MEENA SREENIVASAN is overwhelmed by the endless choice of fabrics at Euro Moda and Gulati’s newest seven-storey outlet.

French and Japanese laces.

ROWS and rows of lush fabric greeted me upon my arrival at Euro Moda and Gulati’s newest seven-storey outlet in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur.

Striking displays adorned the glass windows while the impeccable decor was impressive with deft lighting.

Known as Malaysia’s fabric trendsetters, Euro Moda and Gulati’s Group has reached greater heights.

The group has 10 stores to its name, spanning from Ampang to Johor Baru.
It is targeting four new outlets in Malacca, Kota Kinabalu, Batu Pahat and Alor Star before the year ends, bringing the total to 14 outlets in Malaysia.

Starting out as Gulati’s Silk Store, a modest outlet in Semua House, KL selling mainly Korean silk, the company is now a household name, known for its exclusive fabrics and reasonable prices.

“Our mantra is to deliver the best fabrics in terms of variety and quality,” said Euro Moda and Gulati’s Group executive director Jasleen Kaur as she gave a tour of the swanky store.

“Whether it’s Solstiss lace, intricately embroidered chiffon from Dior or the beautiful prints of Valentino silk, we aspire to prove that Euro Moda and Gulati’s Group sets fashion trends rather than follow them. New additions to the collections and endless in-house designing allow us to stay ahead as The House of High Fashion Originals,” she said.

Jasleen believes that the changes in the fashion world, though constant, are mostly inspired by the past.

“Fads evolve over the years but most make a comeback. The trends of today may be a redefined style of the past.

“Cotton, for instance, has always been around. Its popularity is due to its comfort, quality and durability. Cotton always looks fresh. It is suitable for our climate and is easy to care for.

“For the baju kurung or kebaya, a lace top combined with a songket sarong is very in. The same combination is suitable for a sarong and top. It’s a marriage of two different textures and fabrics. The result is interesting and gives a different feel and look. The top is flowing while the bottom is kept modest,” said Jasleen.

The fabric house has just brought in an extensive variety of cottons and linens —- from plains and stripes to checks and herringbone.

The striped cottons are available in single or multiple colours while the checked cottons come in various blends.

“Linen fabrics are wonderful. It is so wearable. Yes, they wrinkle but it’s a part of their allure. We have a choice of linen fabric in prints as well as embroidered ones.

“We give our customers a wide selection to choose from. Be it linen, Italian cotton, viscose, chiffon, organza, French crepe, French lace, Korean or Italian silk, we try to ensure there’s a good variety in our stores to cater to every need,” said Jasleen.

I couldn’t help being drawn to the gorgeous laces with embroidery and embellishments.

“Those are Japanese lace. If you prefer lace and want something more affordable than French lace, the selection here will not disappoint you,” she said.

With Hari Raya just a little over two months away, all Euro Moda and Gulati’s outlets are offering an irresistible package which comprises a Japanese lace top with lining, a plain satin for sarong, and a Baju Melayu fabric priced at just RM238.

For a chiffon embroidered top (with lining) and songket or printed fabric for the sarong, the price is RM580.

“These fabrics can be transformed into elegant and exclusive baju kurung or kebaya” said Jasleen.

The company recently launched the “Harga Rendah Mutu Terjamin” (Low Price, Quality Guaranteed) campaign which offers baju kurung fabrics at semi-wholesale prices.

A baju kurung set in printed washable silk is priced at RM68. Other attractions for the season include free lining material, tudung and fabrics for baju Melayu.