PDT Assignment

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
page 12 - 15
page 16 & 17
PRICE: (PM) RM5.50 (S&S) RM6.00
page 10
ISBN : 889291791971917191

2

editor’s
note
It is not lawful for thee (to marry more) women after this, nor to change
them for (other) wives, even though their beauty attract thee, except any
thy right hand should possess (as handmaidens): and Allah doth watch
over all things.
(Al- Ahzab 33:52)
Designers take a modern twist on the
traditional for spring 2014 by pairing soft
pastels with vivid brights to create a colorful
equilibrium. Inspired by a mixture of blooming
flowers, travels abroad and strong, confident
women, designers use color to refresh, revive
and defy conventional wisdom.
“This season, consumers are looking for
a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic
equilibrium,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive
director of the Pantone Color Institute®.
“While this need for stability is reflected in
the composition of the palette, the inherent
versatility of the individual colors allows for
experimentation with new looks and color
combinations.”
Three very adaptable pastels sit on one
end of the palette, and, because we are
different from the greens of recent seasons.
Pair any of these versatile pastels with a bolder
hue for an au courant look.
Sand, a lightly toasted and amiable neutral,
conjures images of the beach and the carefree
days of summer. Try pairing Sand with
Hemlock for perfect, natural balance. Paloma
serves as a quintessential neutral, interesting
enough to be worn alone or combined with
any color for sophisticated poise.
Cayenne, a high-pitched red, adds a dash
of spicy heat to neutrals, and heightens the
excitement when mixed with Freesia, a blazing
yellow that is sure to illuminate wardrobes
this season. A tropical, floral-inspired shade,
Freesia’s warmth and energy help set the stage
for Celosia Orange, an optimistic, spontaneous
hue. Pair Celosia Orange with Violet Tulip
COLORING THE FASHION
consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium
so accustomed to seeing them as nature’s
background, they can be creatively combined
with any other color in the spectrum. Placid
Blue, like a picture-perfect, tranquil and
reassuring sky, induces a sense of peaceful
calmness, while Violet Tulip, a romantic,
vintage purple, evokes wistful nostalgia.
Similar to the verdant shade of springtime
foliage, Hemlock, a summery, ornamental
green, provides a decorative touch that’s very
EDITORIAL TEAM
for a captivating vision, much like the setting
summer sun.
The palette is brought full circle with
Radiant Orchid, a bold counterpart to Violet
Tulip, and Dazzling Blue,a scintillating, polar
opposite to Placid Blue. Surprisingly, these
strong, vibrant colors also pair well across
the palette: They are perfect companions
to pastels, and add confidence and vivacity
when mixed with other bold colors.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Zulfadli Yusmar
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS
Melinda Ooi
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISEMENT
Zack Zakry Shah
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN & GRAPHIC
Kelvin Teoh Suu Lim
COLUMNISTS
Ariana Adinda Aris
Scarlett Merlia Aaron
Jimmy Teoh Sun Lin
ZULFADLI YUSMAR
3122000331
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
Khairul Rizalman Shah
Que Shahrul Engku Muhamad
COLORFUL MAGAZINE
Menara Zulfadli Yusmar
Jalan Kristal 7/70G
40000 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan 3

cover story
11 MALAYSIAN BATIK
A Tradition Come of Age
14 BATIK
Colours of Tradition
exclusive interview
16 TURN A HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS
From Engineering To Online Business
features
5 MALAYSIAN FASHION DESIGNERS
Top 5 Famous Malaysian Fashion Designers
10 3D PRINTED FASHION SHOW
Malaysia Hosts Asia’s First 3D Printed Fashion Show
19 UITM STUDENTS’ FASHION IN LONDON
The First-Ever Graduate Fashion Show
Muslim n’ Muslimah
6 MAKING STATEMENT WITH TUDUNG
Tudung Designs In The Country Are Evolving
7 FASHION AND ISLAM
Islam Allows Fashion But In Certain Limits
9 HIJAB FASHION IN TOKYO
Blend A Traditional Muslim Headscarf With Haute Couture
18 SPORTS HIJABS FOR ACTIVE MUSLIMAH
A Few Of Sport Hijabs Available On The Market
tips n’ tricks
8 THE PERFECT FIT IN MEN’S SHIRT
Business Blue A Versatile Colour That Works Well Professionally
20 TOP 10 ONLINE SHOPPING WEBSITE
Online Shopping Sites With Free Delivery
21 6 SAFETY TIPS FOR ONLINE SHOPPING
Few Safety Tips To Keep In Mind When Shopping Online
22 CLOTHING PIECES YOU CAN NEVER GO
WRONG WITH
Must-Have Classic Fashion Pieces That You Should Never Be Afraid
To Splurge On.
THIS MONTH
4CONTENT

FAMOUS MALAYSIAN
FASHION DESIGNERS
5The Designs Of Malaysian Fashion Designers Have Definitely Made Their Mark On The Global Fashion Scene
Whether on the feet of an English princess, at
the red carpet on a Hollywood star, or being
strutted down the runway in London or
New York, the designs of Malaysian fashion
designers have definitely made their mark
on the global fashion scene. Bringing in
inspiration from local and foreign elements,
our Malaysian designers have made fashion
design an art to be appreciated with their
delicate and eloquent application of aesthetics
to clothing and accessories. Their work and
expertise are definitely valued by the fashion
savvy whether local or abroad, and have
definitely brought Malaysia’s fashion scene and
standard to a whole new level.
They have infused life to what we wear
and choose to showcase, with their skilful
combinations of materials, colors, designs
and patterns transforming what would be a
mere garment to a piece of artwork, a tangible
form of their artistic expression. Here, we
at Colorfull of Malaysia would like to pay
tribute to the 5 most highly esteemed fashion
designers in Malaysia.
ZANGTOI
To make a woman feel bold, beautiful, sexy,
dramatic and glamorous is what ZangToi’s
designs strive to do. And that is precisely what
ZangToi designs have achieved, which is why
he is second on our list. Not surprising then,
would this New York-based designer have
styled many glamorous celebrities such as
Sharon Stone, Ivana Trump, Kirstie Alley, Meg
Ryan, and many others. Be it the House of Toi
signature collection or the “Z” collection, his
moderately priced bridge line, his creations
continue to pamper today’s woman with
uncompromising style, glamour and romance.
FARAH KHAN
The driving force of international high end
fashion and its presence in Malaysia, Farah
Khan definitely makes our list at number four.
Dato’ Farah Khan is most known for being
the President and Founder of The Melium
Group. Created in 1989, it is the cornerstone of
Malaysia’s luxury fashion and lifestyle retailing
industry and has over 50 international brands
under its umbrella. Other than being a
renowned and respected style icon and high
end lifestyle entrepreneur, Farah Khan is a
respected fashion designer in her own right. In
2008, Farah Khan launched her fashion label
FARAH KHAN, of which her Spring/Summer
2008 collection was sold in as many as 31 cities
worldwide.
JIMMY CHOO
Jimmy Choo has become a worldwide known
brand. One associated with class, style and
high fashion. Not surprising then, would Dato’
Jimmy Choo top our list. Born into a family of
shoemakers, Jimmy Choo made his first shoe
when he was only 11 years old. His fashion
industry beginnings can be traced back to his
workshop in Hackney, North London which
he opened in 1986 by renting an old hospital
building. He came to the verge of international
notability when his creations were featured in
a record eight pages in a 1988 issue of Vogue.
Patronage from Diana, Princess of Wales, from
1990 further boosted his image and by 1996,
he co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd with British
Vogue magazine accessories editor Tamara
Mellon. After selling his 50% stake in the
company in 2001, he has since concentrated
his work on the exclusive Jimmy Choo Couture
line produced under license from Jimmy Choo
Ltd.
BERNARD CHANDRAN
Third on our list is none other than Bernard
Chandran. After graduating from the Paris
American Academy, Bernard Chandran
became the first non-European to win the
coveted Silk, Cut Young Designers Award and
the Open European Contest for Look of the
Year 2000 in 1991. Two years later, he returned
home and launched his own line of clothing.
In 2005, his first Autumn/Winter 2006 Ready-
To-Wear collection was showcased at the
London Fashion Weekend and since then,
Bernard Chandran pieces have caught the eye
of celebrities including the likes of Lady Gaga
and Estelle, who wore his designs when she
won her first Grammy at the Grammy Awards
in 2009. London loves him and so do we!
MELINDA LOOI
Melinda Looi is an award-winning fashion
designer famous for her signature avant-garde
and vintage style. She has won numerous
accolades including the title Designer of
the Year three times, twice at the Malaysian
International Fashion Awards and latest in
2009 at the Mercedes-Benz Stylo Fashion
Awards. In fact, within a 10-year span of
creating her unique pieces, the designer’s prêta-porter
wear and couture line has won an
international clientele from the US, Middle
East, South Africa, China, Taiwan, Singapore
and Hong Kong. Celebrities seen donning her
designs include the likes of Cameron Diaz,
Britney Spears and Mena Suvari.
credit: http://top10malaysia.com/home/index.php/news-and-events/famous-malaysian-fashion-designers
5

MAKING A STATEMENT
with the tudung
Since the 1980s, the tudung has been constantly evolving, writes Aznim Ruhana Md Yusup
There’s a street in Section 7, Shah Alam,
called Jalan Plumbum. You would think, that
a road named after lead would be filled with
heavy industries but instead, you find an array
of shops specialising in women’s fashion,
specifically, for Muslim women.
In one of the blocks, every other shop
seems to be a tudung boutique. A walk up the
stairs will bring you to a tudung shop. Cross
the street and you’ll see another shop selling,
well, tudung.
That’s a lot of shops for mere headwear and
surprisingly, prices are not exactly modest. A
tudung from Fareeda, one of the shops there,
costs RM175.
EVOLVING
In the 1980s and 1990s, the tudung was a
simple square scarf that you folded into a
triangle and tied behind your neck or pinned
with a brooch.
You can still get those square scarves —
the tudung bawal is a firm favourite with some.
(Bawal comes from the word voile, the fabric
used for the scarf. It has nothing to do with
fish.)
However, others craved variety, so different
styles of tudung came about.
“Celebrities like Wardina Safiyyah,
Waheeda, Yuna and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza
wear different types of tudung,” says Universiti
Teknologi Mara art and design lecturer Rohana
Zur. “So it has become a fashion statement,
especially for young Muslims.”
Tudung designs in the country are evolving.
And the current trend is the “awning” design.
Awning — sometimes referred to as visor
— refers to the front of the tudung, which gives
the impression it’s jutting out at the top of the
forehead.
PRECISION SEWING
The awning design is the backbone of Fareeda’s
business which started in 2006 in Faridah
Zakaria’s kitchen in Penang. With the help of
her husband Aminuddin Basiron, Fareeda has
grown into a multi-million ringgit business.
It has three outlets with three more on the
way. The main showroom is in Bandar Baru
Bangi with the office and production unit
occupying the floor above the retail space.
I was told customers queued to get inside.
I was rather sceptical at first but there was
indeed a line of 15 people outside the shop
when I went there for this interview.
Not only do customers have to queue but
they can’t take their own sweet time to browse.
They are only allowed a maximum of 30
minutes before they are called to make their
purchase.
There is also a limit on how many tudung
you can buy per visit. Generally it is one tudung
per customer for a new collection, though you
can buy more of older designs.
It is difficult to pinpoint the appeal of the
Fareeda tudung. But Aminuddin summarises
it thus: “Women just like its designs”.
HOT SELLERS
Queues start the night before a new collection
goes on sale. Online sales sell out in 15 minutes
or less.
A Fareeda tudung fetches double or triple
the retail price in the second-hand market.
This is why Fareeda limits the number of items
to one per customer.
There are several designs, but for the
typical Fareeda tudung with “awning”, several
layers of fabrics are cut, sewn and ruffled in a
specific way, with a brooch to (figuratively) tie
them all together.
Faridah wanted to create something
different. She said: “When I started Fareeda, I
tried all sorts of designs and I ended up with
bags and bags of rejects.”
The three-layer look took off in 2011 when
customers started queueing outside the shop
to buy the tudung, although not everyone went
home with one.
“We limit production numbers,” says
Faridah. “We don’t want our customers to
wear the same tudung. In the beginning it was
because we didn’t have the resources to make
a lot.”
All Fareeda tudung are made in-house.
“Nearly all our employees are locals and I take
pride in paying them a higher salary than other
production houses,” says Aminuddin.
“I am asked why we don’t increase our
production, but to do that we need a bigger
factory and quality workers are hard to come
by.”
CREATE NOT IMITATE
As with most in-demand products, Fareeda
has to contend with copycats. Twenty of its
tudung designs are registered with MyIPO
(which regulates intellectual property rights),
and it recently released a warning notice to
stop counterfeits.
Aminuddin says: “If you add it all up,
counterfeiters’ earnings go up to millions.
Some even slandered us on social media. That
shows a serious lack of respect for the work we
put in.
“The leather shops in Italy are small and
they’re not even well-known. But all products
are unique to a shop. It’s frustrating that we
don’t have that same spirit here.”
Rozana says
registering with
MyIPO is a step
in the right
direction. “It
helps control
brand image
and enhances
the industry’s
reputation.”
6
credit: http://www.nst.com.my/latest/making-a-statement-with-the-tudung-1.481947

The concept for ‘fashion’ in Islam or we can say
the space for ‘fashion’ in Islam is controversial.
As, from the topic of the article we can see
clearly that it is a big problem for an illiterate
individual from point of view of religious
knowledge to understand whether ‘fashion’
and Islamic ideology about clothing are two
different concepts or they can be interrelated.
Most of our religious scholars’ say that
Islam is a simple religion and it does not allow
any ‘fashion’ but recommend simple and plain
clothing. On the other hand the modern world,
full of ‘fashion’ and design is of the view that
no natural religion can restrict a person from
his rights and it’s the right of a person to be upto-date.
So, now what to do in this case??? The
basic flaw that I got behind this conflict is lack
of knowledge and lack of ability to apply that
knowledge in a perfect way.
What do we mean when we say the word
‘fashion’? We generally mean it as wearing
trendy clothes and being up-to-date in respect
of costumes. So, by and large most of us relate
‘fashion’ with clothing and one’s appearance.
Most of us in fact don’t know what fashion in
real terms mean and how much broader areas
it covers beyond what we think it is. According
to Oxford Dictionary the word ‘fashion’ means
make, style, shape, pattern, and manner
whatever is in usage for a time being agreeing
or not with current usage.
Most of us take the meaning of fashion as a
trend which is IN now-a-days but unfortunately
the concept is incorrect. First of all there is a
need to redefine the term ‘fashion’. Fashion is
not restricted to one area of life i.e. costume or
appearance but it has a very wide applicability
in almost every field of life like architecture,
FASHION
arts, dance, style of speech, economic trends,
management, politics, medical etc. so, we can
easily say that fashion are social phenomena
common to many fields of human activity and
thinking or in other words we can define it as
styles and customs prevalent at a given time
(not current time).
So, by the above discussion, it is clear what
fashion in real terms mean. Now, coming on
the particular field of fashion ‘the costume
and appearance’ of a person. This is the most
criticized field everywhere in relation to
religion especially Islamic ideologies.
The appearance of both men and women is
questionable. The main point is to see both, the
fashion and Islamic teachings, from one angle.
Fashion in real meanings is not to wear
trendy, expensive and attractive clothes.
Fashion is a style, it’s a make, and it’s an
appearance. So, what so ever one is wearing
must suit him. Fashion is not to wear what
others wear. Just the theme is to wear anything
that perfectly suits and match the personality
of the wearer.
Take fashion from this angle and relate it
with Islamic ideologies. Islam does not restrict
anyone to wear good clothes. What it restricts,
is not to wear such clothes that do not cover the
body in a decent way. If we think positively, we
all know that such small and so called trendy
clothes in fact not suit anyone but is a symbol
to make oneself different in mob.
The reason to wear stupid clothes like
baggies and small t-shirts is just to make
one different, just to satisfy one own self that
everyone is looking at him regardless of the
remarks that are being passed on him. If one
wears decent clothes, Islam does not stop him
on doing this. Demand of Islam is not to wear
clumsy clothes but if we study, we will come
to know that Islam is very strict for cleanliness
especially in clothing.
Dressing in an Islamic way attracts a
few remarks but also a great deal of respect.
Dressing Islamically also allows one to be
easily recognised wherever he goes. It also
allows Muslims to know one another and greet
each other with ‘Assalamu-Alaikum’, or ‘Peace
be upon you’.
Islam allows fashion but in certain limits.
This should not be a point of conflict that
there should be no limitations. Every field
has certain limitations. Socially we all are
bound for it. Why laws are made? They are to
enforce such limits. As it is a fact that Islam is
a complete ideology of life so it guides us in
every field. It has limited us in fashion too. It
has been done for the welfare of society. We all
are well aware of the pros and cons of the ‘most
hi-tech fashionable societies’.
So, Islam is not against fashion because
fashion in reality is to make better and better,
that is why it is adopted and on the other
hand, Islam also guides to improve us, to be
up-to-date so we can better compete others.
The point is simple that not to apply fashion
just in terms of clothing. At this point we
take a stand that it is our right. If fashion
is our right, then why just to apply it at only
one sector? Why not to apply it in every field
like medicine, technology, welfare? Apply it
everywhere. We criticize Islam only due to the
reason that it limits us and teaches us how to
live in a civilized society? You decide better
what is wrong and what is right, our thinking
or Islamic ideologies?
credit: http://www.ilmkidunya.com/student_articles/fashion-and-islam-227.aspx
AND
ISLAM
The appearance of both men and women is questionable. The main point is to see both,
the fashion and Islamic teachings, from one angle.

would happen here too.
Q: What are the challenges you face?
A: The main challenge is that e-commerce
is still relatively new in Malaysia. People are
used to buying in a shop where they can feel
the material and pay in cash. But things are
definitely changing and a lot of people are
now comfortable using online banking or
their credit cards online. There has also been
a healthy development of the broadband
infrastructure which definitely helps in the
ease of purchasing online. Thirdly, as more
e-commerce businesses are established here,
people will be more exposed and realise the
convenience and ease of online shopping.
Q: What is your opinion on
Malaysian men’s fashion
sense?
A: Over the last couple of years,
men’s fashion sense has
definitely improved.
There’s still quite a
way to go before we
Our brand is driven by one simple vision:
standards, but
we want men to dress better,” extols Andreas
we’re definitely
Olsson. The 33-year-old Swedish-Malaysian
catching up. One
is the founder of www.shirtsculture.com, an
important aspect
online site that touts itself as “the perfect fit
of our site is our
company.”
articles where
Offering men customised shirts based
we provide tips
THE PERFECT FIT
IN MEN’S SHIRTS
reach
European
on their specific requirements, Olsson set up
Shirts Culture last year. The boyish Olsson was
born and brought up in Sweden and graduated
with a master’s degree in business.
“I decided to come to Malaysia as my mum
is from here, and I’ve always been curious
about the country,” he explains. “I’ve now been
in Malaysia for seven years working in the
media industry and I still love it here, except
for the occasional traffic jam.”
In an email interview, Olsson explains
more about his fashion enterprise.
Q: What made you decide to set up Shirts
Culture?
A: It was always my dream to
achieve entrepreneurship
since I was a kid. When I
was in middle school and
we couldn’t get hold of a
particular brand of trading
card, my friend and I started
to import the cards. Eventually,
we sold them to our classmates
in order to cover our costs and
to earn a small profit. The
transactions from this
little enterprise got me
excited on how fun
business could be.
Fast track to Malaysia
and several years
later, I was having a
discussion with my
good friend-turnedpartner.
He told me
about his family’s
textile and tailoring
business and I saw an
opportunity. Growing up
in Sweden, I was exposed to
the Internet from a very young
age and I’ve seen how the online
industry exploded. I knew it
was just a matter of time that it
Q: Take us through a simple step- by-step
process for a new customer to order his shirt.
A: The first step is to choose your shirt design.
Once you have done that, you have the option
of choosing your type of fit, collar, cuff and
even add a monogram. Each one of our shirts
is tailor-made specifically to the customer. All
our shirts are tailored in Singapore to ensure
the quality is top notch. The fabrics which we
use are top grade, imported from various parts
of the world. We use only the best and never
compromise on the quality of your perfect
fit. Once it’s tailored, we will send it right to
your home. It’s all about convenience without
compromising on quality.
Q: What has been the feedback from
customers thus far?
A: So far, it has been good. We started out
by getting a few orders from Kuala Lumpur,
and we are now getting a steady stream of
new customers from other states in Malaysia,
and also from Singapore. We also have repeat
customers and are doing our best to keep our
customers satisfied.
Q: What are your goals regarding Shirts
Culture?
A: Our short term goal is to build awareness
of the brand and a healthy customer base.
We are currently only shipping to Malaysia
and Singapore but our goal this year is to do
international shipping.
Q: What is the most popular design and
colour amongst men?
A: The most popular design is the Business
Blue. Not surprising as it’s a versatile colour
that works well professionally and also in a
more casual setting. Nevertheless, we will be
exploring more funky colours for a buzzy vibe
to our collection, to appeal to more daring and
adventurous customers.
on everything from “How important the fit
is” to “How to take care of your shirt”. We are
continuously updating our site with inspiring
and educational articles on men’s fashion.
Q: Why did you choose Peter Davis as your
campaign model?
A: I have met Peter on several occasions and
also had the pleasure of working with him
before. He makes work fun and as a client, is
very easy to deal with. So once I was setting
this up, he was at the top of my mind.
Q: Who is your targeted clientele?
A: Our target audience would be men between
23 and 43. Mostly professional working men
but really anyone who wants to dress well
either for work, play or a romantic date.
8
credit: http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Features/2014/01/24/The-perfect-fit-in-mens-shirts/

COUTURE HIJAB
FASHION MAKES
AN IMPRESSION AT
TOKYO FASHION WEEK
Among the aspiring Asian designers competing
for the limelight at Tokyo Fashion Week, one
of the most striking was an Indonesian label’s
bid to blend a traditional Muslim headscarf
with haute couture.
The twice-yearly show, which wraps up
today, saw NurZahra roll out its autumn/
winter collection “Layers of Fidelity”, turning
the modest hijab into sophisticated fashion.
The label — whose name means “the
luminous light” in Arabic and takes from
Fatimah Zahra, the daughter of Prophet
Mohammed — wanted to prove that the
female hair-and-neck-covering wrap, common
in the Islamic world, could still take on playful
elements.
“The modest hijab is not actually a
restriction” in fashion, designer Windri
Widiesta Dhari told reporters after her stylish
designs hit the catwalk.
“It’s how you cover yourself and look more
elegant in a way that has a loose fit.”
The wearing of the Islamic veil, limited
historically to conservative Gulf monarchies,
gained ground, including in sports, since the
1979 Iranian revolution and the creation of an
Islamic republic.
Use of the veil spread quickly as Islamist
movements grew in the wake of the Arab
Spring uprisings.
France has outraged many Muslims with a
law against full face-covering veils, while the
use of the hijab in sport, including football, has
sometimes stirred cultural clashes.
But Dhari sees the traditional scarf as not
just a modesty covering, but also a stylish,
comfortable accessory.
“We want to inspire people to think that
wearing hijab is not something difficult, and
could be worn by anyone,” she said.
Her collection also bucks a contemporary
design trend for simplicity and minimalism.
Blending cotton or silk into her hijab,
she includes natural dye prints that rely on a
traditional Japanese tie-dye technique called
shibori and the Indonesian batik method.
With patterns ranging from mini
mandalas to Turkish geometrics, Dhari plays
with multiple layers of fabric to freely shape
her silhouettes.
Another eye-catching element of the
collection was a hat that spreads wide in the
back, a throwback to the sixties with elements
resembling a long-ago royal head piece.
“The concept of the hat was actually
inspired by the style in one from 1963,” Dhari
said. “I was looking for vintage hats that could
be used to cover your hair and also your neck.
“I used that inspiration and then mixed it
with a traditional ethnic concept, so it becomes
something very unique.”
Tokyo has long been the centre of cool,
renowned the world over for its far-out
fashions that see young women donning
gothic-inspired “Lolita” outfits and chiselled
young men with highly coiffed haircuts.
But at the latest Tokyo Fashion Week, it was
newcomer brands from several Asian fashion
houses outside Japan, such as NurZahra,
which breathed fresh air into the show in the
Japanese capital.
Another Indonesian brand, Major Minor,
hit the runway for the first time, showcasing
styles incorporating mainly monochrome
tones and simple silhouettes.
The opener of the event was Thai brand
Sretsis — “sisters” in reverse — led by designer
Pim Sukhahuta, who works alongside two
female siblings.
Among their offerings was a cartoon-like
print -- girls’ faces dotting the fabric -- that
meshed touches of American high-school and
Japan’s “Lolita” themes.
credit: http://news.yahoo.com/hijab-design-takes-centre-stage-tokyo-fashion-week-033327186.html
9

What happens when you take a Belgian-based
pioneer in Additive Manufacturing (also
popularly known as 3D printing) software
and solutions and combine it with an awardwinning
Malaysian fashion designer? The
results are a spectacular marriage of technology
and fashion, as evidenced in Asia’s very first 3D
printed fashion show, presented by Materialise
Malaysia and Mellooi Creation Sdn. Bhd.
The theme of the night was “Birds.” An avid
lover of nature and the environment, Melinda
Looi professes to have always been inspired
by these beautiful, flighty creatures that are an
amazing engineering feat by Mother Nature
herself.
“The designer sent a collection of five avianinspired
creations down the runway – Face It
(headgear), Stand on Me (wedges), Her Love
and Strength (necklace), Let Her Shine (skirt),
and Open Wings (cape). Models presented
Melinda’s creations in nude bodysuits, with
equally minimalistic hair and makeup so as
not to distract from the fascinating details and
mechanisms of each outfit.
Each piece took months to design, create,
and convert into a 3D file, which was then sent
to Belgium to be printed at the Materialise
headquarters. “The design process has been
a real eye-opener and highly educational
experience for me.”
The entire collection took a team of six to
eight people to bring to life, including three 3D
modellers, two engineers and Melinda’s own
team of course.
“This project was challenging because it
involved co-ordinating efforts and technical
expertise. On the other hand, it was also great
fun to be able to work with such an innovative
technology.
“Creating fashion with technology has
always been something I wanted to do, so
when Materialise approached me with this
opportunity, it was like a dream come true!
The collaborative effort involving people
from different fields and backgrounds truly
reminded me that exciting and beautiful
things happen when art and technology meet!
It is truly a great honour to be the first Asian
fashion designer to design a collection using
AM technology,” said Melinda.
In addition to designing Asia’s first 3D
printed fashion collection, Melinda also cojudged
a 3D Printed Accessory Design Contest
organized by Materialise.
The contest received entries from around
the world, offering designers an opportunity
to work with a technology capable of bringing
one’s wildest creative visions to life. 10 winning
designs were selected to be 3D printed and
exhibited at the 3D Print Fashion.
The designs will also be featured on
the i.materialise online gallery and shared
with the rest of the world. A few exquisite
and exceptional designs may also get the
opportunity to be showcased in the .MGX
showroom in Belgium.
“We are committed to accelerating the
implementation of AM technology in Asia,
particularly Malaysia and believe that our
collaboration with Melinda Looi will help
make AM more accessible to everyday people,
break traditional product design barriers and
inspire any industry to apply AM in developing
unique and individual designs,” said Michiels,
CEO of Materialise Malaysia.
10
credit: http://www.pr.com/press-release/501904

11

A TRADITION
BATIKCOMES OF AGE
Rather than in any particular style or design,
perhaps such an identity lies in its popularity
as the fabric of choice in national attire, with
Malaysians from all walks of life turning out
in batik on informal and formal occasions, at
home and abroad.
This book offers a comprehensive narration
of the growth of the Malaysian batik industry
from its early beginnings as a scattered group
of small personal holdings in the East Coast
states of Malaya in the 1930s to the wellsupported
national hub that it is today.
Under the auspices of Yayasan Budi
Penyayang, the writer, Noor Azlina Yunus,
has produced a well-illustrated account
of the journey of Malaysian batik and the
myriad phases and faces it represents – from
its initial borrowings of the sober hues and
repetitive patterns of the Indonesian batik
Lasem, Pekalongan and Cirebon prototypes
to the brilliant metamorphosis of colours and
designs now crafted for high fashion.
In every chapter the writer’s batik story
is accompanied by an impressive collection
of photographs and sketches to illustrate
each design, pattern, colour and technique
described. The expert layout of the text and
illustrations enhances the coffee table appeal
of the book and facilitates the reading and
comprehension of what are some rather
complex descriptions of design and batikmaking
techniques.
In Chapters 1 and 2, the writer points to an
outstanding difference in the development of
batik in Malaysia and Indonesia, where batik
making is a centuries-old tradition. It was the
customary use of the sarong in Javanese court
wear and among men and women of the upper
class that helped to preserve the identity of
Indonesian batik. The skilled
batik artisans consistently
used the stiffer designs,
schematic patterns and
more staid colour schemes
established in traditional
Javanese batik. In Malaysia,
batik sarongs were worn by the
common folk, many of whom
were farmers and fishermen.
The self-taught batik makers
of Kelantan and Terengganu
were thus more free to develop
bolder new designs and colour
combinations reflecting the
fauna and flora in the natural environment.
The less restrictive cultural environment
in Malaysia also allowed for innovations in the
techniques and mechanics of batik production.
Quite significantly, the transition from the
use of the canting (a traditional hand-held
tool) in Indonesia for the precise but slow
release of the wax in batik tulis, to the use in
Malaysia of metal-block wax stamping over
broader areas of fabric to produce yardage
batik cap, followed by the more versatile use
of the canting technique to produce stylus
12

atik has resulted in a more varied
choice of batik fabrics and designs
in Malaysia.
In Chapter 3 Noor Azlina
discusses in some depth the
emergence of the Malaysian
identity in stylus batik from
the 1970s right through to
the 1980s and 1990s, led by
the younger graduates of
art and design trained in
foreign institutions as well
as local ones such as the
Mara Institute of Technology.
The reader is led to conclude
that what can be considered
a pioneering venture in
Malaysian batik is not so
much the creation of a unique
Malaysian design identity but
rather, the innovations and
experimentations in batik
production.
Interestingly, the
tradition of designing
individually styled yardage
batik pieces for different
designs in women’s dress,
scarves and stoles, men’s shirts
and even lifestyle products was
born and nurtured during this
phase of the batik story. The riot of patterns
and colour combinations in traditional Malay
women’s dress, such as the baju kurung, baju
kebaya and baju Kedah, and men’ shirts
typically reflected the Malay preference for
stronger designs in their attire.
The writer also identifies the individual
batik designers and producers who were
outstanding during this era and contributed
their artistic skills as well as marketing talents
to popularise Malaysian batik. Through
their combined endeavours, the country
saw a proliferation of batik silk produced by
a combination of waxing and hand-drawn
design using the canting and brushes. To this
day, batik silk remains the most popular fabric
choice for batik, taking over from the cottons
and lawns of the early period and the voiles,
rayons and viscose later.
While individual designers in Kuala
Lumpur were able to sustain their businesses,
it was the organised efforts of government
agencies like Rida (Rural Industrial
Development Authority) and Mara (Majlis
Amanah Rakyat) in the 1960s and 1970s that
provided financial and technical assistance to
the small-scale batik industry which started
in the East Coast states of Kelantan and
Terengganu and spread to the West Coast
of Peninsular Malaysia. The growth of local
and international tourism, the governmentencouraged
use of batik for formal use, and
individual initiatives developed a more stable
market for Malaysian batik and the industry
was to gain a stronger foothold in the nation’s
economy.
However, as Noor Azlina rightly points
out, while batik manufacturing was on its
way to becoming a viable local industry in
the 1990s, product development, if there was
any, was less impressive. The new government
agency Kraftangan needed to coordinate the
batik industry players better and inspire them
to develop newer and better designs to meet
the demands of a more discerning twenty-first
century consumer market.
The highlights of Malaysian Batik:
Reinventing A Tradition in terms of both its
exposition and illustration are Chapters 4 and
5 where the writer describes in great detail the
role played by the late Tun Endon Mahmood
(wife of former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah
Ahmad Badawi) and the organisation she
spearheaded, the Yayasan Budi Penyayang
(Penyayang), to inject new life into the
Malaysian batik industry.
From the inception of Penyayang in
2000, Endon was to consider it her personal
mission to revitalise the industry with a new
creativity, promotional scheme and business
strategy to take it to loftier levels, locally and
internationally. Under the untiring efforts
of the foundation’s CEO, Datuk Leela Mohd
Ali, and its subsidiary Batik Guild Sdn Bhd,
Penyayang embarked on the “Malaysia
Batik – Crafted for the World” movement
launched in 2003.
Through the well-chronicled
text and assortment of photographs
in Chapter 4, the writer takes us
through the colourful series of
events – batik extravaganzas
and fashion shows, street
carnivals and fun walks,
batik and craft exhibitions,
batik demonstrations and
workshops, seminars and
conferences – organised by the
movement that connected the Malaysian public
with the best players in the batik industry. The
batik industry players have been, in turn, given
an organised platform and opportunity to
showcase their talents and products and reach
out to a much larger public.
The concerted and sustained efforts to
promote the Malaysian batik industry and
encourage the creation of Malaysian batik with
a clear national identity has brought together
the batik makers, designers, production
houses, fashion moguls, fashionistas,
retailers and distributors, writers and media
communicators and academicians, all poised
to witness the modern rejuvenation and
reinvention of Malaysian batik.
The culmination of each year’s activities
lie in the Piala Seri Endon, a batik design
competition held annually to showcase the best
in batik design, highlighting the knowledge
and experience of the designers
but more importantly
their “creativity,
originality and
p r o f e s s i o n a l
execution of
the batik in the
designs as well as
their commercial
viability” boldness
in combining the
strokes of canting
and brush through a
heightened colour
sense.
credit: http://www.thestar.com.my/story.aspx/?file=%2f2011%2f12%2f23%2flifebookshelf%2f10108892&sec=lifebookshelf
13

TRADITIONAL arts and crafts have always
revealed the character and history of a nation
and, in Malaysia, one of the artforms that does
this is batik. The entire process of decorating
and dyeing fabric using wax and vibrant colours
is what makes batik unique and it has evolved
from making functional and decorative pieces
to abstract artworks and even clothes.
“The late Tun Endon Mahmood loved
Malaysia’s arts and crafts and, in Sept 2003,
we worked with her to create the Malaysia
Batik — Crafted For The World movement to
complement the work that was already being
done by the Government for the industry,” said
Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (YBPM)
chief executive officer Datuk Leela Mohd Ali
in the Galeri Seri Endon, Bukit Damansara,
Kuala Lumpur, recently.
Leela said the objectives of the movement
included revitalising the Malaysian batik
industry, improving the economic welfare
of smaller batik producers in rural areas,
encouraging innovation in design, use of
materials and technology and preserving batik
as one of Malaysia’s identities and personalities.
YBPM is the foundation that oversees
Galeri Seri Endon under its Culture and
Heritage portfolio and Leela said the
foundation was not funded by the Government,
but received contributions from well-wishers.
“Set up in 2006 by YBPM just after Endon
passed on, the gallery’s aim is to facilitate the
growth and development of the Malaysian
batik industry.
COLOURS OF
TRADITION
“Many programmes and activities were
implemented, including the Piala Seri Endon
(PSE) Batik Design Competition, which was
first organised in 2003,” said Leela, adding that
this was conceived as a platform to recognise
and encourage batik-making talents in
Malaysia.
She added that about RM500,000 had been
invested in setting up the gallery.
Leela said the gallery was a social enterprise
and served as an incubator to nurture PSE
prize winners and other young batik talents.
“The welfare of those involved in the craft
and heritage industries mattered to Endon
as they would be the ones to carry on the
old traditions and fly the flag for Malaysia’s
heritage among the youth,” said Leela, adding
that research by the Malaysian Handicraft
Development Corporation in 2004 showed
that 38% of batik production businesses were
family owned, where the craft had been passed
down through the generations.
She said if nothing was done to raise
awareness, then the art could be lost for all
time.
Before the gallery was set up, the movement
organised Batik Street Carnivals and trade and
craft show in malls and hotels.
Leela said they had taken it international
in January 2005 with An Italian Affair: Batik
Expressions, a gala dinner and fashion show
that featured works from well-known Italian
designers and four Malaysian batik designers.
In May that year, the movement was
invited by the Malaysian ambassador to the
Netherlands to present a batik fashion show
for 300 diplomats and Dutch dignitaries.
“This was when Malaysian batik made its
presence known to the world and we realised
that we still had a lot to learn from designers
abroad,” said Leela, adding that the works of
PSE winners were featured during the show
and various workshops were also organised to
increase exposure.
“When we first launched PSE in 2003,
it started out with only the fashion category
but we soon realised this was not enough for
us to grow and expand. We then introduced
the soft furnishing category in 2004
followed by handicraft
in 2005,” said Leela,
adding that this
was in line with the
movement’s aim
of widening the
scope of products
to which batik
could be applied.
Leela added that
through the
PSE, which
is now in
its 11th
year, the
gallery had
a c h i e v e d
its goal of
s e e i n g
g r o w t h
in the
b a t i k
industry.
“ E v e r y
y e a r ,
P S E
14

generates more than 100 entries and the
judging process is strenuous as it involves
many stages. That is why we approach old
batik artists and business people like Farah
Khan to be the judges,” Leela said.
She said through PSE, batik talents not
only received exposure to the latest techniques
but also managed to sell their work to clients.
“Our gallery is a place for these talents to
showcase their work. We exhibit their fabrics
and when clients are interested, we would
contact them.
“The designers would deal with the clients
directly and the pricing is also set by them. The
gallery only takes 20% from the designers.
“We even have selected designers from
Kelantan and Terengganu who display their
works here,” said Leela, who is also Malaysian
Batik Association chairman, adding that the
gallery also provided assistance for those who
were unable to come up with the initial costs of
starting production.
She said designers most often
have the upper hand as, after
the first introduction, clients
had direct access and would
no longer go through the
gallery.
“We allocate about
RM17,000 a month for the
gallery, out of which
RM9,000 goes to the
rental and the rest
is spread out for
utilities, salaries,
licensing and
insurance, among
others,” she said,
adding that
other activities
to promote
the industry
included the
Kuala Lumpur
International
Batik (KLIB)
Convention
a n d
Exhibition
held once
every two
years, tea
s e s s i o n s
with invited
guests to
s h o w c a s e
the works of
designers at the
gallery and workshops.
Leela explained that
the gallery was looking at
moving in a new direction
to spur the revenue growth.
“We will be employing
a marketing specialist to
handle our enquiries and
we would also be advertising
more in the near future,”
she said, adding that it was
time for the gallery to make
a paradigm shift from being
an incubator.
She said other expansion plans in the
pipeline included creating a website to promote
the products online.
Apart from fabrics and ready-made
outfits, the gallery also offers handicraft and
accessories with batik motifs.
She said the gallery garnered RM185,000
in revenue last year and was expecting
30% growth this year after it kick-starts its
expansion plans.
Leela explained that the Malaysian Batik
Association was formed in November 2006
and acted as a platform for batik industry
stakeholders to voice their opinions and
grouses.
According to her, one of the challenges
facing the industry was the increasing use of
technology in batik production.
“We have to continuously produce creative
and innovative designs to ensure batik’s
sustainability. The authenticity of the craft
must be preserved,” said Leela.
She said for batik stakeholders in Kelantan
and Terengganu, weather was a challenge, as it
was difficult for the fabrics to dry during the
monsoon season.
“Due to the currency exchange, many
designers said prices for raw materials like
dyes and materials had gone up three times last
year,” she said, adding that this had resulted in
designers having to absorb the costs.
The gallery is keen on green efforts and
in 2007, the foundation was awarded a grant
by the Science, Technology and Innovation
Ministry for research into natural dyes.
“Although a research team was set up for
this purpose, many designers still prefer to use
normal dyes, which can be toxic,” said Leela,
adding that it would create more awareness
and make this project successful in time to
come.
info@Batik
SILK BATIK ‘HARAM’,
SIGNALS COMING OF THE
APOCALYPSE, MUSLIM
GROUP WARNS
A Muslim consumer group warned today
that the wearing of pure silk batik cloths is
not only forbidden among Muslim men but is
also a sign of Islam’s apocalypse, a prophetic
revelation on the end of days.
The Muslim Consumers Association of
Malaysia (PPIM) said many Muslims here are
unaware of this fact, which it said is enshrined
in several hadiths, also known as the collection
of words and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad.
“Rasulullah SAW has said that Muslim
men cannot wear silk and gold.
“Hadiths also state that one of the tanda
kiamat (signs of the apocalypse) is when
pure silk is being worn, and that there is no
awareness about this,” PPIM activist Sheikh
Abd Kareem S Khadaied told reporters at a
press conference here.
Batik is a form of textile art often marketed
as a national heritage in Muslim-majority
Malaysia and Indonesia.
Government leaders and religious figures
here commonly use batik, which comes in a
variety of materials, including pure silk, rayon
and cotton, for official functions.
But Sheikh Abd Kareem said pure silk
cannot be the way to go for Muslim men and
suggested that alternatives to the material be
used instead.
He took aim at the Malaysian Handicraft
Development Corporation, saying that it had
not done anything to research on alternative
materials besides pure silk to make batik,
despite having enough funds to do so.
“In the current industry most of the silk
batik worn by Muslim men is pure silk. Only
about ten per cent is silk mixture,” he said.
When asked to explain how PPIM
might make non-Muslims understand the
reasoning behind the banning of pure silk for
Muslim men, Sheikh Abd Kareem said it was
unnecessary.
“When the Prophet says it is forbidden,
that means it is forbidden, we listen and abide
by it.
“Logic is a (part of human) desire,” he
added, saying that when it came to Islam one
should not demand a reasoning or explanation
on a matter.
But Sheikh pointed out that PPIM had no
problems with batik cloths which used silk
mixed with other materials such as linen and
cotton as there was no hadith which forbade
this.
He said he had brought the matter up with
the National Fatwa Council and the Malaysian
Islamic Department (Jakim) but they have yet
to provide a solution on the matter.
“There has to be labelling done on each
batik cloth for that people will know it is pure
silk and therefore haram,” Sheikh said.
credit: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/silk-batik-haram-signals-coming-of-the-apocalypse-muslim-group-warns
credit: http://m.thestar.com.my/story.aspx?hl=Colours+of+tradition&sec=business&id={63127FAC-9FB6-49A4-AAD1-285A2A2E4B2C}
15

ONLINE BUSINESS
TURN A HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS
Nurhamidah Yusmar, 26 currently holds a
Degree in Mechatronics Engineering (Hons.)
is a successful online businesswoman on the
internet. According to her, she preferred to
open her own business than working under
people because she was unable to find any job
to suit her qualification after she finished her
study on year 2007.
Trying to motivate
his son, Yusmar Sawi
o n c e
s a i d
t o
Nurhamidah that there were a hadith that said
“Nine out of ten gates of living is the business.”
Yusmar, who was also a businessman said
that working alone is actually more profitable
and easier than working under people where
sometime you need to work under pressured.
With the help from her family, Nurhamidah
registered her own shop named Midfashion
Shop in August 2009 with Suruhanjaya
Syarikat Malaysia (SSM).
Holding the father said that it is more
profitable ga meniaw of working under
people, Nurhamidah Yusmar which holds
Mechatronics Engineering ( Hons. ) prefer to
do business online. He was the third child in
a family setting Yusmar Midfashion Shop in
August 2009, recently was awarded as winner
in the category of top online merchants by the
government of Pahang.
Recalling on how she involved in the
online business, Nurhamidah said that actually
she starting doing business since she was
studied at the university. There, she and her
friends operate a food delivery business where
student can order any type of food and get it
delivered right into their front door. During
the holiday season, she will help her
parent selling groceries at night
and morning markets.
From the first month
Midfashion Shop operated
until the fifth month which is
on December 2009, the profit
she was not less than RM6 000.
Nurhamidah said that she was
lucky to get such a big profit
because she only sold scarves
and hijab at that time
and claimed that she
always use all the facility
that provided by the
government and never
afraid to take any risk.
A l t h o u g h
MidFashion Shop
is still new on that
time, Nurhamidah
already used
Facebook Ads,
Blogger Ads and
16

also advertise her product in the newspaper.
Feeling not satisfied with the profit she get,
Nurhamidah decided to maximize her profit
by selling women’s clothing in the middle of
2010 and it was an excellent idea where her
accumulated profits is RM65 000 until the end
of year 2012.
In order to increase her product sales,
Nurhamidah then choose to sell her own
handmade felt crafts.
She once again make a clever decision
where from the first time Midfashion Shop
operated until January 2014, she managed to
get RM100 000.00 equivalent to approximately
RM2000.00 per month.
Not depending in online business only, she
always opens her own booth at any expo or
event around her hometown. During writing
this article, she was at Universiti Pendidikan
Sultan Idris (UPSI) where she opens a booth
there for three day.
Recalling the problem she faced while
engaging in online business, he stressed out
that the greatest challenges she ever faced
was when all the booking data and customer
information stored in her laptop is corrupted
and can’t be used anymore.
For Nurhamidah, customer data and
their order detail is very important to her and
although the data corrupted can be retrieved
back in the email account, it takes too long
time for her to re -listed. That is why she had to
go to Singapore and spend about RM700 and
wait approximately 2 days to recover the data
that is corrupted.
MidFashion Shop recently awarded as
winner in the category of top online business
merchants by the government of Pahang and
she got RM2000 as an initiative from the
government and she said she never regret her
desicion to become businesswomen. Sha can
be found on Facebook, MidFashion Shop.
17

The recent Olympic Games, however, have reignited
my desire to do something about my
health and become more active. Watching the
female Olympians participating in sport and
breaking barriers (in their respective sports
and in some cases, cultures) was very inspirational
to me.
So for myself, as well as other sisters in
hijab who are looking for sport-friendly options,
here are a few sport hijabs available on
the market:
CAPSTERS
A recognised player in this niche, Capsters has
been synonymous with sport hijabs for some
time. Their products are known for their quality.
Most Capsters sport hijabs feature a fussfree
Velcro mechanism, ensuring comfort for
their wearers while allowing the hijab to be
pulled off quickly and safely should the need
arise.
dry, breathability for comfort, and lightweight,’
says Fatima. ‘But another big requirement was
that it should appear like regular hijab.’
Indeed, the hijab looks good enough for
everyday use, and this is further helped with
the wide range of colours available. The Friniggi
sports hijab comes in 15 colours to suit the
tastes of the customer and also comes in specific
sizes. Although selecting your size might
be slightly confusing, Fatima is very helpful
in assisting you to select the best fit to ensure
your comfort.
QUEENDOM ATHLETICA BASICS
Like the other sport hijab variants, Queendom’s
Athletica hijab is a high quality, easyto-wear
one-piece slip-on. Interestingly, the
hijabs are made of bamboo and organic cotton,
which are breathable, absorbent and block UV
rays to protect your skin. An inner hair-reinforcement
keeps the hair off your neck inside
the hijab.
EXERCISE IN COMFORT
Although sports hijabs are on the market,
some Muslim women may find it difficult to
find suitable workout attire. I took a trip to a
sports retail chain recently and noticed that
there were very few long-sleeved shirts available.
The ones I miraculously found were far too
indecently tight for any hijabi to wear.
I’ve noticed that many Muslim women in
my area wear tight long-sleeved dry-fit shirts
and layer over with a loose T-shirt, or opt for
sport jackets, to stay modest and still look
great. This alternative is less than optimal,
however it works if nothing better is available.
You could also wear a comfortable loosefit
long-sleeved cotton T-shirt from high street
stores like Uniqlo or Forever 21 while exercising,
though you would have to compromise on
SPORTS HIJABS 4 MUSLIM
Their hijabs in the sport range (they have
several models of hijabs catered to different
sports) are made with lightweight, breathable
and stretchable material, making them
extremely comfortable to wear. Interestingly,
they make hijabs for water and winter sports
as well.
One qualm I have is that the hijabs do not
cover the chest area, which is important to
me when I run. Fortunately, I have heard rumours
that they’ll soon be coming out with a
chest-covering model in the sport range.
FRINIGGI
This athletics brand catered to Muslim women
is based in Botswana. It was established when
its owner, Fatima, identified a gap in the market
for comfortable, modest, yet well-designed
sportswear for active Muslim women in hijab
like her. She then meticulously designed her
line, which includes a chest-covering sports
hijab, to ensure comfort for its users.
‘I wanted a sports hijab that had all the
performance requirements for high-impact
sports: moisture-wicking to keep you cool and
RESPORTON
ResportOn started as a graduate project for
designer Elham Seyed Javad, who wanted to
create a functional, uncomplicated and comfortable
hijab for Muslim athletes who’d been
expelled from a taekwondo competition because
of their hijabs. She sought to create a
piece that could cover the head while maximising
athletes’ performance by avoiding the need
to frequently adjust their hijabs.
What she designed was the ResportOn,
which is like a sleeveless hoody top that keeps
the headpiece in place. It is lightweight, uses
dry-fit material and is highly comfortable. The
ResportOn is particularly good for sports that
require a lot of movement, and isn’t limited
solely to Muslim women. Athletes, including
men, who want to keep their hair out of their
face when exercising have also expressed interest
in the ResportOn. The hijab made an appearance
at the Olympics on the head of Sarah
Attar, who competed for Saudi Arabia in the
800m event. A new variation of the ResportOn
that is detached from the hoody top will be
available soon.
dry-fit comfort. If dry-fit material is important
to you, Friniggi offers specialty sports tops for
Muslim women.
Thankfully, though, comfortable track
pants are aplenty in sports stores, with my favourite
being from Nike. Their innovative dryfit
options ensure your modesty while keeping
you comfortable.
EASING THE TRANSITION
These players on the market have varying designs,
but they agree on at least two things: Hijabs
should not deter their wearers from playing
sports, and Muslim women should go out
and lead active lifestyles.
There’s still considerable controversy surrounding
hijabis in sport – the 2007 FIFA ban
on hijabs (recently lifted) and the case of Saudi
Arabian Judoka Wodjan Shahrkhani, who was
almost banned from competing at the Olympics,
are just two examples.
So it is my hope that these well-designed,
comfortable and safe hijabs will help to ease
the transition to full acceptance of hijabi athletes
by sporting bodies and associations.
18
credit: http://www.aquila-style.com/fashionbeauty/sports-hijabs-for-the-active-muslimah/18719

UITM STUDENTS’ FASHION
DESIGNS A HIT IN LONDON
Fifteen final-year students from the Faculty
of Art and Design, Department of Fashion,
University Technology Mara (UiTM) wowed
the audience at their Graduate Fashion Show
held at the Malaysian High Commission here,
with their unique collections which saw the
clever interpretation of themes inspired by
identity.
The first-ever graduate fashion show from
any educational institution from Malaysia to
be held here, was organised by the UiTM and
hosted by the Malaysian High Commission to
showcase the designs to an international crowd
comprising of members of the diplomatic
circle, representatives from the London
Graduate Fashion Week and the University
of the Arts London and the London School of
Fashion.
Colin Kerrigan, deputy director,
International Centre of the University of the
Arts London said: “I think it’s a really excellent
show.
“I’ve known UiTM for a number of years
as I used to live in Malaysia in the 1990s and
what is interesting to see today is just how the
designs have developed over the years.
“It is much more experimental and cutting
edge.”
Their avant garde and sometimes futuristic
designs were cleverly mixed with elements
of Malay traditional designs inspired by
Malay warriors, heads of the perahu, Malay
wood carvings, the wau bulan and Cik Siti
Wan Kembang, to name a few. Eight of the
15 designers were present to showcase their
collections to an appreciative crowd at the
event.Also present was the Malaysian High
Commissioner to Britain Datuk Zakaria
Sulong.
UiTM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr
Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar, who was very pleased
with the reception given by the audience, said:
“I truly think that the UiTM students really
have talent and have shown that they are able to
meet international standards, using elements
of Malay culture, designs and elements.”
He said the students were very motivated
and they would be encouraged now to take
their graduate fashion show to other cities
such as Paris and New York and to countries in
the Middle East region.
The show was an opportunity for the
students as well as representatives of the
fashion world to exchange ideas on potential
collaboration.
According to Datin Hazizah Ahmad, wife
of the High Commissioner, she was very much
impressed by the high standards of designs
and creativity showed by the students through
their collections.
Another show was held at the residence of
the High Commission here for the Malaysian
community.
Shahrizad Fitri Mustapha, 23, who
impressed the audience with his designs
inspired by the wau bulan, said he interpreted
the energy and colour of the wau bulan into his
designs made from silk and satin.
Elegance shone through Zakiah Khalit’s
collections which were inspired by Cik Siti
Wan Kembang.
The 23-year-old final-year student used
the songket, chiffon and Thai silk in her
contemporary designs, with drappings and
pleats.
credit: http://koleksi.uitm.edu.my/digital_public/NEWS_CLIPPINGS/NST%20191210.pdf
19

Does the thought of a crowded mall carpark
give you the chills? Or maybe the thought of
trying on an outfit in a claustrophobically tiny
changing room makes you sweat. For some
people, mall shopping is a nightmare come
true hence why online shopping sites have
become so popular. There’s something almost
magical about hitting a button and have that
item show up at your doorstep sometime later.
Without overheads, online stores are also able
to offer items at much cheaper prices than
regular stores. Seems like a win-win situation.
Until you factor the price you pay to
ship the item. Smaller items within Malaysia
are a matter of RM6-7 in Poslaju costs but
bulkier items can negate the discounts online
shopping offers in the first place. But many
online stores have now realised that offering
free or subsidised shipping helps create
customer loyalty, and puts them ahead of
the competition. This comes at a smaller
cost than most think thanks to bulk and
frequent customer discounts given by courier
companies and the postal service.
These are the top 10 online shopping sites
with competitive retail prices and free shipping
(though some with conditions).
TOP
10
ONLINE
S HOPPING
ITES WITH
FREE SHIPPING
frame of 3 to 6 days.
3. GLAM UP BOUTIQUE
In the running for online shop of the year in
the Digi Wwwow Awards, Glam up boutique
specialises in cosmetics from Korea. With the
Hallyu or Korean Wave becoming popular
with Malaysians in the past few years, Glam
up boutique could be the go-to online shop
for cosmetics. They provide free shipping
to Malaysia and Singapore after reaching
a minimum purchase of RM100 for West
Malaysia, RM120 for East Malaysia, RM250
for Singapore.
4. FASHION VALET
Fashion valet not only offers free international
shipping; they reward shoppers with loyalty
points where RM100 = 100 points = RM1
to spend. Free shipping is available for
Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei whilst other
countries will have to place an order above a
certain amount before enjoying free shipping
(minimum amount varies depending on
country. Fashion Valet sells clothes for women
and children; shoes and accessories. Keep an
1. THEPOPLOOK
Thepoplook sells clothing and accessories for
teen girls. They offer free shipping throughout
Malaysia via Poslaju and even to Singapore
using SF Express Courier Service. With a
purchase of RM1000 in a single receipt,
thepoplook provides free international
shipping to every other country except Israel.
Following UK sizes, thepoplook also has sales
sponsored by
of up to 60% every so often.
2. FBLOCK
With up to 9 retail outlets throughout Selangor
and 1 in Melaka, Fblock boasts a variety of
products from clothes and accessories to
bags and beauty products. With a purchase of
RM100 and above, Fblock offers free shipping
throughout Malaysia with a delivery time
eye out for their festive sales!
5. ZALORA
Over the years Zalora has slowly become one
20

of the hottest online shopping sites for both
men and women. Zalora offer a wide variety of
choices. Whether if it is for sports, grooming,
beauty, clothes, shoes, whatever you are
looking for, they most likely have it. Shipping
is free provided shoppers make a purchase
SAFETY TIPS FOR
6ONLINE SHOPPING
IN MALAYSIA
As online shopping continues to grow rapidly
in Malaysia, we’ve written a few safety tips
to keep in mind.
fraud. Therefore, make sure to check some of
this out before making a purchase.
credit: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2014/01/22/top-10-online-shopping-sites-with-free-shipping/
above RM75.4
6. ASOS
Asos is well-known internationally as a
preferred online clothing destination for men
and women. They sell different brands and
even have their own label. Most importantly,
they offer free shipping to over 190 different
countries with no minimum purchase
required.
7. BOOK DEPOSITORY
Online shopping sites are not just about
clothes and cosmetics. Book depository offers
free worldwide shipping and has every type
of genre imaginable. If a good book is hard to
come by, then try checking out the inventory
in Book depository. Sellers in Malaysia are
more likely to offer free shipping especially on
purchases exceeding a certain amount.
8. LAZADA
Specialising in electronic gadgets and devices,
Lazada provides free shipping nationwide with
a minimum purchase of RM50 (Kuala Lumpur
and Klang Valley), RM100 (West Malaysia)
RM150 (East Malaysia). Lazada works on Cash
on Delivery system and items are returnable
within 14 days of purchase.
9. EBAY
eBay may come off as a shock for most people
but they do offer free shipping. Just keep an eye
out for sellers that are offering free shipping
(just make sure you ask if postage to Malaysia
is included in the offer!). Sellers in Malaysia are
more likely to offer free shipping especially on
purchases exceeding a certain amount.
10. FOODWORLD
Even the food industry has taken the step into
online businesses, this is not a food delivery
like McDonald’s or Pizza Hut but instead,
Foodworld delivers your groceries to you. This
helps save time for working mothers, students
living alone or for bachelor/bachelorettes.
Foodworld provides free delivery as well but
only within the Klang Valley area, Penang and
Johor Bahru with orders above RM200.
With more sites offering free shipping
options, shopping online is becoming more and
more attractive. Though it’s unlikely to replace
conventional shopping anytime soon (if the
many crowded malls in Malaysia are anything
to go by); online shopping with free shipping
could create a whole new world of shopping
options for people who once hesitated at the
‘buy’ button due to postage prices.
1. COMPARE PRICES
Do a little homework before making your
purchase, especially if it is a large sum to
avoid impulsive purchases. Compare it with
several other websites that offer the same
item or similar item to learn the current
market rate. Be extra cautious of heavily discounted
offers as they may offer replica products
instead of genuine ones – this is most
commonly observed for luxury goods online
scams
2. READ REVIEWS AND TESTIMONI-
ALS
Most online shopping websites offer feedback
from their customers to share about
their customer service and product quality.
Read through the comments.
If this is not available, the brand’s Facebook
page and other social media channels
are helpful sources for checking credibility.
For example, through the online shops’
social media channels,you can check the
number of followers, who is following (for
example, if you have a Facebook connection
following the online shop’s Facebook page,
you’ll be able to see that connection on the
shop’s Facebook page) and the conversations
occurring. Feel free to also post your own
questions in the brands’ social media channels
to see how quickly and professionally
they respond.
3. CHECK COMPANY BACKGROUNDS
As of 1st July 2013, all online marketplace
operators in Malaysia are required to, among
others; provide their full details, terms of
conditions of sale, rectification of errors and
maintenance of records under the Consumer
Protection (Electronic Trade Transactions)
Regulations 2012 (“Regulation”), a regulation
under the Consumer Protection Act 1999.
This will ensure that the business is operating
legitimately and actions can be taken against
them should they participate in e-commerce
4. CHECK SECURITY ICONS
Look for VeriSign of Webtrust logos when you
are using an e-commerce shopping cart. Additionally,
check the security of your browser
by examining the url address bar to see that it
states “https” (rather than just “http”) or that is
has the lock icon. This quick check is crucial,
especially for websites that involve online payment,
to avoid online identity theft and other
forms of cyber crime
5. TRANSFER MONEY ONLINE WISELY
Double check all the payment details before
transferring the necessary funds to ensure it is
being directed to its intended recipient. If there
is something fishy about the information provided,
abort the transaction immediately.
For those who opt for manual online bank
transfer, always be sure to login to your online
bank account via the legitimate URL. Never
click on any links claiming to originate from
the bank that will redirect you to the online
banking site or give out your login details online.
Remember also that bank officials only
get in touch with customers via phone and will
never ask for your login details.
6. READ TERMS & CONDITIONS
Read up on the shipping and returns policy
to ensure that you are fully informed before
agreeing to make a purchase online. This information
will come in handy on what action
to take with any lost parcels, damaged goods
or products received that do not match the
description online. Some online marketplaces,
such as Lelong.my and Ebay, have buyer protection
programs to protect the interests of the
shoppers from fraud cases.
credit: http://leapingpost.com/2013/10/02/online-shopping-safety-malaysia/
21

It is always tempting to chase the newest trend
in fashion and change your style statement
from time to time when it comes to get that
well turned-out look. Most people love to
welcome the trendiest clothing pieces to their
wardrobes in order to keep up with the latest
fashion. However, some fashion outfits have
such a timeless appeal that you would always
want them to be a part of your wardrobe.
These fashion pieces have only stood the test of
time, but also look good on almost everyone –
regardless of age, creed, and size. Here are the
five must-have classic fashion pieces that you
should never be afraid to splurge on.
BLUE DENIMS
There is something special about a perfect pair
of denim jeans, and there is a reason that it
never seems to go out of fashion. You can pull
off denim jeans pretty well on all the casual
events and can even flaunt your well-shaped
booty if you go for the comfy skinny ones.
The greatest thing about denim jeans is that
you can pair it with anything from shirts and
t-shirts to cardigans and overcoats. After all,
you can’t give up your favorite boot-cuts and
skinnies because they are simply oh-so-trendy
and make you look a whole lot sexier.
WHITE SHIRT
A white shirt would be a perfect pick when
it comes to carrying style with elegance. It is
perfect for summer wear and cool enough to
keep you comfortable all day. However, you
need to make sure that you splurge on one
size larger than you normally wear in order to
avoid those awkward gaps around your chest.
Be it an interview, a dinner date, or a casual
business meeting, a plain white shirt should be
your new BFF. Don’t act stingy while buying
a white shirt since you definitely don’t want it
lose its shape after multiple washings.
A LITTLE BLACK DRESS
The little black dress is every girl’s favorite
wardrobe pick. When you can’t think of
anything to wear for a particular occasion,
simply open your closet and pick up your
favorite LBD to get that defined, chic and
sophisticated look. Your LBD should not be
too long or too short. A perfect knee-length
and sleeveless dress would be appropriate for
any occasion that you can think of. Just team
your LBD up with a pair of pumps or stilettos
and you are ready to go out for a sassy date
night or a casual business meeting.
KHAKI PANTS
Of course you can’t wear denims all the time,
as it might get monotonous after a while or
perhaps you will start loathing your favorite
denim jeans for that matter. Khaki pants will
be the perfect substitute in that case. It is quite
an appropriate pick for a business casual look
for both men and women. You can either team
up your khaki pants with a polo or V-neck tee,
or you can wear them with a casual plain or
check shirt.
PLAIN V-NECK T-SHIRTS
If you are one of those people who do not
like to make statement through their printed
or captioned t-shirts, plain V-neck tees are
certainly your thing. Also, you need not
spend too much when it comes to buying a
plain V-neck tee. You can easily get that smart
turned-out look in an economical price. Plain
V-neck t-shirts look fantastic under jackets
and check shirts. Even if you go for a pricey
one it will be totally worth the price, since
they manage to look amazing even after
5 years.
So make sure you have all these
timeless fashion essentials in your
wardrobe for that perfect, classic look.
Quality should be preferred over
quantity because having an old but
classic collection of clothes in your
closet is always a great feeling.
NEVER GO OVERBOARD
WITH BLACK
Black is everyone’s go-to hue
for a slimmer silhouette and a
trim appearance but too much
black can be a bad thing.
Your skin pales as you age
and wearing black creates a
harsh contrast to your skin.
It can emphasize wrinkles
and lines and highlight dark
shadows which will make
you look older. Add a pop
of colour to your outfit with
a bright accessory or wear more jewel tones
like emerald green and ruby red which are
flattering at any age.
NEVER WEAR GRANNY GLASSES
No matter what you wear, nothing screams old
as much as your reading glasses dangling on a
string. Even if you’re dressed to kill, whipping
out your spectacles to read
the menu or watch
a film can totally
ruin your outfit.
Instead, embrace
the sexy geek
chic trend and
get thicker,
cooler frames
instead of your
rimless ones and
pair them with red
lips to perfection!
5 TIMELESS
CLOTHING PIECES
YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH
Most people love to welcome the trendiest clothing pieces to
their wardrobes in order to keep up with the latest fashion.
credit: http://www.coupondunia.in/blog/5-timeless-clothing-pieces-you-can-never-go-wrong-with/
22

23

24