A cosy Kuching boutique became the setting for an intimate celebration of slow fashion, culture and creativity, bringing together non-professional models, heritage textiles and the spirit of the Delphic Arts.
Threads of Culture, Stitches of Friendship
There was something wonderfully intimate about a fashion show held not in a grand ballroom or hotel, but inside one of Kuching’s cosiest fashion boutiques.
Chez Ratna came alive with colour, movement and conversation as ‘Bohemian Escape’ unfolded one afternoon, bringing together fashion, heritage, high tea and friendship. Presented through a collaboration between Delphics Malaysia and Chez Ratna, the event celebrated slow fashion and offered a refreshing reminder that fashion does not always have to move at the speed of fast fashion.
Instead, the emphasis was on quality, individuality, craftsmanship and the pleasure of wearing something beautifully made.
What made the show particularly interesting was its modelling team. These were not professional models in the conventional sense. Among those who took to the floor were a doctor, lawyers and businesspeople.
They were people whose daily lives are far removed from the runway. Yet, as they confidently made their way around the boutique, it was difficult to believe that many of them were first-time or non-professional models. They carried themselves with such natural elegance and personality that the clothes appeared to come alive.
The result was far from an ordinary fashion presentation. It was intimate, relaxed and, in its own way, exquisitely beautiful.
The collection was selected and styled by Puan Ratna, owner of Chez Ratna, whose eye for combining textures, colours and accessories gave the presentation its distinctive bohemian character. Skirts, trousers, dresses and jackets were paired creatively, with each ensemble telling its own story.
The garments featured quality cotton and other carefully selected textiles, reflecting the philosophy of slow fashion — pieces designed to be appreciated, worn and enjoyed over time rather than discarded with changing seasons.
There was also a musical performance by Tasneem Bolhassan on the sape, a traditional Sarawakian stringed instrument. Tasneem, a musician based in Kuala Lumpur, flew back for the occasion.
“It was good to be reunited with my family, who all put a lot of effort into this special event,” she said.
The labels represented a cross-border selection of fashion, with pieces from Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as a label by a Malaysian designer based in Brisbane, Australia. This international mix added another dimension to the afternoon, showing how fashion can connect cultures and create conversations without the need for a common language.
For me, the event was particularly meaningful as I had the privilege of choreographing the fashion presentation.
Having spent many years in the performing arts and fashion industries, I have always believed that choreography is about more than simply telling models where to walk. It is about creating a mood, developing a rhythm and allowing the audience to experience the clothes as part of a story.
With a boutique setting such as Chez Ratna, the challenge was to create movement without losing the warmth and intimacy of the space. The non-professional models brought their own personalities to the runway, and that became one of the show’s greatest strengths.
The occasion also carried a deeper significance.
The fashion show was organised as part of a special welcome for Prof. Divina Bautista, President of the International Delphic Council (IDC), and her daughter, Dr Jennifer Bautista Biagtan, who were in Kuching for a technical visit to view venues and sites in preparation for major international events scheduled for 2027.
Their official visit from July 25 to August 2 marked an important milestone in preparations for the International Delphic Convention 2027 and the 8th International Delphic Games 2027, which are planned to take place in Kuching.
It was a privilege to welcome these distinguished guests through the joint efforts of Business Events Sarawak (BE Sarawak) and Persatuan Delphic Seni dan Kebudayaan Malaysia, or Delphics Malaysia.
The afternoon at Chez Ratna was therefore more than simply a fashion event. It became a meeting point between fashion, culture, friendship and the international Delphic movement.
It was a collaboration that seemed particularly fitting because fashion itself can be a powerful form of cultural expression.
During the afternoon, Prof. Bautista also shared with guests the fascinating origins of the Delphic movement and the philosophy behind the Delphic Games.
While the ancient Olympic Games celebrated physical strength and athletic achievement, the Delphic tradition places emphasis on the mind, creativity and the arts, bringing together poets, musicians and masters of artistic disciplines.
Her explanation gave the fashion show an unexpected intellectual dimension.
Fashion, after all, is not merely about clothes. It can encompass design, craftsmanship, textiles, visual expression, storytelling and cultural identity.
Within the Delphic Arts, Visual Arts and Crafts provide important spaces for creative expression, while textiles are closely associated with the Crafts discipline. The six broad disciplines of the Delphic Arts are Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Crafts and Social Arts.
From the conversations that afternoon, it was also clear why Prof. Bautista has earned the trust and respect of the international Delphic family. Having been involved with the Delphic movement since 1994 and serving multiple terms as President of the International Delphic Council, she spoke with a combination of wisdom, humility and conviction.
Her dedication to the arts and the ideals of the Delphic movement was evident as she spoke about its history and future.
The fashion presentation was accompanied by a sumptuous High Tea specially curated by Puan Ratna. Guests were treated to an assortment of Nyonya kuih and other heritage delicacies sourced from some of the best local suppliers, including treats from Mukah.
And, naturally, there was shopping.
For those of us who were there, it was a reminder that the most memorable fashion experiences are not necessarily those held on the biggest stages.
Sometimes, they happen in a small boutique surrounded by beautiful things, good conversation and people who share a genuine love for the arts.
