NANCY Jullok is a Bornean fashion designer from Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia. She is the founder of P’LO, a fashion label celebrated for its innovative fusion of traditional Bornean elements with contemporary design. Through her work, which has been showcased on various international platforms, she highlights her commitment to preserving and promoting Borneo’s rich cultural heritage through the art of fashion.
Beyond fashion, Nancy is an active figure in Sabah’s arts and cultural scene. She has participated in events such as the QIAF International Art Festival, contributing meaningfully to the region’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Nancy’s creative reach extends into the film industry, where she served as a production designer for the 2019 drama-adventure film Pangazou. The film delves into the traditions and stories of the Dayak community, further showcasing her dedication to telling Borneo’s stories through multiple artistic mediums.
Stepping into footwear design
In March 2025, Nancy added another feather to her cap by winning Best Men’s Design at the Malaysia Footwear Designers Competition (MyFDC), held in Kuala Lumpur. Her winning prototype will represent Malaysia in the World Final in Guangzhou, China, this coming May.
Her journey into footwear design was sparked by encouragement from renowned Malaysian designer Bill Keith, a veteran in the industry and coordinator of the competition. As a member of the Malaysian Official Designer Association (MODA), Nancy was well-connected within the design community and did not hesitate to seize the opportunity. MyFDC is organised by the Malaysia Footwear Manufacturers Association (MFMA).
“It has always been my dream to create a complete design collection — from fashion to accessories, and all the way to shoes,” Nancy shared. “Sabah is rich in natural resources, culture, and heritage, and I believe this competition is a great platform to showcase that diversity.”
Her winning creation draws inspiration from the wild boar, a creature deeply rooted in local symbolism. The shoe was crafted from organic materials such as pumpkin seeds, coffee beans, sunflower seeds, river grass seeds, tree bark, and even artificial canine teeth—a blend of nature and artistry.
Nancy’s second entry also gained recognition, placing in the Top 20 of the Ladies’ Category. Inspired by the traditional native basket, the piece was carefully handcrafted and adorned with handmade beads featuring native designs. Both creations will be heading to Guangzhou for the final competition, where they will be showcased alongside entries from 12 other countries.
From dream to runway
Nancy’s journey into fashion was not a conventional one. At just nine years old, she dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. However, after finishing school, she found herself enrolled in a Secretarial course, as her parents did not view fashion as a viable career.
“My parents disagreed with what I wanted because they didn’t see a promising future in the fashion industry,” she recalled.
“The years passed, and I started a family, raising two beautiful children. But the passion for fashion never left me.”
One day, she had a dream about flying — but not knowing where to go. This, along with recurring dreams of returning to school, pushed her to finally enrol in a fashion course. Despite the challenges of parenting and studying simultaneously, she persevered and graduated, receiving the ‘Most Promising Student’ award.
Today, Nancy stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.
Fashion with a Bornean soul
Nancy describes her design philosophy as a seamless blend of heritage and innovation. Drawing from her Kadazan-Dusun roots, she transforms elaborate traditional motifs into avant-garde fashion.
“Most of my designs are inspired by the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, and Rungus tribes,” she explained. “You will find floral motifs, Murut and Rungus geometrical patterns, the headhunter and lizard motifs of the Dayak, and Dastar woven designs elegantly expressed in my pieces. It is like turning tradition into Vogue.”
Showcasing Borneo on the global stage
Nancy’s fashion has graced runways around the world. Her debut runway show was at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Ballroom, Manhattan, New York. She has since participated in major events such as:
Qatar International Arts Festival, Doha
Riau International Fashion Festival, Riau, Indonesia
UEDA College of Fashion, Osaka, Japan
Chengdu Textile College, Sichuan, China
She has also received invitations to showcase at the Fashion Apparel Exhibition in Istanbul, Dongguan (Hunan, China), and Singapore. Her upcoming destinations include Oman and Dubai, UAE.
