Tucked away just around the corner of the heartbeat of Malaysia lies a pure white contemporary building block with a silver fascia that spells out ‘RIZALMAN’.
Who is Rizalman? Well, in case you have been living in a nutshell for the past 15 years, Rizalman Ibrahim is a multifarious award-winning couturier born and raised in Malaysia who is also a well-established interior designer. And if that is not enough, Rizalman also runs a television programme in Astro Ria called “Tangkap Muat”.
Born in 1971 in George Town Penang, Rizalman received his early training in fashion designing from MARA University of Technology (UITM) where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Design (Fashion Design).
“I started working with other boutiques in the early days to gain experience. But then, deep in my heart I knew I wanted my own label with my own creations,” said Rizalman in front of media representative during an exclusive interview at his ‘all-white’ building block in Jalan Lambi, Kula Lumpur.
“The interview was part of the programme by Tourism Malaysia called “Year-End Sale” Mega Fam late 2009. The programme hovers on the lifestyle concept,” Rizalman spoke candidly during the interview.
“I don’t see myself working and receiving instructions from above. I want to be 100 per cent independent and have the freedom I desire,” he added. And what he wished for came true. “Just a couple of years later, I manage to collaborate with other designers’ names and come year 2000, RIZALMAN label was born,” he said. Rizalman was one of the first Malay designer to use his own name as a fashion label and have created the trend ever since.
But why use your own name as a label? “I implement my own name for my label because I feel more devoted in my creations and hold a sense of personal touch for my customers,” he replied.
Rizalman re-introduce the glory era of the 1950′s Malay “Kebaya Pendek” or “short blouse fastened with brooches in the centre” as he puts it. One of his inspirations was Saloma, a famous Malaysian actress that acted in numerous classical movies with the legend P Ramlee.
But why classical designs? Rizalman replied with a mouth-full, “The trend that I use is a mixture of our own culture and tradition by keeping the historical values and then injecting it with a twist of modern contemporary design. It makes it more trendy and more current.”
To make it short, he categorised himself as “Vision Eccentric” in terms of “manipulating the local elements and make it into something better”, which also answers to his inspiration for his creation.
According to a local wedding blog, one of his creations was seen during the Nikah ceremony of “Zubaidah and Faren”. The blog described Rizalman’s design as:
“.. She wore a custom-made dress of white chiffon and silver beading which was made flawlessly by Rizalman Ibrahim in KL. This designer-made dress looked absolutely stunning on the bride where the sequins undoubtedly complimented her figure..”
The top fashion designer, who also designed Paula Malai Ali’s wedding gown, held a fashion show entitled “An Evening with Rizalman” back in February 2003.
But that was then and now Rizalman has retired from participating in fashion shows and concentrates more behind ‘closed doors’.
“It is more personal and authentic and will be only one of a kind,” he exclaimed before adding that anybody who wants to see his designs can come straight to his boutique. No two clothes made by Rizalman will be the same and clients can rest assure that they will receive personal attention.
“I am here not to make costumes but instead creating something that is wearable,” he said when asked about tips on fashion. He also said, “Always inspire yourself to get the next best thing as your formula and with good product and the right timing is the key to success.”
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