28/09/2025

ON SUNDAY September 28, 2025 theSunday Special III

resort collection. This line will feature bold silhouettes and high-quality materials, VXFK DV VLON DQG PHWDOOLF VDWLQ GHVLJQHG WR HYRNH D PRRG DQG SUHVHQFH :KLOH they explore unconventional structures, WKH\ UHPDLQ FRPPLWWHG WR WKHLU KDOOPDUN meticulous craftsmanship and cultural details woven subtly into each garment. As Wan & Mary continue their journey, they see themselves not just as designers but as storytellers of Malaysian identity. “Every design carries a piece of where we come from,” said Maryam. Whether it’s a motif drawn from local IRONORUH D VLOKRXHWWH LQVSLUHG E\ WUD ditional attire or a technique rooted in artisanal craft, their creations bridge the past and the present. They envision a future where Malaysian fashion holds its own on global runways, celebrated for originality and cultural depth. “Heritage will always remain relevant, even in a world where trends change so TXLFNO\ ´ +D]]HUZDQ UHÀHFWHG “We want to show that our roots are not only beautiful but also versatile, able to stand alongside any global brand.” With every stitch, Wan & Mary are UHGH¿QLQJ ZKDW 0DOD\VLDQ IDVKLRQ FDQ EH EROG VXVWDLQDEOH URRWHG LQ FXOWXUH yet reaching for the future. Their vision is clear to craft fashion that is extraordinary, wearable and deeply Malaysian.

³6XVWDLQDELOLW\ GRHVQ¶W PHDQ VDFUL¿F ing creativity,” said Hazzerwan. “ ,Q IDFW LW FKDOOHQJHV XV WR WKLQN GLI ferently.” For Wan & Mary, sustainability is also about respecting tradition. By integrating local crafts and weaving techniques, they not only preserve heritage but also promote artisanal practices that could otherwise fade with time. “We believe people will begin to value exclusivity in craftsmanship again. The human touch is irreplaceable,” Maryam added. A new chapter L RRNLQJ WR WKH IXWXUH :DQ 0DU\ DUH XQDIUDLG WR WDNH ULVNV 7KHLU XSFRP LQJ FROOHFWLRQ IRU .HGDK )DVKLRQ :HHN titled Rebirth/Renaissance , is inspired by the interconnectedness of nature and the harmony between technology and traditional craft. Each piece tells a story, whether through intricate weaving, tassel embellishments, or sculptural structures that push boundaries. “Every collection is a new chapter for us,” said Hazzerwan. “We see it as a chance to experiment, to push our imagination while still holding RQ WR ZKDW PDNHV XV ZKR ZH DUH RXU culture.” B H\RQG .HGDK )DVKLRQ :HHN WKH GXR is also preparing a demi-couture and

Stars like Ziana Zain and Ernie Zakri have turned to Wan & Mary for designs that strike a balance between artistry and stage presence.

Both designers are trained in fashion at Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara, Rembau. +D]]HUZDQ ODWHU UH¿QHG KLV VNLOOV LQ WKH United Kingdom, graduating from the Edinburgh College of Art. Maryam, mean while, built her expertise in the Malaysian fashion and uniform industry, gaining practical insights into tailoring, function ality and customer needs. Together, their EDFNJURXQGV FRPSOHPHQW HDFK RWKHU Hazzerwan brings global exposure and artistic vision, while Maryam grounds the EUDQG ZLWK KHU WHFKQLFDO NQRZ KRZ DQG local industry experience. Behind the glamour, however, lies the challenge of building and sustaining a fashion brand. “The toughest part is building a strong team and maintaining consistency in service,” admitted Hazzerwan. “Managing capital, budgeting and NHHSLQJ XS ZLWK WUHQGV DUH DOO SDUW RI the daily grind. But we are grateful for local platforms that give us the chance to VKRZFDVH RXU ZRUN DQG JURZ ´ Their adaptability has become one of their strengths. While their style has a distinct identity, they remain responsive to client demands and evolving fabric trends. Malaysia’s cultural calendar also SOD\V D VLJQL¿FDQW UROH LQ VKDSLQJ WKHLU FROOHFWLRQV )HVWLYDOV OLNH +DUL 5D\D RU Chinese New Year inspire colour palettes, textiles and motifs, ensuring that their designs feel relevant and connected to their clients’ lives. Extraordinary yet wearable What sets Wan & Mary apart is their ability to create designs that are both fashion-forward and wearable. “We always want our clients to feel FRQ¿GHQW DQG FRPIRUWDEOH ZKLOH VWDQGLQJ out,” said Maryam. The duo experiments with textures, layering and unusual silhouettes, but every piece goes through discussions with clients to ensure wearability. Sometimes, VW\OLVWV MRLQ WKH SURFHVV PDNLQJ WKH ¿QDO design a true collaboration.

Heritage is not seen as the past, but as a canvas for future fashion stories.

For Wan & Mary, fashion is not just about aesthetics; it’s about context. They DOZD\V FRQVLGHU ZKHUH DQ RXW¿W ZLOO EH ZRUQ ZKDW NLQG RI HYHQW LW LV DQG ZKDW mood it needs to convey. This ensures that their signature style never overshadows the occasion but instead enhances it. Sustainability is another cornerstone RI WKHLU ZRUN +D]]HUZDQ LV SDVVLRQDWH about exploring eco-friendly methods and materials, believing that the future of fashion lies in conscious creation. “We always try to use unconventional and natural fabrics, combining them with advanced technology that is safe for the environment,” he said. O QH VWULNLQJ H[DPSOH LV D GUHVV WKH\ created for singer Aina Abdul. Using fabric from discarded clothes and dead VWRFN PDWHULDOV WKH\ WUDQVIRUPHG ZKDW many would consider waste into a show stopping couture piece.

Collection inspired ØũϰŊüãϰ ãŊŊ¾ϰżłüμϰ¾ēłĢϰ known as ikan laga, which is popular in both Malaysia and Thailand.