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374533
Wed, 07/15/2015 - 05:52
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Songket Revolution Sparks New Ideas In Malaysia's Fashion Industry

By Maizaitul Sabirah Aziz KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Songket, which was once considered a luxurious fabric, has now been revolutionised into a wide range of products, sparking new ideas in the Malaysia's fashion industry. Renowned designer and chairman of Tuanku Nur Zahirah Foundation (YTNZ), Radzuan Radziwill said the changes were made, to enable the natural heritage of the country to continue being appreciated, and worn by people of all ages. "I was amazed to see the innovation by young designers working in the industry, producing songket accessories, dresses, clutches, gift boxes and home decorations. Radzuan said the creation of products that incorporated songket motifs in their designs, may well attract the younger generation to wear songket. "With a wide selection of designs available through the current fashion revolution, it meets the tastes and needs of the current generation, for it to be worn in any event," he told Bernama, here. He said although songket was expensive its use currently was still relevant, and people from all walks of life could afford it with the existence of new innovative products. "This diversity makes songket still relevant, and accepted by society, especially the youth, who prefer a blend of modern, traditional, contemporary and exclusive designs. "The selection of bright and pastel colours, combined with satin, cotton, chiffon, organza and lycra fabrics also lure them to wear the songket-based clothes, which can be worn formally or casually," he said. Radzuan added that, although there were plenty of clothes made from songket, designers should examine their suitability, so as not to make them seem too prominent, such as creating 'Baju Melayu' from songket, which was inappropriate. "In order to produce a new product, we first have to study the current style trends which are being followed at the moment, and it should be aligned with the people's opinion. He said YTNZ also offered opportunities to interested individuals to attend special training classes to create songket products for free, with basic training ranging from a week, up to six months. Meanwhile, YTNZ's executive secretary Azwa Othman said the trainees would be taught songket production during the first three months, followed by another three months of practice till they become skilled. "Among those who come for training at the centre are single mothers, those less fortunate, and villagers who are given opportunities to enhance their income by creating products from songket that can be commercialised," he said. He said the foundation not only focused on the production of songket for wedding dresses, but also for contemporary designs, to be used as shoulder scarfs, home decoration and handicrafts. A student, Fiona Rashid, 25, loved the concept of matching her clothes with songket designs when attending a function. "I also like songket-designed accessories, such as clutch bags which look attractive and exclusive when taken to wedding ceremonies," she said. Songket is a fabric produced from woven golden threads made from silk on a background cloth, used mainly by the Malay royalty during the ancient times. --BERNAMA

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