Malaysian athletes will wear designs by Rizman Ruzaini at the opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games. photos: Rizman Ruzaini Creations
The Malaysian contingent for the 2024 Olympic Games to be held in Paris, France, will don designs by homegrown designer Rizman Ruzaini at the opening ceremony.
Named "The Malaya", the collection embodies the spirit of the Malay Peninsula and Borneo warriors before the independence era, inspired by national heroes such as Dato' Maharaja Lela, Dol Said, Yamtuan Antah, Tok Janggut, Dato' Bahaman, Mat Kilau, Haji Abdul Rahman Limbong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman and warriors of Borneo like Rentap, Mat Salleh, Antanum and Sharif Masahor.
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The opening ceremony, set to take place on July 26, 2024 along the Seine River, will see Malaysia's athletes wearing the elegant Baju Kurung, while the men will be dressed in Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga, with both the male and female outfits featuring songket motifs, uniquely designed with the exclusive identity of Rizman Ruzaini.
The choice of Baju Kurung with a headscarf was made because its design enhances the outfit's graceful appearance while fitting perfectly on the female athletes, while the Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga was selected for its suitability to the summer weather, ensuring comfort for the male athletes and giving them a distinguished look.
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According to Rizman Ruzaini creative director Ruzaini Jamil, the inspiration for this collection had been on their mind for previous Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week shows, and has now been revitalised with new, robust ideas.
"For me, this inspiration is not foreign to the Rizman Ruzaini brand as we are one of the local designers who always champion the selection of our traditional cultural attire such as Baju Kurung Pahang, Baju Kurung Kedah, Baju Melayu and Sampin. It demonstrates how fashion unites all races in a peaceful and united country like Malaysia. We have a rich history, and we want it to continue as a beautiful unification for all ethnicities," said Ruzaini in a press release.
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The colour selection - a golden hue - symbolises the hope that our athletes will bring home gold medals. Browns and olive greens on the other hand evoke a classic aura and when they reflect light, they emit a golden effect.
Malaysian athletes will wear designs by Rizman Ruzaini at the opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games. photos: Rizman Ruzaini Creations
Models wearing pieces from "The Malaya" with designers Rizman Nordin (left) and Ruzaini Jamil.
