Four Bruneian designers recently graced the stage at the inaugural ASEAN Korea Fashion Week in Busan, South Korea.
The event witnessed the unveiling of “Chantique X Seni Moda” collection – a collaborative work between award-winning Bruneian designer Fadzil Haidin of Chantique and homegrown labels under Seni Moda.
Brunei was among 11 countries participating in the inauguration of the Republic of Korea and ASEAN Federation of Fashion Industry (RAFFI) and the ASEAN Korea Fashion Week.
Emerging designers under Seni Moda Mohd Nasroul Hizam Hj Souyono, Syahamsudin Hj Ali and Genevieve Ang achieved a milestone as they had the opportunity to show their designs on an international stage.
The “Chantique X Seni Moda” collection brought together women’s wear and accessories from Chantique and labels under Seni Moda namely; KAVA Streetwear, Mahkota Design BN, Little Dayang, Tapih Rancung, Veena Hijab & Couture, Kabajoux, Kalung by Azri and Dream of Lyn (DOL)
The collection combined modest wear with contemporary designs and traditional songket patterns.
Founder of Chantique, Fadzil Hadin, a Bruneian designer who is based in Dubai saw the opportunity to introduce and expose fellow designers outside of Brunei.
Not a stranger himself in the
international fashion scene, Fadzil decided that it was time for other
designers to follow in his footsteps.
“There’s a
small market for fashion in Brunei… but I can see the big potential of Seni
Moda designers who are ready to take centre stage. I’m so grateful and happy to
share that stage with them through our collaboration,” he said.
Genevieve Ang of KAVA Streetwear said that the ASEAN Korea Fashion Week experience was indeed a successful event and definitely one for the books.
“There are so many talented Bruneian designers and I am honoured to be able to bring at least nine Bruneian brands to the fashion show. Together, we were united in one collection and proudly represented Brunei as a whole,” she said.
She further described the experience as surreal starting from the preparation in Brunei all the way up to rehearsals and the real day in Busan.
“It takes a lot of resilience, patience and hard work. Passion and talent alone are not enough. Those are the most important values I have gained from this experience,” added Ang.
Moreover, the ASEAN Korea Fashion Week culminated with a grand display of textiles, traditional hanbok as well as both traditional and contemporary performances.
At the closing ceremony of the event, the inauguration of the RAFFI was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by representatives from participating countries.
Fashion associations and designers across ASEAN and the Republic of South Korea pledged to collaborate in an effort to further develop the fashion industry in the region.
Founder of Mahkota Design Syahamsudin said that there is still much room for growth in the local fashion industry and the opportunity to work closely with ASEAN and Korean partners would open doors to bigger and better collaborations.
RAFFI, he added, aims to create a fashion industry ecosystem in the region and foster the trade of textiles between countries and encourage the organisation of fashion-related events. – Azrina Zin
The Bruneian | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
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