THE Navarasa Heritage Fashion Showcase and Designer’s Recognition Award, which took place in Kuala Lumpur in October, marked a significant celebration of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. The event was organised by Bkay Nair Resources (BNR) and culminated with a stunning grand finale at Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur.
Over several days, the event brought together fashion enthusiasts, artisans and cultural connoisseurs to pay homage to the diverse tapestry of Malaysian heritage.
The event commenced with two immersive workshops on Oct 7 and 8, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore the historical and cultural significance of Batik and Songket.
These workshops, led by Munir Yahya from Dimu Design and Songket Republik CEO Siti Hajar, were hosted by the International Academy of Fashion and Design (IFTC). They offered a deep dive into the intricate techniques involved in crafting these iconic Malaysian textiles and emphasised the use of natural dyes and colours, promoting sustainability and eco-consciousness.
The grand finale of the showcase featured a mesmerising runway presentation that seamlessly blended traditional Malaysian textiles with contemporary fashion designs inspired by the saree.
This visual feast displayed vibrant colours, intricate patterns and exquisite craftsmanship as 44 models showcased a total of 77 stunning looks created by 11 designers, drawing inspiration from the diverse cultures of Malaysia.
These designers included seven experienced ones, namely Norina Abdul, Munir Yahya, Linda Isa, Kesheen Ragunathan, Yani Baktiar, Zandra and Kalai, along with four student designers from the International Academy of Fashion and Design (IFTC), Tan Ruo Qian, Priyashalini Eswaran, Naresh Yempati and Lia Mysara.
The Malaysian saree, meticulously crafted from Batik, Songket, and Malaysian silk, serves as a profound symbol of Malaysia’s cultural heritage. It not only embodies the rich history and traditions of the nation but also acts as a medium of artistic expression.
The event’s core mission is to preserve and promote Malaysia’s cultural heritage through a series of workshops and a grand finale fashion show. It seeks to empower local artisans, educate the public, and create a platform for designers to showcase their creativity while incorporating traditional textiles into modern fashion.
Additionally, the event aims to attract a diverse audience, including fashion enthusiasts, artisans, designers, tourists and the general public, fostering cultural exchange, supporting local artisans and promoting community engagement.
Moreover, the Navarasa Heritage Fashion Showcase goes beyond cultural preservation - it empowers local artisans, designers and weavers. The Recognising Designers’ Excellence Award ceremony, held at the grand finale, aims to uplift these talented individuals and support the sustainability of traditional crafts.
The awards encompass three categories, including the Upcoming Designer Award - recognising the Best Student Designer, won by Naresh Yempati, the Most Creative Designer Award - celebrating the Most Imaginative Senior Designer, won by Kesheen Ragunathan and the Malaysian Heritage Excellence Award - recognising the Senior Designer with the Best Malaysian Heritage Design, won by Munir Yahya.
In the words of Bkay Nair, Director of Bkay Nair Resources, “This Fashion Showcase Event goes beyond fashion — it’s a profound reflection of our cultural identity, a cultural movement, a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity, and a tribute to the artisans who weave the tapestry of our heritage.”
Bkay Nair’s aspirations extend to presenting Malaysia’s cultural treasures to Unesco, as well as showcasing them in renowned fashion capitals such as Paris and across Europe, fostering an international conversation highlighting the uniqueness of Malaysian textiles.
This initiative elevates Malaysia’s cultural heritage onto the global stage, emphasising tradition and the richness of Malaysian creativity. In every thread and pattern, Malaysia’s identity shines through, serving as a tribute to its past, culture and enduring artistic passion.
The Navarasa Heritage Fashion Showcase’s creation of the Malaysian saree is more than just an artistic endeavour - it is a narrative of cultural continuity, creative brilliance and timeless grace.
This event transcends being a mere spectacle - it is an immersive journey that unites tradition, innovation and the universal language of fashion.
The event received support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) and Malaysia Tourism, with collaboration from partners like Aston Martin, SkyBlue Media, Berjaya University College and many others.
The event was graced by notable figures, including the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia of the Central Region Sufian Zainuddin, Senior Assistant Secretary for Policy Division (Culture of Motac) Datin Salida Ibrahim, and RTM Director of Marketing and Promotion Division Kamal Roslim.
