At 28, most people are still figuring out where they want to be. For Md Nazri bin Hassan, the journey has been anything but conventional – from oil and gas sites in the Middle East to the intricate stitching of abayas in Brunei.
As the founder and designer of a modest fashion brand, Md Nazri is proof that the road less travelled often leads to the most rewarding destinations.
“I worked in Dubai, United Arab Emirates as an engineer for almost five years,” he shared. “I was with a company called Petrofac through a graduate development programme, alongside three other Bruneians. The experience was intense but eye-opening.”
During his time abroad, Md Nazri was stationed in multiple sites – from Bahrain, where he lived for almost a year, to another location in the Emirates for another half-year stretch. It was here that his exposure widened – not just in the engineering field, but culturally as well.
“These are the types of experiences you can gain from working outside while also being exposed to different cultures, nationalities and so on,” he explained. But it was in Dubai’s vibrant souqs that a different kind of spark ignited.
Md Nazri began to notice the abundance of textiles, fabrics, and – most importantly – the elegance of abayas that defined modest fashion in the Middle East.
“I was just trying to see if there was something that I could bring in from Dubai,” he said. “And of course, that was fabrics and textiles. Abayas was one of them, and that’s why I was keen on bringing them in.”
The idea of blending his newfound fascination with abayas and his background in design gradually took form. Upon returning to Brunei, he chose to focus entirely on this budding passion.
“We designed half of the collection on our own and brought in the other half directly from Dubai Souq. I personally sketch the designs and then have them tailored,” he said, adding that his own creations are distinctively finished with embroidery.
What began as small-scale orders soon blossomed into a growing brand. The business was founded three years ago, right after the pandemic.
“We began with just a modest selection of two to three designs per collection,” he recalled.
“It was a humble start, but the response steadily grew.” What began as a small passion project has since evolved, fuelled by increasing demand and a noticeable shift in local fashion preferences – especially in the lead-up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri. “Starting from last year, there’s been a real surge in interest. More and more people are turning to abayas for their Raya attire,” Md Nazri observed.
“If you look at women in Middle Eastern countries, abayas are part of everyday wear. I think Bruneians are beginning to embrace that same elegance – not just for the style, but for the modesty, comfort, and how effortlessly stylish they are to wear.”
His customers’ feedback has become a guiding light for his design direction, especially during festive seasons.
“A lot of my design inspiration comes from Pinterest and established abaya designers in Malaysia,” Md Nazri shared.
“But beyond that, I really listen to my customers – especially when it comes to colours they want for Hari Raya. This year, rich browns and golden tones have been especially popular.”
For Md Nazri, the road to entrepreneurship wasn’t a direct one.
“Back when I was working overseas, the world of business wasn’t really on my radar,” he admitted. “What began as a casual interest – the same way some guys are into cars or video games – gradually turned into something more.
For me, it was all about sketching and designing. I started dabbling in it around the age of 25, and it slowly grew into a real passion.” He’s the first to admit that the journey required a financial backbone.
“When you want to start a business, of course you need the model for it – and not everyone is privileged to have parents who can give you that model,” he said. “To kickstart a business, I knew I needed a solid foundation – and for me, that meant starting with a regular office job to build up the capital,” he said.
“Looking back, I have no regrets. If I hadn’t taken that path, I wouldn’t have had the resources or structure to launch the business. In the end, it turned out to be a win-win.”
Curiously, his journey into fashion wasn’t born out of instant talent or deep-seated passion.
“Funnily enough, I didn’t really have the interest in designing abayas. I was really bad at it,” he laughed. “But with practice and repetition, I managed to improve myself and grow that interest deeper.”
Today, as his label continues to grow its footprint in Brunei’s fashion scene, Md Nazri encourages young people to consider stepping outside their comfort zones.
“Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – there’s a whole world of opportunity beyond Brunei,” he said. “I’m one of those people who took the leap, applied for jobs abroad, and gained experience outside the Sultanate. While there are opportunities here, they can be quite limited.
“Spending just two or three years working overseas can give you invaluable insight and growth that you simply can’t get at home.” Perhaps the most rewarding part of his entrepreneurial pursuit is the sense of ownership.
“I would say that it’s more fun to be your own boss. I was just constantly drained from working for someone. It felt like the effort just wasn’t worth it. As for my business, whatever effort I put into it is what I get in return. It’s what makes me proud of my business.”
From the rigour of engineering sites to the delicate artistry of abaya embroidery, Md Nazri’s journey is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line.
Sometimes, it takes a detour through foreign lands to discover the design of one’s own destiny. – Izah Azahari
