Meer (in white) and Sharifah (in pink) with models wearing pieces from the latest Hari Raya collection.
FOR its latest collection, a leading jewellery brand drew inspiration from tekat, a style of Malay ornamental embroidery that uses gold threads on richly coloured velvet.
Habib also held a month-long showcase of tekat products and an artisanal demonstration at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
Tekat embroidery has long been an integral part of Malay culture. It was originally a court art associated with royal regalia, palace adornment and rites of passage.
Often used to decorate ceremonial and Malay wedding items, tekat as a craft demands finesse and precision in its design and production.
Habib’s Rantaian Kasih di Aidilfitri collection reflects the same intricacy and detail in its design.
Habib group executive chairman Datuk Seri Meer Habib said, “Hari Raya Aidilfitri for us is a time to renew our bonds with loved ones as well as to seek their forgiveness.
A tekat artisan demonstrating the intricacies of the craft at the event launch.
“That is why our Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign has for the last 20 years been carrying the theme ‘Rantaian Kasih’, the ties that bind.
“This year, we are proud to showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Malaysian tekat.”
A star product in this year’s line-up is the Habib Arowana Collection which plays on the geometric and fluid shapes that mimic the dragonfish that is prized for its glimmering scales and sinuous body, and a symbol of good health, wealth, prosperity and power.
There are statement pieces which are made with 18K gold in high polish and diamonds, as well as unique multi-functional designs set with a combination of gemstones that can be worn as necklaces or brooches.
There are long diamond pendants that pair exquisitely with baju kurung or kebaya.
Also making an impression are ornate pieces created in distinctive concave and convex shapes.
The well-loved Habib Oro Italia 916 collection also has a range of new, sophisticated designs, combining different finishings like high polish, diamond cut, matte, and satin finish.
These designs bring a new twist to classic designs.
The latest Habib Exclusive 916 gold collection also will turn heads with a lovely combination of yellow and white gold designs.
For men, the ever-popular Butang Baju Melayu now comes in new shapes and colours, matched with silver palladium rings.
For children, there is a selection of 916 gold pieces with floral and butterfly charms.
This year’s Habib gold wafer coins also celebrate Aidilfitri with homage to tekat, with motifs inspired by nature and local plants.
These limited edition 999.9 gold wafer coins come in the following designs: Bunga Cengkih (Cloves), Bunga Kekwa (Chrysanthemum), Bunga Padi (Padi), Bunga Raya (Hibiscus), and Awan Larat (Cloud).
Each gold wafer coin is beautifully packaged in a collectible sleeve ideal for gift-giving as duit raya or for collectors to treasure. They are sold individually or as a set of five.
Actress Sharifah Rose was chosen as the face of the campaign.
Habib also partnered with Malaysian designer Syomirizwa Gupta, whose bright colours and luxurious designs were a stylish complement to the jeweller’s Hari Raya collection.
The campaign was launched by Meer, accompanied by Habib group executive director Datin Seri Zarida Noordin, senior general manager sales Mohd Zaruddin Mahmud and chief marketing officer Joseph Lam.
The launch event featured a tekat artisan demonstrating the intricacies of her craft, as well as entertainment by Malaysian singer Kaka Azraff.
