Designers Highlight Malaysian Songket's Beauty At Washington Showcase

By Nabilah Saleh

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysian designers took centre stage during the Songket Malaysia Day reception, showcased at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum, Washington DC, recently.

In the first-ever presentation of the iconic textile in the United States (US), the event celebrated the beauty of Malaysia’s traditional Songket and offered designers the opportunity to share their insights on the creative process behind their collections.

Sharifah Kirana, a household name in Malaysia’s fashion industry and a long-time advocate of preserving the country’s cultural heritage, described Songket as “more than just a textile”.

“It is a story woven through generations. I am thrilled to showcase its beauty on this international stage,” Kirana said in a statement shared by the embassy to Bernama on Friday.

Her designs, blending traditional elegance with modern sophistication, were met with admiration from dignitaries and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Emerging designer Zachrin Jaafars also took the spotlight, bringing his collection to life with the support of FELDA.

His designs were inspired by Malaysia's 14 states and celebrated the country’s rich ethnic diversity.

“Sustainably, our brand aims to ensure that nothing goes to waste, particularly since the textiles and materials are handwoven,” he said, noting that his collection, crafted from luxurious Songket materials highlighted the evolving nature of traditional fashion, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities.

Jaafars' collection was particularly special as it featured materials woven by the new generation of FELDA Chini palm settler community in Pahang.

Both collections were crafted and flown from Malaysia to Washington DC, the statement added.

Apart from the fashion show, the event also featured live demonstrations of Songket weaving, giving attendees a rare insight into the complex process of creating the luxurious textile.

Adiguru Hajjah Kelthom Hussein, a master weaver and proprietor of Che Minah Songket, showcased the time and skill required to weave the intricate golden threads.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of Malaysia to the United States, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said the event offered a unique opportunity to witness the intricate process of creating Songket.

'It is quite unusual, even for Malaysians, to witness how Songket is crafted. So, we thought it would be beneficial to share this weaving process with our American friends — something that even many Malaysians seldom get to see. The cloth is spectacular, and seeing so many examples of it together is a rare opportunity,”he said in the statement. 

The event, officiated by the Crown Prince of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra on Oct 3, drew high-profile attendees including ambassadors and US government officials.

Following the success of the reception, the Embassy of Malaysia will host an exhibition from Oct 11-25, offering the public a chance to experience Malaysia’s artistic heritage.

-- BERNAMA