Islamic Fashion Festival returns to Kuala Lumpur

The Islamic Fashion Festival, (IFF) is back in Kuala Lumpur this month after a series of shows abroad. This is the 19th IFF event since 2006, and it takes its cue from the orient with the theme, Oriental Charm.

The media were given a sneak peek of some of the designs at the recent press conference. Featuring creations by 60 designers, among them well-known local names such as Datuk Tom Abang Saufi, Datuk Radzuan Radziwill, Farah Khan, Melinda Looi, Albert King and Jovian Mandagie.

Stylish: A sneak preview of some of the designs that will be shown at the Islamic Fashion Festival 2011 in Kuala Lumpur.

International designers include Indonesians Ghea Panggabean, Paul Ropp, Deden Siswanto, Ian Adrian and Itang Yunasz, Araisara and Kenzo (Tokyo), Mantra (Singapore), Kanchan Couture (Hong Kong), Jenny Lim (Taipei) and Amalina Aman (Sydney). Running from Nov 14-18, the showcase will be hosted by IFF and various ministries, NGOs and charity organisations. Ten of the 14 shows will be held in aid of charity.

IFF founder and chairman Datuk Raja Rezza Shah said thus far, more than 40 NGOS and charity organisations have benefitted from their fund-raising efforts. “The element of charity is a key component of the IFF mission and vision as espoused by IFF Patron, Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, who has continually impressed upon the need for IFF to incorporate the Islamic values of caring for and giving to the helpless, needy and underprivileged.”

Eastern theme: Raja Rezza said that more than 40 NGOs and charity organisations had benefitted from the event so far.

Among the participating ministries are Tourism Ministry, Women, Family and Community Development, while the NGOs and charity organisations are Association of Muslim Apparel Entrepreneurs & Designers (AMAED), Federation of Women Entrepreneur Association Malaysia (FEM), Badan Amal Kasih Sayang (BAKASA), Council of Justices of the Peace of Selangor (JP Selangor), Tunku Najihah Foundation, Persatuan Bencana Alam (PBANK), Young Designers Arena (YODA) and Yayasan Tuanku Syed Putra.

The IFF Charity Gala Dinner will also see a royal presence with the Yang DiPertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong. Several artists will also be performing during the showcases, among them, Ning Baizura, Datuk Khatijah Ibrahim, violinist Dennis Lau and Indonesian singer, Rossa, to name a few. Former local groups that have disbanded, will be reuniting to perform as well, such as Elite, Res2, Ruffedge, Kool, A to Z, X-Factor and Shades.

-thestar online.