Karl Ho Elevates Negeri Sembilan's Culture Through Fashion And Culture Symphony

SEREMBAN, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Local fashion designer Karl Ho will organise the 'Negri Sembilan Fashion and Culture Symphony' to showcase the culture and identity of the state as a key attraction in conjunction with Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026.

Ho said the event will be held on Jan 24 and 25 next year at Chung Hua High School, here,  in collaboration with the Negeri Sembilan Museum, the Negeri Sembilan Arts and Culture Department and the Negeri Sembilan Traditional Fashion Activists Association.

He said the symphony will feature a fashion show inspired by the Bunga Lado batik, a motif that symbolises the state’s identity.

The designs, he said, will blend the elegance of traditional attire with modern styles, offering a fresh and contemporary interpretation of Negeri Sembilan’s customs and heritage.

“The showcased designs are based on the Bunga Lado batik concept, which represents the essence of Negeri Sembilan. The collection will feature various designs suitable for daily wear as well as festive occasions,” he told Bernama here.

With 22 years of experience in fashion design, Karl Ho described the Bunga Lado motif as a manifestation of traditional beauty that can be revitalised through contemporary creativity.

He added that the symphony is not merely a fashion show, but an artistic journey that reflects how culture, art, and innovation can unite as symbols of shared pride for Negeri Sembilan.

A native of Negeri Sembilan himself, Ho previously received the World's Best Designer Award at the Milano Fashion Week in Milan, Italy, last September for a collection that fused local batik elements with modern aesthetics.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Traditional Fashion Activists Association chairman Datuk Alias ​​Zakaria said the programme plays an important role in elevating the state’s cultural heritage while strengthening its identity for wider recognition.

Alias said the symphony also serves as an ideal platform to introduce local fashion rooted in Negeri Sembilan’s true identity, presented in a modern form that the community can take pride in.

“In the past, we had the Perpatih Fest, but this symphony is entirely different...it has its own uniqueness and strength by highlighting Negeri Sembilan’s traditional attire.

“During the gala night, we will showcase vintage garments, such as the half-tiang kebaya with a telepuk, followed by contemporary designs by Karl Ho,” he said, adding that about 15 to 20 models will present both traditional and modern collections.

-- BERNAMA