KUCHING: Alta Moda Sarawak (AMS) – alta moda being Italian for “high fashion” – will be held from March 7 until 9 at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building.
The AMS is a brand platform for Sarawak designers to come together to showcase their talents and creations in the field of arts, culture and crafts.
The organising committee is chaired by Datin Esther Mujan Balan and the managing director is Datuk Raymond Valentine Jolly, a pioneer in the local fashion industry.
This year, the AMS is confident that with the experience and background of their team of strong and dynamic professionals, Sarawak designers will be able to establish their fashion brand to be reckoned with and to enable the expansion of the state designing industry.
“This development can attract more tourists to Sarawak and create demand for a growing domestic industry among talented artisans and skilful bead craftsmen,” said Tourism, Art, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, during AMS’s press conference at Budaya Sarawak Restaurant, yesterday.
Abdul Karim thought the event could become a catalyst and assist in generating the flow of tourists to the state under the state’s tourism initiatives.
“It will attract potential tourism and merchandise buyers domestically and internationally in support of our local designers and artists,” he said.
“The challenge that the fashion industry is facing is sustainability, both in terms of growth as well as minimizing the human impact on the environment.
“We can see that design philosophies are evolving, and we are now inching closer to the goal of having a system that is self-sustaining and can be supported indefinitely.”
On her part, Esther said that this would be the first time an event of this kind will be held at the venue, an iconic landmark in Kuching.
“Our long term mission and vision are to hold the event on an annual basis as part of Sarawak tourism calendar with Sarawak Tourism Board as the main supporter and partner,” she said.
“Alta moda, which is Italian for ‘high fashion’, is where all potential and leading couturiers, designers and labels gather under one roof similar to red carpet events of the stars in Hollywood.”
The objective of Alta Moda Sarawak 2019 is to promote the state’s ethnic and cultural diversities.
“Along with the teamwork support from various collaborating partners, AMS aims to work together with promising young designers, established designers and the Sarawakian designers association to make this a reality,” Esther continued.
AMS is hopeful that it would be the next great Sarawak event that helps to promote the various cultures of Sarawakians and provide a unique experience and enjoyment for tourists to look forward to.
An objective of the event is to provide up and rising Sarawakian designers the opportunity to make their mark in the country rather than having to go abroad. It would also give local fashion followers the chance to have “high fashion at their doorsteps”.
The event is expected to be attended by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg; Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and wife of the Head of State Toh Puan Ragad Waleed Alkurdi.
There are 24 designers participating in the fashion show, namely, Datuk Tom Abang Saufi, Bon Zainal, Anna Sue, Gavroche by Arzmy Hargreaves, Ben Nazry, Erwan Asbor, Paul Carling, Annanasa by Sher Lo, Brisbane, Lentera Astana, Qeisha Qiani by Von Jolly Couture, Dubai, N’Inspired, Najla, Von Jolly Couture, Paris, Papier Mâchè, Latip’s Collections, Sereni and Shentel, Bianco Mimosa, Lim Kok Wing Fashion Designers, Unimas Fashion Designers, Melor, Melinda Omar, SAB2 by Sabrina Bujang, Hafiz Carlson, Kaftans by India, and Khalids.
