From Couture To Concerts: Ezuwan Ismail's New Creative Chapter

By Marfika Adnan Haris Fadzilah

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- After 15 years of building his name in Malaysia’s fashion industry, designer Ezuwan Ismail is now boldly stepping into organising concerts through his company Ideatelier, with a clear mission to do something different for every entertainment showcase he produces.

He said his involvement in the entertainment industry does not signal his departure from fashion, but rather, an expansion of his creative pursuits.

“Fashion remains my priority, but events and entertainment are platforms for me to share the experience and knowledge I’ve gathered over 15 years in the industry.

“Both fields belong to the same creative family and complement one another. I’ve simply shifted positions — from working behind the scenes to being the organiser,” he told Bernama.

Despite being in the event organisation field for less than a year, the designer has already proven his capabilities by successfully organising large-scale concerts, including ‘Live in KL — Sammy Simorangkir’ and ‘Sembilu: The Reunion’. 

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His experience designing costumes for major concerts in the past has given Ezuwan an edge in understanding the intricacies of event management, from production and stage design to artiste coordination.

Among the celebrities who have worn his creations are Malaysia’s number one singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, and Aina Abdul and Ziana Zain, giving him direct exposure to mega-scale performance standards.

He is set to produce a concert celebrating the 40th anniversary of Malaysian music legend Fauziah Latiff, slated to take place on May 9. He described the project as a personal dream, having grown up listening to the singer’s songs.

According to Ezuwan, the choice of the artiste concerned was not driven purely by commercial considerations, but by deep respect for a music legacy that remains relevant across generations.

On the upcoming concert’s concept, he revealed that it will feature a different level of showmanship, including cinematic elements, exclusive costumes and carefully curated surprise moments to deliver a fully immersive experience for the audience.

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“Every concert we produce carries its own identity. We’re not just selling a performance — we’re offering an experience, from the décor and red carpet entrance to elements like the kabuki drop, which is our signature characteristic.

“At the Sammy Simorangkir concert late last year, every guest received a rose as a symbol of appreciation for the artiste’s legacy. Meanwhile, at ‘Sembilu: The Reunion’, we distributed popcorn to 10,000 attendees to create a retro cinematic atmosphere, as if they were watching a 1990s movie,” he said.

He stressed that the approach is not about competing with other (concert) organisers, but about energising the local entertainment industry and elevating performance standards.

“This approach not only satisfies fans, but also opens up new creative space for the artistes, musicians and production teams involved,” he added.

Ezuwan also harbours the ambition of one day bringing his concert productions to mega-capacity venues such as Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil.

-- BERNAMA