Although there were no Alice, the angry Queen, or the Rabbit at the recent Mad Hatter’s Tea party, Sarawakians were creative in their own ways to throw a fun-filled theme party. Seen in the photo is a model displaying a creation by Harizan Khaidar.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party blast
Last Saturday, Society Atelier Sarawak organised the 5th Annual Mad Hatter’s Party in conjunction with the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival 2022.
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a memorable scene from Alice in Wonderland, and it was adapted into one of Disney’s most popular films.
Every year, we have our own Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Dewan Sri Bunga Rampai, just across the road from the scenic area of the Amphitheatre in Kuching.
Guests were reminded to wear their fashionable hats to celebrate Sarawak’s Hats Culture.
Many people came dressed to the nines and wearing multi-ethnic hats, some fashionable and some eccentric. With everyone vying for a prize for their creativity, who won?
This year’s winners were Cikgu Sabri Nor for Most Cultural, Zainab Mobil for Most Mad, and Datin Dona Drury-Wee for Most Creative. The winner of each category received a rattan topi tunjang as a prize.
The judges were Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid, Datin Dona Drury-Wee, and Ramsay Ong.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng handed out the prizes.
The fashion show was the highlight of Mad Hatter’s Party, but the guests and high tea also contributed to its success.
Kuching is not a large city, so the majority of the cool people who showed up knew each other.
Many people arrived early to catch up with one another, and the excitement was also checking out those wearing unusual hats for more photo opportunities.
It was a Malaysian high tea, with satay with ketupat, huge and tasty curry puffs, lemang, roti jala with a delicious meat curry, a delightful blueberry pastry, tropical fruits, and the pulut panggang wrapped in banana leaf, which was so rich in flavour and filling that many were asking for more.
Following the high tea was the highly anticipated fashion show, which featured creative hats and fashion by eight Sarawakian Designers, namely Livan Gallery, Melor by Melinda Omar, Andy Sulaiman, Harizan Khaidar, L’Amour Eternel Jewels, Batik Linut Gallery & Lentera Astana, Ziana Glam Wedding, and internationally renowned Edric Ong.
Yours truly choreographed the fashion show, and the models were all locals.
The intro was hilarious but entertaining, with a group of guys dressed in sarongs, trunks, and rattan hats dancing to the song “Bujang Lapok” by Ruizani, a very talented staff member of Dewan Sri Bunga Rampai.
The gimmick had the audience in stitches, and the ladies screamed even louder when four hunks appeared, one of whom showed off his tattoos.
Livan Gallery kicked off the fashion segment of the show. We can expect exquisite beadwork from a Master Beader like Roselyn Lah, and her beaded accessories enhanced simple black evening gowns for this collection.
Melor embodied Sarawak in a modern way. Rich-looking pua kumbu textiles styled into fashion and hand woven pandanus mats interestingly on skirts were beautifully designed by designer Melinda Omar. It was nice to see our local handicrafts on the runway.
Andy Sulaiman is originally from Kuching but now lives in Kuala Lumpur. He is an award-winning menswear designer who focuses on fashion that is sustainable, contemporary, and comfortable while also being of high quality, and he creates clothes that are seasonless and timeless.
His ready-to-wear was modern and minimalist, but not at the expense of style, creativity, or elegance. We simply love the stylish appearance!
The models then emerged wearing amazing headpieces made of colourful feathers to music that sounded like birds taking flight.
Maison Costume Artisanal’s creative director, Harizan Khaider, introduced his Spring Summer 2023 Womenswear Collection.
Hilary Bee represented him at the Finale while he was away showcasing his fashion in Indonesia. Harizan is the latest local designer to keep an eye on!
Adeline Sim of L’amour Eternel Jewels debuted her jewellery for the first time at this event.
The models walked around the I-shaped runway in black and white gowns, displaying her elegant pieces in brooches pinned to their lovely headgears, earrings, and necklaces.
Batik Linut Gallery and Lentera Astana came from Miri with their fashion using Sarawak’s first home-grown batik made from sago palm.
The Lamin Dana and the new Batik community in Mukah, along with the Malaysia Handicraft Development Corporation, Sarawak branch were innovative pioneers in the use of muted tones rather than the traditional bright ones for batik. Perfect for both modest and resort wear.
A guest exclaimed that she had spotted a favourite batik piece and had WhatsApped me a picture she had taken during the show.
Ziana Glam Wedding, a bridal fashion house, featured a traditional songket in both modern and classic Malay wedding fashion.
The designer herself made a statement when she appeared in the finale wearing a fabulous outfit and headgear in a true diva style.
Last but not least in the show is Edric Ong, a well-known international designer based in Kuching.
His fashion incorporates ethnic and oriental elements into contemporary and innovative styles, as well as the creative use of hand-woven silks and cottons.
The EO Collection, which includes Iban pua kumbu ikat textiles, was recently awarded Best Collection at the “Atlas Bayrami” International Textile Festival in Margilan, Uzbekistan.
We had the opportunity to see his apparel presented in Uzbekistan at this Mad Hatter’s Show.
Jennifer Lau, a veteran and popular emcee with a bubbly personality, not only hosted but also participated in the fun and gaiety of this not-to-be-missed event in Kuching.
Guests have already expressed interest in making reservations for the next Mad Hatter’s Party in 2023!
