KUALA LUMPUR'S Islamic Fashion Festival 2008

KUALA LUMPUR'S Islamic Fashion Festival, which made its debut five years ago has returned this year with a four-day show from November 24-27.
The event showcased 44 designers from five countries, including Malaysia.
Among the Malaysian designers taking part in the festival are Bernard Chandran, Tom Abang Saufi, Melinda Looi, Michael Ong, Khoon Hooi and Albert King.





The international designers involved were Samuel Wattimena, Ghea Panggabean, Sebastian Gunawan and Biyan from Indonesia, Jun Escario from the Philippines, Rajesh and Anirban from India as well as Deepak Perwani from Pakistan.
The fashion extravaganza at the J W Marriot Hotel in Kuala Lumpur showcased designs that adhere to the Muslim dress code.





"In the past the festival was only opened to invited guests. This year we want the public to be able to take part as well," said founder and chairman of the Islamic Fashion Festival Datuk Raja Rezza Shah.
Raja Rezza said in the past, he received a lot of queries on what constituted proper Muslim dressing. To address this problem, he held the "Islamic Attire Workshop" on November 22 where top Muslim speakers would be able to answer such queries.





Nine organisations namely the National Heart Institute Foundation (IJNF), Tuanku Najihah Foundation (TNF), National Cancer Society Malaysia, Kedah Darul Natural Disaster Association (PBANK), Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Charity House Association (RACTAR), Tuanku Bainun Creative Centre for Children, Malaysian Muslim Womens Welfare Organisation and Pahang Flood Relief Fund (P-Flood) were also involved in the festival.



These foundations will have an event each to raise funds with the help of designers and artistes for the shows that will have individual themes.
Some of the interesting themes held were "Interpre-tations", "Aroosah — Islamic Bridal", "Enchanting Gamelan", "Bolly-wood Flavour" and "Ethnic and Glamour".
Young fashion designers also were given the opportunity to shine at the Anugerah Pereka Muda IFF (IFF Young Designers Award) on November 26.

The final leg of the fashion festival will be an Islamic Fashion Bazaar that will be opened to the public at the KL Plaza from November 28 till December 4.