In the deft hands of these Malaysian designers, iconic heritage wear become emblems of the tranquil power that lies in quiet confidence
This is an excerpt from the MEGA March 2025 Designer Spotlight (SEA) story
Alia Bastamam, Ana Abu (ANAABU), and Zuhurah Zaibidi (Larney) take inspiration from Malaysia’s rich clothing culture to meet the needs of the modern woman.
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REIMAGINING HERITAGE
As one of Malaysia’s most renowned designers, Alia Bastamam believes in truly knowing the woman she is dressing and creating with longevity and identity in mind. When she launched her brand in 2010, she had a clear vision: to create ready-to-wear, resort-centric designs that feel as good as they look. “I design what I want to wear—simple as that. It’s all about effortless cool. I focus on ease, movement, and sensuality, creating pieces women can slip into and instantly feel good in. I love exploring color and texture, balancing structure with fluidity, but at the heart of it, it’s always about that laidback, luxurious feel.”
EMBOLDENED INDIVIDUALITY
Ana Abu’s fashion beginnings originated from a vibrant childhood filled with colorful garments. Her Cambodian immigrant father made a living selling bundles at night markets throughout Malaysia. Ana fondly recalls accompanying him in his van to sell various types of clothing. Ana’s grandmother ran a small booth at a local market, selling tudung (headscarves), kain sarung, and kain pelikat (traditional wrapped skirts for women and men). Growing up surrounded by textiles, she eventually turned to thrifting as a hobby, selling vintage clothing online shortly after finishing university. A civil engineering graduate, it did not take long before Ana realized her true calling, and she quit her job to open her boutique.
MINDFUL DRESSING
Women’s multifaceted roles inspired Zuhurah Zaibidi to create a luxury line that allows them to seamlessly move between their roles, whether as professionals, entrepreneurs, or nurturers. From elegantly embroidered canvas to flowing caftans and delicately pleated kurung sets, LARNEY celebrates resilience, elegance, and strength. “My designs are deeply personal because they reflect the journey of women—their growth, struggles, and triumphs,” she shares.
Read more about Alia Bastamam, Ana Abu (ANAABU), and Zuhurah Zaibidi (Larney) in MEGA’s March 2025 issue now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Images courtesy of Alia Bastamam, Ana Abu, and Zuhurah Zaibidi.
