KUCHING: Designer Razi Shariman Ali has been making costumes inspired by the colours of the Jalur Gemilang ever since his daughter Nursharmimi Izzaty was invited to take part in costume competitions a few years ago.
His creations this year are also inspired by the ethnic communities in Sarawak.
"The concept for the design is the unity of Sarawak. There are different elements representing the traditional costumes of the Orang Ulu, Iban and Melanau,” said Razi.
"I used fabric in the four colours of the Jalur Gemilang to make cocktail dresses and ball gowns for my daughter and nieces," he added.
(STAND ALONE)Children wearing dresses in the colours of the Jalur Gemilang designed by Razi Shariman Ali, including his daughter Nursharmimi Izzaty (centre). Razi said the designs were inspired by the unity of Sarawak and featured elements from the traditional costumes of the Orang Ulu, Iban and Melanau. Besides fabric, he also uses recycled materials like bottles to showcase his creativity. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star
To showcase more of his creativity, he also used recycled materials such as bottles to make the headgear for the costumes.
Razi said he started designing the costumes when his daughter joined costume competitions based on various themes.
"When one competition coincided with National Day, I came up with many ideas to create a costume for it. Then I started making similar costumes for other people and it grew from there," he said.
