Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Malan is a self-taught designer. He started his career as a model, professional photographer, actor, dancer and stylist, all of which influenced his work. As a stylist for Barneys New York in 1997, Malan was a sought after consultant to many of the store’s celebrity clients, including Linda Evangelista, Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Tilly, Christy Turlington, and others. By working closely with these Icons and some of the best designers in the world, Malan learned the key elements of fashion design. Malan Breton Couture Collection launched during New York fashion week in 2004. In 2006, Malan opened his East Village atelier to the praise of the New York press world and international celebrities. He is now in his third season in ready to wear as an independent designer with a new showroom in New York City’s garment district. Malan’s list of accomplishments are highly recognized. He has dressed celebrities from the worlds of television, music, film, and Broadway including Minnie Driver, Ricki Lake, Martha Plimpton, Nikki Blonsky, Jody Watley, Ava Gaudet, Alec Mapa, and many others. Malan and his fashions have been featured in style magazines like W, Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily, Style.com, ELLE, ELLE decor, Paper Magazine, Newsday, New York Magazine, Rolling Stone and numerous other print media. He has also appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, E!, BRAVO!, NY1, MTV, VH1, CW11, Fox, CMT, Entertainment Tonight, and Access Hollywood.” Many of Malan’s designs have also been exhibited at New York’s PS1 MOMA.
Other than being the host of “The Malan Show” for Bravotv.com, Malan also travels around the country lecturing to Universities on the art of style. He will soon be publishing a series of books based on these lectures. He has also been a weekly contributor to the Dallas Morning News and has a monthly video column in L’AG Magazine where he interviews some of the world’s hottest designers, including Luca Orlandi of Luca, Luca, Max Azria of BCBG, and John Bartlett. Malan continues to contribute his services to the following charities: DIFFA, Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, Susan G. Komen For the Cure, Project by Project, Action Against Hunger, CACF Coalition for Asian American Children & Families, Chefs for Humanity, Live out Loud, GLAAD, The Actor’s Fund, GMHC, and amFAR. In February 2008, Malan Breton presented his first ready-to-wear collection at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park. The critics were unanimous in admiring a collection called “Classic!” (NY Daily News), “Beautifully Executed!” (WWD), and “The only standing ovation in the tents so far [this season].” (Fashion Indie). Malan will be showing in the tents again in September, 2008.