Kuching-born designer, Nasha Namara, and his label, Nasha Prive, stole the spotlight at Borneo Fashion Week 2025 with a bold, sustainable collection that fused Bornean heritage with urban edge – earning him the coveted Best Designer award.
Sustainability in Style
IN a dazzling showcase of creativity, culture and conscious design, Nasha Prive took centre stage as Best Designer at Borneo Fashion Week 2025, held this year at the chic and modern Pavilion Damansara in Kuala Lumpur. Blurring the lines between traditional Bornean heritage and contemporary aesthetics, the Kuching- and KL-based label once again proved it is a force to be reckoned with in Malaysia’s fashion scene.
At the heart of this rising fashion house is Nasha Namara from Kuching, the visionary behind Nasha Prive. Known for pushing boundaries, Namara’s work stands out not only for its visual boldness but also for its commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. His designs are unapologetically rooted in Bornean identity yet fused with a rebellious urban flair – think tribal motifs, layered textures, and silhouettes that make a statement both on and off the runway.
The win marks a major milestone for Nasha Prive, which has been quietly redefining fashion norms since its inception.
Speaking after the award ceremony, Namara emphasised the deeper mission behind his brand.
“The world does not need more fashion waste. It’s good that people are finally recognising that recycled materials can be beautiful too. We’re using eco-friendly materials for our sustainable fashion as we strive to actively reduce the environmental impact typically associated with traditional textile production. This pivotal shift not only enhances the quality of the garments but also underscores a dedication to responsible resourcing.”
His award-winning collection, presented on the opening day of the two-day event (10–11 October), was both an emotional and visual powerhouse. With the theme ‘Fashion with Purpose’, Borneo Fashion Week 2025 aimed to spotlight emerging voices that bridge heritage with global relevance – something Nasha Prive delivered, and more.
The 15-piece collection, titled ‘Sawaku: Our People’s Stories Continue‘, took five months to complete. The first seven looks painstakingly replicated traditional Bornean bamboo weaving techniques using sustainable materials — an intricate process that alone took more than a month.
It was inspired by, and celebrated, the indigenous women of Sarawak who have been pivotal figures in the state’s past and present. Designs titled Dayung, Kumang and Keligit honoured the bravery, resilience and strength of these women.
“This time, we elevated the colours and patterns of custom-designed fabrics, hoping they will serve as a guide and source of pride for future generations,” Namara explained. “These fabrics have been enhanced with golden detailing as the primary accent, alongside the original colours of each ethnic group.”
Highlights from the collection included pieces inspired by the Bidayuh Rawai (a traditional waist belt), and looks that paid homage to the iconic Bidayuh Ring Ladies of Sarawak. Drawing from Iban culture, models adorned with silver jewellery shimmered under the lights, styled to resemble Kumang. The sparkle of silver further accentuated the beauty of Pua Kumbu fabrics, which were produced in-house. From the Orang Ulu, signature spiral patterns found in their women’s textiles were reinterpreted, while a bold new yellow-and-gold colourway was introduced to appeal to younger generations.
Namara’s Nasha Prive Avant Première Fall/Winter line also featured jackets and winter garments, created in tribute to his late mother, who had always supported his creative journey.
“There’s something revolutionary about staying true to your roots — especially when you’ve been told it’s not ‘fashionable’,” Namara shared. “People used to laugh when I talked about upcycling. Now, they’re asking to buy the collection.”
While buyers may be clamouring for a piece of the bold, tribal-punk collection, Namara confirmed that these runway looks will not be for sale — at least not yet. Instead, they will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition, allowing the pieces to be appreciated not just as fashion, but as cultural art.
Still, retail versions may be in the works — a nod to the growing demand for fashion that is both conscious and expressive.
The buzz surrounding the collection, coupled with Namara’s rising profile, suggests that Nasha Prive is poised to take on bigger stages both regionally and globally — and all without compromising its message or materials.
The applause from the audience was not merely for beauty, but for bravery: a designer daring to challenge fast fashion with authenticity and attitude.
Namara’s prize included RM2,000 in cash, luxury perfumery, handcrafted jewellery, and electronic gadgets sponsored by Pensonic — a fitting mix for a designer bridging tradition and technology.
Curated by fashion director Stephanie Alcantara, this year’s lineup served as a vibrant reminder that Southeast Asia is brimming with untapped talent eager to tell their stories through fabric and form.
As Nasha Prive’s star continues to rise, one thing is certain: sustainability and cultural storytelling are not just trends — they are the future. And in that future, Nasha Namara is already leading the charge.
