Malaysia's Heritage-Themed Designs Dominate AYWLC Fashion Show

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's heritage-themed fashion designs dominated the stage at a fashion show held during a welcoming hi-tea for the participants of the ASEAN Young Women Leadership Conference (AYWLC) 2015 Sunday. The ready-to-wear collections by 10 local young designers clearly showcased fresh patterns using woven fabrics, songket and batik. Stealing the spotlight was 'The Exquisite of Craft' collection, comprising six Muslim women clothing with elements of cultural diversity, designed by four young designers under the supervision of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia). According to one of the designers, Nur Shaadah Kamaruddin, 29, she often used the Terengganu (state) songket fabrics and Pahang (state) woven fabrics in her design. "Elements of the diversity of people in this country are incorporated in a cheongsam design characterised by loose and minimal cut, but still looking elegant to be used in all events," she told Bernama. A different approach was made by a young designer from the Aimi Academy, Ahmat Aizat Ghazali, 18, who combined the diversity of Malaysian cultures in his design. "I experimented in my design this time round by incorporating the elements of Indian and Chinese cultures and letting white color to dominate my design of a dress with traditional features, but also having a modern and 'chic' elements to attract the attention of the young women," he said. AYWLC, a two-day conference starting Monday at Dewan Tun Dr Ismail, Putra World Trade Centre, involves more than 500 young women participants of various backgrounds from ASEAN countries. The conference aimed at further empowering young women leaders in economics, education and socio-cultural spheres. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA