“Pop Art” Fashion Wear For Aidilfitri 

By Nurul Halawati Azhari

 

KUALA LUMPUR : For those who are still undecided about what to wear for Aidilfitri, they might find some time to visit the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex at Jalan Conlay here. At the complex, Kraftangan Malaysia, in collaboration with 36 entrepreneurs, has developed a ‘Pop Art’ fashion wear selection for this year’s Aidilfitri Craft Promotions.

 

Among the apparels on offer are those made from batik and other textiles.

 

 

Krafttangan Malaysia Chairman Datuk Sohaimi Shahadan, when approached by Bernama recently, said the turnover from this event is expected to reach RM3.0 million.

 

“This is the eighth year Kraftangan (Malaysia) is holding the Aidilftri Craft Promotions. Each year, Kraftangan (Malaysia) will try to come out with new trends to meet the taste of buyers”, Sohaimi said.

 

This year’s selection of apparels are due to Kraftangan Malaysia’s initiative to stage a Commercial Fashion Design Laboratory programme that attracted the participation of textile entrepreneurs who came out with ‘trend setters’ fashions for this festive season.

 

COMMERCIAL FASHION DESIGNS

 

This laboratory programme was staged to assist textile entrepreneurs to boost their sales in terms of commercially-designed apparel for the 2012 Aidilftri season.

 

Sohaimi said Krafttangan Malaysia has been instrumental in producing the latest apparel designs as part of the Malaysian production of these products.

 

“Last year, at the Adilfitri Craft Promotions, we found that buyers preferred ready-made apparels for themselves and their families, therefore Kraftangan Malaysia believes that we need to assist entrepreneurs in coming out with commercial designs in line with the current trend at the Aidilfiri Craft 2012 sale”, he said.

 

The event will promote ‘trend setters’ in the local apparel-making industry, Sohaimi noted, adding that the focus is on Aidilfitri wear.

 

‘Pop Art’ is the centre piece in this promotional event, where textile entrepreneurs made the presence of this design felt on their selendang and other traditional wear, such as the Kebaya Riau, Baju Kurung Kedah and Baju Kurung Pahang.

 

The apparels, with contemporary designs, are available for all ages and members of the family.

 

TEXTILE ENTREPRENEUR

 

Nor Akma Zakaria, a textile entrepreneur from Kampung Pulau Keladi in Pekan, Pahang who specialises in ‘kain tenun’, said the laboratory she participated in provided her with many tips on apparel design.

 

The 43-year-old businesswoman said she learnt about the choices of contemporary apparel design and colours from the laboratory.

 

“For the Pop Art concept, the colours incorporated into the apparels are brighter, as compared to softer ones in traditional designs”, said Nor Akma, who ventured into this industry in 1985.

 

Another textile entrepreneur, 49-year-old Jamaliah Abdul Razak, also participated in the laboratory, said the programme provided significant ideas on producing designs that are seen in current fashion trends.

 

“Despite adding the contemporary touches to our designs, we still retain the traditional designs, too,” said the batik businesswoman who has worked for 35 years in the batik industry.

 

The Aidilfitri Craft Promotion will be held at the Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay here from Aug 1-12. Among the events to be held are the Aidilfitri fashion display, Aidilfitry interior decorations, as well as Aidilfitri cooking exhibition and sale of Aidilfitri crafts. Surau and food stalls are available for those who wish to break their fast there.