Special design: The attire worn by Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah for the installation ceremony features various unique motifs. — Bernama
Designer: Her Majesty’s installation attire emphasises traditional elegance
KUALA LUMPUR: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, exuded regal beauty in a baju kurung Johor adorned with golden hibiscus motif embroidery at the installation ceremony of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
According to the outfit’s designer and renowned fashion creator Datuk Radzuan Radziwill (pic), the hand embroidery depicting hibiscus and “awan larat” motifs adorning the Queen’s attire were inspired by the King’s ceremonial “Muskat”.
The Kuala Kangsar native said the national flower embroidery was sewn onto gold-coloured lace and lined with taffeta of the same hue, conveying Her Majesty’s indisputable elegance.
“We emphasise traditional elements in the design of the Queen’s baju kurung Johor with the teluk belanga neckline, which is more modest.
“However, we made slight modifications for easier wearing of the sash, orders and medals,” he told Bernama.
Radzuan said he received the order from Raja Zarith Sofiah to design the attire for the installation ceremony, including the headcovers and other accessories three months ago, adding that the Queen had expressed her ideas to be incorporated into the design.
He said the Queen also chose the colours and fabrics for the outfits, which helped him in the designing process.
“We came up with three or four sketches for each outfit. From there, we made necessary adjustments based on the feedback,” he added.
Elaborating, Radzuan said after several fitting sessions with Her Majesty, they discovered it took more than two hours for the Queen to don the complete set.
He also used a unique “framing” technique to maintain the position of the orders and medals on Raja Zarith Sofiah’s attire throughout the ceremony.
“It is our secret technique to ensure that the orders and medals stay in place. It is a technique created through experience.
“The ceremony involved movements, so we had to be meticulous. Images from the ceremony stay forever and we want our creations to look their best,” he added.
Radzuan said about 30 people were involved in coming up with the sketches and designs, making the patterns, cutting the fabrics, sewing and embroidery, among others.
“Within those three months, we completed three outfits for Raja Zarith Sofiah – one for the installation ceremony, one for the Royal Banquet and another to be worn during His Majesty’s official visit,” Radzuan said, noting that the team also created the Queen’s attire for the official portraits.
Radzuan, who has over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry, placed great importance on detail and techniques in creating the Queen’s outfits, especially in the embroidery, which was the primary focus of his designs.
“I was nervous but also excited. We could not afford to be careless because it was the attire to be worn by the Queen.
“I will remember this experience forever,” he added.
