Brunei’s tropical rainforests are a testament to timeless beauty. Encompassing over 70 per cent of the country’s land, these lush-green jungles are an enchanting haven beckoning nature enthusiasts to explore the hidden paradise that is Brunei.
Being among the oldest in the world, the rich biodiversity within our rainforests is awe-inspiring. In fact, it has served as a muse for one talented local fashion designer, Fadzil Hadin, who has masterfully showcased the Sultanate’s natural wonders on international runways.
Fadzil Hadin’s collection, aptly named Lawakita, was recently showcased at the 2023 Lombok International Modest Fashion Festival (LIMOFF) in Senggigi, West Lombok District, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province in Indonesia.
The Dubai-based Bruneian designer was one of the few invited international designers from the ASEAN member countries of Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Cambodia.
Drawing from the rich diversity of tropical plants and flowers, his collection represents the perfect convergence between art and nature, incorporating a vibrant blend of colours and patterns echoing the vivid tapestry of Brunei’s landscape.
All the designs showcased on the runway were curated from an exclusive traditional woven fabric called Tenun Lombok, including Fadzil Hadin’s Lawakita collection.
In order to effectively incorporate the traditional fabric into his designs, the former cabin crew turned internationally-acclaimed fashion designer took the opportunity to explore the rich history behind the generational craft by getting acquainted with around 2,000 weavers from different villages and provinces of Lombok.
The woven fabric is synonymous to the Sasak ethnic group of Lombok. As part of their customs, the heritage craft is quite valued among the community. In several villages still maintaining their customs, it is common for Sasak women to be seen wearing the traditional woven fabric as everyday clothes.
Sasak women will pass the tradition down to their daughters from as early as nine years old, to ensure its preservation.
With this in mind, Fadzil Hadin felt a huge responsibility to give the Tenun Lombok the justice and respect it deserved, invoking indigenous solidarity by incorporating his own Bruneian heritage and creating a balance between two unique cultural identities.
This was the essence of Lawakita. The collection exudes a sense of flair and opulence through meticulous embellishments, delicate silk fabrics and subtle touches of sheer glamour.
The ensembles are carefully adorned with the glistening drama of beads and sequins, adding an air of mystique and sophistication. The interplay of light and shadow on the fabrics lends a touch of modest elegance to each piece, captivating and empowering wearers with an aura of understated allure. In crafting this collection, the talented designer has taken great delight in fusing the rich heritage of Asian and Middle Eastern styles. The fusion of cultural elements not only pays homage to Brunei’s diverse influences but also presents a harmonious blend that celebrates the beauty of cultural exchange.
“With Lawakita, I aim to encapsulate the essence of Brunei’s natural wonders and its alluring charm, offering fashion connoisseurs a unique experience that evokes the feeling of stepping into a dreamlike paradise, where beauty and culture coalesce in perfect harmony,” he said. – Enny Zaini
