By Norhidayyu Zainal
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Southeast Asia’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship offer designers a unique opportunity to stand out in the global modest fashion industry by blending traditional elements with contemporary designs that appeal to younger generations.
Fashionably Modest Asia (FMA) 2026 lifestyle advisor Andrew Tan said designers could capitalise on this opportunity by reinterpreting their cultural heritage through modern silhouettes, innovative techniques and fresh creative perspectives, while preserving the stories and traditions that give their creations meaning.
He said Southeast Asia’s diverse cultures and distinctive creative identity deserved greater international recognition.
“But the question is, how do we contemporise our cultural heritage while preserving the stories, craftsmanship and traditions that make it meaningful?
“I believe this is where the real opportunity lies. It is about taking what has been passed down through generations and reinterpreting it through modern silhouettes, innovative techniques and fresh creative perspectives,” he said in his speech at the launch of FMA 2026 at Pavilion Damansara Heights here recently.
Tan said this approach would allow traditions to evolve, remain relevant and resonate with younger generations.
He noted that perceptions of modest fashion were also evolving, as the concept was no longer defined by a single style or aesthetic.
Instead, modest fashion now embraces diverse approaches that combine traditional influences with contemporary design, allowing wearers to express their identities and personal styles.
“Fashion has always been about more than just clothing. It is a form of self-expression, a reflection of identity, culture and the way we choose to present ourselves to the world,” he said.
Tan said FMA provided a platform for designers, brands and industry players to exchange ideas, explore opportunities in the modest fashion sector and showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Participants include Radzuan Radziwill, Asyraf Arrif, Enya Chok, Jeffery Goh, Zachrin Jaafars, SYOMSZ by Syomirizwa Gupta and Sharifah Kirana, alongside Singapore’s Island Shops and Indonesia’s AYN ABAYA, IKYK and Nada Puspita.
The three-day programme will feature individual showcases, group presentations and creative collaborations spanning occasion wear, ready-to-wear collections and fresh interpretations of familiar silhouettes.
Runway showcases by Majalah WM, Mingguan Wanita, Nona and Hijabista will also provide participating designers with opportunities to strengthen their brand presence and reach wider audiences.
Meanwhile, television host and social media personality Dayah Bakar will unveil her first casual wear collection, developed in collaboration with the Thalia brand, through the Thalia x Dayah Bakar fashion show on Nov 15 at 3 pm.
She said the collaboration, now in its second year, would focus on modest, stylish and contemporary casual wear infused with Malaysian identity, including elements inspired by the traditional kebaya.
“This is the first time we are introducing a casual wear collection specifically for FMA, and the first time these designs will be presented on the runway.
“Think of the kebaya, but imagine how it might look when adapted into casual wear. You will have to wait and see,” she told Bernama on the sidelines of the same event.
-- BERNAMA