Malaysian designer pays tribute to Carrie and co.

Malaysian designer pays tribute to Carrie and co.

Kee Hua Chee, ANN, The Star, Kuala Lumpur

All the designer brands worn by the four stars on the hit HBO TV
series Sex and the City enjoyed huge popularity. Now, Malaysian
designer Rizalman Ibrahim has also gotten into the act. His
collection for KL Fashion Week 2004, which ended on Sunday, was
nothing less than chic and sexy.

To create an entire, giant-slam collection dedicated to a
television series, a designer must be an avid fan.

Rizalman, 33, who paid tribute to Sex and the City, not only
followed the series faithfully but owns a collection of
videotapes of the show so he could replay them at leisure.

"I just love watching the antics of the four New Yorkers
living life to the max," he says. "They were the shining examples
of how people imagine life is like in New York. I think many of
us wonder how the girls lived out our dreams and expectations.
They were quite well-off, successful in their chosen careers and
had the same ups and downs we all go through in life.

"Each time I watched an episode, I noted their dresses,
accessories and shoes. They all dressed so stylishly as they
should in the third millennium. Though they seldom mentioned
their clothes, no one could fail to notice them as they were
always the latest fashions. It became a well-known fact that
whatever the stars wore became the Next Big Thing in fashion."

As the theme for KL Fashion Week 2004 was "Stylish Asia",
Rizalman was determined to blend the best of the West and East in
a tribute collection.

"Often I would fantasize about dressing up actresses Sarah
Jessica Parker or sexy Kim Catrall. These two best personify my
ideals of the modern, confident and sexy woman. I also like
Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon as they added a more practical
balance. They went for more elegant and practical numbers," he
continued.

The 10 new ensembles follow a coherent, instantly recognizable
format. Each complete look consists of a sexy sequined bra, lacy
and transparent sarong kebaya (traditional blouse), fitted jacket
in bold, solid color, micro miniskirt and killer stilettos
decorated with glittery brooches, bows and wraparound ribbons.

A lime green trenchcoat that goes great with lovely pink and
green stilettos.

"A very rich, sensual and eye-popping look," he admits. "Not
every Malaysian may want to wear what I propose but I suppose you
can add a normal length skirt or camisole and then it becomes
less shocking!"

The jackets, in brilliant shades of yellow, green, purple,
crimson, blue and pink, are cut as sleek, modern trench coats
which are balanced by see-through lace kebaya laden with delicate
sequins and embroidery.

"The decorations provide an element of the east," explained
Rizalman. "The Oriental motifs are again reflected in the lining
of the jackets which have traditional Japanese and Chinese
prints, complete with peonies and phoenixes.

"The Eastern influence is also seen in the huge appliques sewn
onto the back of jackets and kebaya in the form of paisleys. Many
assume the paisley motif is English as they love using it but
actually it came from India, from the time of the British Raj who
took it back home. I have reworked the paisley into various forms
so each appears different. Each motif is heavily sequined and
certainly makes a statement."

Even the soft and clingy kebaya top flaunts an applique on the
back. Perfect for going on stage to accept awards but not for
dancing all night at dance clubs.

"It's quite fragile as some of the kebaya are made of netting
material. But not to worry, if you tear the cloth, we can always
add on some extra sequins or embroidery to cover the hole,"
Rizalman said.

The shoes, resplendent with satin bows and straps and the
occasional diamante brooches, are made not only to match each
outfit but ensure the wearer swaggers sexily with the high heels.

Ever fussy about styling, the designer makes sure each outfit
comes with glamorous trinkets like flashy necklaces and
chandelier earrings.

Since he hails from Penang, it is not surprising that Rizalman
has incorporated Nyonya (mixed Malay and Chinese) touches in his
kebaya tops.

"Even as a student at UITM Shah Alam, I was already hot on
nyonya embroidery," he says. He graduated with a Bachelor's
degree in Arts and Design and worked for a year as designer for
Batik Malaysia Berhad.

In 1995, he launched his own label and opened his boutique. A
favorite with Malaysian celebrities and socialites, Rizalman has
certainly gone places, having participated in Jakarta Fashion
Week (1997), Singapore Fashion Week (1998), Korea Fashion Week
(2001), Malaysia Fashion Week (2002) and Hong Kong Fashion Week
(2002).