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).