The International Islamic Festival in November will showcase top designs from many countries and, more importantly, unearth fresh talents, writes ZUHAILA SEDEK.

Previews of Muslim wear, including those from Carven Ong, Ridz Collection, Tangoo, Tom Abang Saufi and Kapas.

THINK mainstream fashion and the cities of Milan, Paris, London or New York come to mind. But where does one go when it comes to Islamic fashion couture?

The answer is, of course, Malaysia.

The latest edition of the International Islamic Festival (IFF) will hit town this coming November.

Titled ‘Discover the Beauty of Modesty’, it was founded two years ago by its chairperson, Datuk Shah Rezza (who was the wedding planner for Datuk Siti Nurhaliza’s lavish wedding).
The festival will showcase designs by 100 talents from countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Dubai, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran and, of course, Malaysia.

“We want to feature Islamic couture in various designs. Being Muslim is not a deterrent to dressing up,” said Shah Rezza.

He adds: “In some Islamic countries, fashion shows are restricted to Muslims. Here, everyone, regardless of their race, religion and skin colour, can participate.

“How can we promote Muslim wear if it is restricted to ourselves? It is about time that we change the negative perception among the global community and show that we are also productive in fields such as fashion.”

In conjunction with IFF, the IFF Young Designer’s Award will also be launched to discover more talents.

“Thus far, we have received entries from 12 fashion schools including the Raffles Design Institute, Carven Academy of Fashion, Lim Kok Wing Institute of Creative Technology, Noor Arfa and Kolej Tuanku Abdul Rahman,” said Shah Rezza.

He added that culture plays an important role in determining style and fashion.

“While we do not have too many restrictions here, we are compliant with the values of Islam,” he said.

For the IFF Young Designer’s Award 2008, organised by Nusantara Gems Sdn Bhd, TV3 and Wanita magazine, the first prize winner will take home RM10,000 while the first and second runner-ups will receive RM7,000 and RM5,000 respectively.

The first to third prize winners will also receive a khat frame from Niche Systems Sdn Bhd and trophies from JAKEL Group.

Consolation prize winners will receive RM1,000 each.

The contest will be judged by fashion designers Datuk Tom Abang Saufi and Datuk Bernard Chandran, actress Noor Kumalasari, fashion editor Wirda Adnan and Syeba Yip, chief executive officer of MIFA.

Qualifying rounds begin in September and the finals will take place on Nov 24 at The Gardens Hotel in Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur.

For more details, call 03-8924-3816 (Shima). Closing date is July 31.