Young designers with promise

They may have talent but young designers need to pay more attention to details, writes Zuhaila Sedek

Astonishing variations of  the kebaya were showcased recently on the runway at this year’s Malaysia International Fashion Week 2011 (MIFW). This time, the Young

Designers Arena, an organisation for young designers, was given the honour to kickstart the event.

The Glory Of Kebaya showcase featured designs from Aqar Couture, Sazzin, Azfar, Din Anuar, Saleh Hamid, Fiza Zulkarnain, Akmal Ariffin, Erwan Asbor, Eusopth Salleh,

Ehfan Ibrahim, Zulfadli Nasir, Zarrief, Raff Rafael and Erdan from Yoda Indonesia.

I applaud Yoda for its tribute showcase to  one of our traditional apparels. Unfortunately, not all the designers excelled. For those who did, none passed with a perfect score.

Although design is subjective, depending on the designer’s talent, taste and flair,  when it comes to workmanship, there are no two ways about it.

Presenting designs at such a prestigious event, the clothes should live up to its hype.

Little details such as the finish and fitting may sound like minor issues but they do stand out on the runway.

Fortunately, in terms of ideas, the designers showed a high level of creativity, particularly Eusopth Salleh, Ehfan Ibrahim and Zarrief.

Eusopth’s interpretation of the kebaya was structured and he used belts to add an edginess to the designs and to emphasise the shape of the body. White cotton embroidered with simple motifs can be paired easily with a songket sarung with slits either in front or at the back.

Ehfan’s alluring designs emphasised one’s femininity. The lace and beading detail were kept minimal, with colours ranging from light pink, peach and baby blue. There was also an emphasis on how the material flowed.

As for Zarrief, his designs may be simple but the clean lines showed that he had a clear idea of the different types of kebaya — kebaya labuh, kebarung, kebaya pendek and kebaya kota.

All these show there is no lack of potential which promises to bloom with experience.

However, the location of MIFW 2011 at Zebra Square in Jalan Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur, also leaves much to be desired since the building still seems to be under construction and there is also a lack of parking space. MIFW ends this Sunday.