Six Malaysian Muslim Fashion Brands To Showcase Colelctions At MUFFEST In Jakarta

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- In a move to promote Malaysian Muslimah fashion designers on the international stage, particularly in ASEAN markets,six local fashion brands will showcase their collections at the Muslim Fashion Festival (MUFFEST) in Jakarta, Indonesia. Their participation in the five-day event from May 25 is made possible by the organisers of the Malaysia Fashion Week (MFW), the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and STYLO International. The six brands are Ainibakker by Nor Aini Bakker, Yan’s Creations by Yani Bakhtiar, Iluvwirdah by Virdah Adnan, Azura Couture by Azura Mazaruddin, Durrah Jewellery by Durrah Khalil and Sara J by Sara Jamaludin. "Throughout the MUFFEST exhibition, these brands will get to highlight their designs to thousands of local and international visitors including trade buyers, representatives of fashion houses, international media, as well as members of the public. "The initiative is part of MFW’s main highlight called MODESTyle. MFW, a project by International Trade Exhibition (INTRADE), which will take place at the Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur in November this year," said President and Chief Executive Officer of STYLO International and Co-Chairman of MFW 2016, Nancy Yeoh. She also said the designers will be incorporating the unique Malaysian elements inspired by the people and culture of Malaysia in their collections. "Muslimah fashion is fast becoming a prominent segment in the global fashion industry today. "So much so, international designer brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger, clothing labels and retailers like Mango, Uniqlo and H&M are beginning to embrace Muslimah-oriented fashion designs in their collections," Yeoh said. Meanwhile, Matrade Chief Executive Officer Dzulkifli Mahmud said the Malaysian fashion industry has a lot to offer to the world. "Our modest wear is modern and trendy without compromising the religious obligations of the Muslimah. "This reflects the Malaysian Muslimah community that is progressive in nature and in tune with fashion styles out there. "Together with STYLO International, it is hoped the partnership with MUFFEST can push to the fore, talented Malaysian designers and further grow the local fashion industry overseas," he added. He said the partnership is expected to be a catalyst to stronger intra-ASEAN fashion trade, especially with Indonesia, that is home to over 200 million Muslims. Malaysia's exports of lifestyle products reached US$7.69 billion (RM31.36 billion) in 2015, up by 12 per cent as compared to US$6.87 billion (RM28 billion) in 2014. (US$1 = RM4.07) The main industries categorised under the lifestyle sector include textiles, apparels and footwear, furniture, jewelry, cosmetics and toiletries. Exports of this sector was mainly to the United States, Japan, China, Singapore, Turkey, Indonesia, India and Thailand. -- BERNAMA