BEV C Multi-label Store came about?
Bev C began as my personal exploration—an urge to create clothing with depth, identity, emotion, and not just fleeting trends. I was driven by the idea that fashion should tell a story, hold meaning, and leave a lasting impact. It’s an ongoing experiment, with materials, reconstructing forms, and redefining silhouettes. Each piece became a reflection of this process, topped with craftsmanship and advancement. As my brand grows, I have come across independent designers with a similar dedication, but many lack a platform to showcase themselves. That motivated me to start BEV C Multi-label Store—a curated space where craftsmanship, creativity, and individuality come together, offering a conscious alternative in a world of fast fashion.
What role do you think BEV C Multi-label Store plays in the local fashion scene?
BEV C Multi-label Store exists to challenge the norm, it’s an alternative to mass-market. Fashion pieces featured are made with intentions: to tell a story or to showcase the artistry. It is more than just a retail space to shop, it’s a place that cultivates personal experience with fashion where they are encouraged to stay connected with the world behind each brand.
Multi-label store is a relatively new concept in Malaysia. What are some of the difficulties you encountered throughout the process?
One of the biggest challenges is shifting consumer habits. Many people are used to fast fashion—quick, cheap, and trend-driven. Educating them on the value of slow, conscious fashion takes time.
Curation is also a challenge to tackle. Every brand we bring in has to align with BEV C’s DNA while retaining its unique voice. And of course, managing a physical retail space isn’t easy—from logistics to branding to keeping things fresh—but I love every part of the process.
What aspects do you take into consideration when you pick a brand for your multi-label store?
I look for brands that have honed their craftsmanship and built a strong identity that also aligns with our philosophy of slow and conscious fashion. I love discovering designers who venture beyond the norm, whether it’s through the materials or techniques they use, or the concepts they conceived through their work. My goal is to bring in pieces that feel fresh yet can stand the test of time.
What led to the decision to open a store on Jalan Tan Hiok Nee? Do you think building a community around the brand is one of your prime priorities?
Jalan Tan Hiok Nee has this raw, creative energy—it’s where heritage meets modern culture. I didn’t want just a store; I wanted to create a space where people feel inspired being here. I envisioned it to be a place where designers and customers can meet, where fashion is an experience that goes beyond shopping. So yes, community has always been the core of BEV C, and it always will be.
What is the difference between managing a brand and a multi-label retail?
Running Bev C is like being a solo artist—I have full control over every detail, from design to branding. But managing BEV C Multi-label Store is more like curating an art gallery. It’s about balancing between different talents, ensuring everyone shines while creating a cohesive experience. It needs to be a space where everything makes sense when placed next to each other.
How do you maneuver in this trend-driven industry while standing firm to your values?
Trends fade, but style is timeless. As a designer, I create pieces that last, with a focus on authenticity, craftsmanship, and purposeful design. But not adhering to trends doesn’t mean we are unaware of the industry shifts; we just have to always filter them through our lens. If the trend doesn’t align with our values, then it doesn’t belong in our world. Our motto says it all—“Own Your Style or Stay Naked.”
In the age of booming online shopping, how does a brick-and-mortar appeal to consumers?
A physical store offers an experience that online shopping can never replace—customers get to feel the textures, try on the pieces, and be in the moment. It’s also about creating a human connection where visitors can talk to our team to learn more about the story behind each design, and leave feeling inspired. Fashion is tactile, emotional, and engaging—something no website can fully replicate.
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