BARAKAFF'S RAINFOREST COLLECTION A HIT IN WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON, May 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Batik designer Sharifah Maheran
Barakbah of Barakaff has created a stir with her bold and exciting Rainforest
collection at a fashion show inspired by the rainforest in Alexandria, Virginia
near here.

The 'Art and Fashion Inspired by the Rainforest', organised by the Friends
of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, which displayed works of art followed by a
fashion show, was a collaboration of Barakaff and Torpedo Factory artists last
Friday.

The Barakaff rainforest collection showcased summer and resort wear on silk,
chiffon and cotton, with bold designs depicting flora and fauna found in the
Malaysian rainforest.

The Malaysian Ambassador's wife, Dr Kalsom Ismail, dressed in a
green silk caftan and a big fan of Malaysian fabric, delivered the opening
remarks where she spoke of the Malaysian rainforest and its inspiration to
Malaysian designers.

The art exhibition and fashion show attracted more than a 100 Washingtonians
who described the event as "roaring success" and "amazing".

The show was sponsored by Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Torpedo
Factory Art Center, Mybizcouncil -- a Malaysian-American business networking
group -- and Tourism Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA