FASHION FIGHTS CANCER IN PINK OCTOBER
Leslie Variyan, the Malaysian fashion designer and creative director of the label VARIANTE, is a staunch supporter of breast cancer awareness, especially during Pink October. For over a decade, Variyan and the brand have actively collaborated with organizations like Pink Unity, a women-led focus group for cancer survivors under the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM).
During Pink October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), VARIANTE often launches exclusive collections, with a portion of the proceeds from the sales being donated to the cause. The initiatives are driven by Leslie Variyan’s strong belief in giving back to society, particularly since he has lost family members to cancer. His efforts aim to raise funds, increase public awareness about the disease, and provide emotional and financial support to cancer fighters and survivors, ensuring they know there is life and hope after a diagnosis.
This year, VARIANTE and Pink Unity continue their meaningful journey with a brand-new celebration under the banner of Fashion Fights Cancer! Recently they brought us Retro Coffee Rave — an afternoon of music, style, and solidarity in support of cancer survivors.
Held at Lisette’s Café & Bakery in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, attendees stepped into a nostalgic atmosphere where fashion met rhythm and purpose. Guests enjoyed a Live DJ Party by Shawn Zod. There was a throwback soundtrack featuring ABBA, Whitney Houston, and 80s/90s favourites. There were collaborations with Bravo Eventz, Aurea Skincare & Jols Luxe.
The Pink October Capsule Collection is fabulous and the designs will surely appeal to many. The colour pink is well-loved and it’s also a symbol of hope for those suffering from breast cancer. Creations at VARIANTE bring out the best in women without clouding their natural femininity and project a style that is unique yet recognizable because it is strong, gentle, and alluring; in other words, everything a woman should be.
This October, VARIANTE is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month once again by donating a portion of their sales to Pink Unity. Shop with them to support breast cancer fighters and survivors.
The 2025 Fashion Fights Cancer campaign goes beyond the runway. VARIANTE and Pink Unity brought together a powerful group of icons from diverse industries for a special photoshoot, aimed at amplifying awareness and celebrating strength in unity.
The campaign features Eryna Su – Co-founder of Idea Company & Executive Director of JustGood Group; Dr. S. Prasannah – Emergency & Trauma, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital; Alana Dunsmore – Content Creator & Founder of Goldies Scottish Premium Sweets; Mahani Kassim – President of Pink Unity; Leslie Variyan – Fashion Designer & Creative Director of VARIANTE; Lena Abdullah – Ex-President of Pink Unity (2013–2022) and Noryn Aziz – Singer / Celebrity.
Each of them stands as a symbol of resilience and empowerment, lending their voices and presence to remind society that fashion can also be a platform of hope and solidarity.
A Legacy of Strength and Style
The Fashion Fights Cancer initiative began on 6th July 2013, when Leslie Variyan, the creative force behind VARIANTE, joined hands with Pink Unity — a body under the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) — to champion cancer survivors through fashion.
Pink Unity operates on the principle “By survivors, for survivors”, providing socio-emotional support for women living with cancer through sporting, recreational, educational, and support-based activities.
At its heart, Fashion Fights Cancer has always been about more than fashion. It’s about celebrating resilience. As Leslie Variyan once shared: “I always talk about how I want a woman to feel strong, and alive in my clothes, but at The end of the day, a woman needs to feel strong and alive within herself. The message behind Pink Unity is one to be celebrated — showing that it is okay to fight back and stand proud about overcoming obstacles… and if they do so in VARIANTE, then all the better.”
“Fashion Fights Cancer” 2025 – Q&A
How did VARIANTE choose the ladies? Did they have to meet certain criteria?
We wanted a group of women who embody strength, individuality, and influence in their own fields. They did not have to meet rigid criteria, but rather represent different walks of life — from healthcare to entrepreneurship, from fashion to entertainment, from leadership within Pink Unity itself. Each of them has a voice and story that could inspire others.
Please share a bit more about the ladies involved.
- Eryna Su brings her perspective as a successful entrepreneur and innovator, balancing business with purpose.
- Dr. S. Prasannah, an emergency and trauma doctor at Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, stands at the frontlines of care and healing.
- Alana Dunsmore, a content creator and founder of Goldies Scottish Premium Sweets, represents a new generation of creative businesswomen.
- Mahani Kassim, President of Pink Unity, continues to champion survivorship and advocacy for women with cancer.
- Leslie Variyan, designer and Creative Director of VARIANTE, merges fashion with philanthropy.
- Lena Abdullah, Ex-President of Pink Unity (2013–2022), has long been a voice of support and empowerment for survivors.
- Noryn Aziz, celebrated singer and public figure, lends her influence and artistry to amplify the campaign’s message.
Shares Dr. S. Prasannah, “Breast cancer advocacy should reach all walks of life. Awareness, early detection, timely treatment, and adherence to care are vital in reducing its impact and saving lives.”
On her part, Noryn Aziz says, “Every survivor’s journey is a timeless ballad of hope and courage. Through Pink Unity, we turn those stories into a powerful chorus, rising together, shining brighter, and singing louder than ever in harmony.”
Alana Dunsmore shares, “This will be my second Pinktober with Variante & Pink Unity and I for one am extremely happy to support and spread awareness of such an important and remarkable charity that helps to support so many people affected by cancer.
Please share Leslie Variyan’s thoughts on the campaign and why it’s important to him?
“Fashion has always been about celebrating life. But beyond clothes, it is about the human spirit. This campaign matters to me because it reminds us that style can empower — not only by how it looks, but by what it stands for. Supporting Pink Unity is close to my heart because it turns fashion into a tool of healing, dignity, and awareness.”
How does VARIANTE/Leslie feel that fashion and this campaign come together?
Fashion has the power to communicate without words. The campaign uses creativity, design, and visual storytelling to shine a light on survivorship and strength. When survivors and icons wear VARIANTE, it is more than fabric — it is a statement of resilience and pride.
Do any of the ladies have any personal experience with breast cancer they would like to share?
Several of the women involved have personal or close connections with cancer survivorship. Mahani Kassim and Lena Abdullah both represent the lived reality of breast cancer through their leadership roles in Pink Unity, bringing authentic voices of experience and hope.
What do the ladies and VARIANTE hope to achieve with this campaign?
The campaign aims to create awareness, spark conversations, and encourage women to seek support early. More importantly, it hopes to inspire confidence and remind survivors and their families that they are part of a community that stands together.
What are the biggest challenges faced when doing a campaign like this?
Balancing sensitivity with creativity is always a challenge. We want to create something visually striking, yet respectful of the deeply personal journeys of cancer survivors. Another challenge is reaching beyond the fashion community — to ensure the message resonates with society at large.
Why is the colour pink so important in breast cancer awareness and also the world of fashion?
Pink represents compassion, strength, and femininity. In breast cancer awareness, it has become a global symbol of hope and unity. In fashion, pink is versatile — it can be bold or soft, playful or powerful. Its presence in this campaign bridges awareness with artistry.
Is there anything else you all would like to share?
We want to remind everyone that Fashion Fights Cancer is not just an annual event — it’s a movement. It’s about women standing tall, communities coming together, and the belief that fashion can be a powerful tool for advocacy. This year’s Retro Coffee Rave is a celebration, but also a call: to support, to love, and to never give up the fight.
What VARIANTE, Pink Unity and the amazing icons are doing for breast cancer awareness is to be applauded. Take a leaf from their book and do your part too. Visit www.variante.com.my for more information.
