The Navarasa Heritage Fashion Showcase successfully concluded with a fashion show grand finale that featured collections inspired by the sarees at Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur on October 14, 2023.
The runway showcased 77 looks of 11 designers who creatively blended traditional Malaysian textiles with contemporary fashion designs inspired by the saree.
The designers were Norina Abdul, Munir Yahya, Linda Isa, Kesheen Ragunathan, Yani Baktiar, Zandra and Kalai, as well as four student designers Tan Ruo Qian, Priyashalini Eswaran, Naresh Yempati and Lia Mysara from IFTC International Academy of Fashion and Design.
During the grand finale, three talented designers were recognised for their innovative design work and sustainability of traditional crafts.
The awards consisted of three categories:
• Upcoming Designer Award – won by student designer Naresh Yempati
• Most Creative Designer Award – won by Kesheen Ragunathan
• Malaysian Heritage Excellence Award – won by Munir Yahya
Organised by Bkay Nair Resources, the Navarasa Heritage Fashion Showcase is aimed at preserving and promoting Malaysia’s cultural heritage through a series of workshops and a grand finale fashion show.
It seeks to empower local artisans, educate the public, and create a platform for designers to showcase their creativity while incorporating traditional textiles into modern fashion.
The event brought together fashion enthusiasts, artisans, and cultural connoisseurs to celebrate the rich tapestry of Malaysian heritage.
It kicked off with two days of workshops on October 7-8 where participants delved into the rich history and cultural significance of batik and songket.
Participants were guided through informative sessions where they learnt the intricate techniques involved in creating these iconic Malaysian textiles.
Participants also gained insights into the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly natural dyes and colours.
“This fashion showcase event goes beyond fashion – It’s not just about fashion but a profound reflection of our cultural identity, a cultural movement, a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity, and a tribute to the artisans who weave the tapestry of our heritage.” said Bkay Nair Resources director Bkay Nair.
“Our aspirations extend to presenting our cultural treasures to Unesco and showcasing them in renowned fashion capitals such as Paris and across Europe.
“We aim to highlight the uniqueness of Malaysian textiles, fostering a deeper appreciation for our rich heritage on a global level,” Bkay added.
The Navarasa Heritage Fashion Showcase is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Tourism Malaysia.
Present at the event were guest of honour Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Tourism Malaysia Central Region senior director Sufian Zainuddin, senior assistant secretary for policy division (Culture of Motac) Datin Salida Ibrahim and RTM marketing and promotion division director Kamal Roslim.
Collaborating partners which supported the event included Aston Martin, SkyBlue Media and Berjaya University College.
