Malaysian-Inspired Islamic Fashion Takes On London

LONDON, April 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysian fashion designers took centre stage as the Natural History Museum at South Kensington was transformed to showcase up-and-coming designs of Islamic fashion. Bernard Chandran, Melinda Looi, Tom Abang Saufi, Yin Ping and Syaiful Baharim were among the designers who had their creations grace the catwalk. The Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF), held Wednesday for the second consecutive year, was themed “Diversity in Modesty”, It was held in aid of The Duke of Edinburgh International Award for Young People and The Wessex Youth Trust. The Countess of Wessex, Sophie Rhys-Jones, attended the gala with the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah, who led the list of Malaysian royals in gracing the high-profile event. Others were Sultanah Kalsom of Pahang, Sultanah Nur Zahirah of Terengganu, Crown Prince of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and consort Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah. Accompanying Tuanku Hajah Haminah was IFF patron Rosmah Mansor, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. "We are witnessing the rise of many talented Muslim designers from all over the world. These designers are improvising attire to suit not only their local cultures but are also infusing global flair in their designs. Herein lies a great window of opportunity for all fashion designers," Rosmah said in her address during the gala. "We hope to generate the message that Islamic fashion can be just as trendy, just as colourful and just as stylish as mainstream fashion. Nevertheless, creativity need not be compromised with the Islamic requirements of modesty," she added. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award and The Wessex Youth Trust are United Kingdom charities focused on children and young people. The IFF, now a global event, made its debut in London in July 2011. -- BERNAMA