20/07/2025

ON SUNDAY JULY 20, 2025 X theSunday Special

Both Indonesian and Malaysian designers share a deep appreciation for heritage and modesty, but they interpret them in different ways.”

Maireese

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Asian fashion ﮈà its global rhythm BY HANNEF ESQUANDER T HE Malaysian fashion industry might still have a long way to go before reaching the promi nence and prestige of Paris or Milan, but it is steadily gaining PXOWLWXGH RI FXOWXUHV WKDW DUH GL̆ HUHQW yet not entirely unfamiliar to one another gives these designers a unique advantage. It is up to them to identify the soft spots when creating garments for Asian buyers. Malaysia-based Indonesian designer Evita Maireese is one of them. Her designs combine modern elegance with Southeast Asian cultural heritage. Without restric tions of boundaries, Maireese creates versatile, empowering and timeless de signs that speak to women everywhere, no matter where they come from.

recognition. Each year, we inch closer with the emergence of young talents and homegrown brands making waves on the international scene, reaching Europe and even Hollywood. Some say that to make it big, designers must take their brands beyond Malaysia to the fashion capitals of the world, where success can be found. Labels by Malaysian-born designers like Mr Self-Portrait, Zang Toi and Jimmy Choo prove that the grass can indeed be greener on the other side. Yet in the current fashion climate, such a significant move requires even JUHDWHU VDFUL¿FHV DQG WKH NLQG RI ¿QDQFLDO support that is often unobtainable for new, up-and-coming designers. Instead, these designers choose to manage their expectations and take small, incremental steps before running at full speed, planting the seeds of their brands regionally across Asia before eventually going global. Neighbouring countries like Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand have become the training ground for these designers who aspire to spearhead their own global brands. The fact that Asia itself has a

suddenly overflowed with inspiration. The local creative scene was welcoming and , IRXQG WKDW WKLV FRXQWU\ R̆ HUHG both rich cultural diversity and space to grow as a designer,” Maireese recalled. Malaysia’s fashion scene is rooted in modesty and subtle elegance. It challenges designers like Maireese to think more intentionally, to find creative ways to H[SUHVV EHDXW\ WKURXJK UH¿QHG GHWDLOV rather than bold statements. That has KHOSHG WKHVH GHVLJQHUV JURZ DQG UH¿QH their design voice. Compared to Indonesia, where there is often more boldness and celebration in everyday fashion, Malaysia encourages a GL̆ HUHQW NLQG RI FUHDWLYLW\ ± RQH WKDW LV quieter and more considerate. This con trast is very inspiring for Maireese. “Both Indonesian and Malaysian designers share a deep appreciation for heritage and

modesty, but they in terpret them in different ways. There is a shared respect for craftsmanship, especially in

“My journey into the fashion world was far from conventional. I originally pursued D GL̆ HUHQW SURIHVVLRQ WKDW LV PRUH VWDEOH and somewhat conventional. Deep down, I have a penchant for creativity, storytelling and the art of self-expression. Fashion, for me, was never just about clothes. It is D ODQJXDJH D ZD\ WR UHÀHFW LGHQWLW\ DQG culture,” explained Maireese. Maireese took a leap of faith, enrolling in a fashion design programme and fully immersing herself in learning the techni cal and artistic aspects of the craft. It was FKDOOHQJLQJ DW ¿UVW EXW DOVR LQFUHGLEO\ fulfilling. This one particular decision became a turning point in her life. “When I moved to Malaysia, something shifted. Surrounded by a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape, my mind

embroidery, fabric choice and traditional techniques. However, the cultural nu DQFHV VKDSH GL̆ HUHQW DHVWKHWLFV , ¿QG that fascinating and enriching as a de signer working between both worlds.” Colours of Malaysia For many years, black and white have been the foundation of Maireese’s collections, allowing each detail, silhouette, texture and element of craftsmanship to stand out. The Jakarta-born designer loves exploring femininity through structure and texture, particularly by incorporating UẌ HV DQG KDQGPDGH ÀRZHU PDQLSXOD tions. These elements bring softness and movement that contrast beautifully with clean tailoring.