NUANSA SENI VOL. 6
A night of tradition, fashion and cultural pride came alive at Nuansa Seni Vol. 6 in Kuching, as designers, performers, and community leaders came together to celebrate and preserve the rich heritage of Sarawak’s Malay culture.
Tradition Meets Modern Elegance
An evening of cultural pride and elegant tradition unfolded in Kuching at “Nuansa Seni Vol. 6: Festival Kelestarian Warisan Melayu Sarawak”, a celebration dedicated to the enduring heritage of the Sarawak Malays.
This vibrant festival showcased the richness of Malay fashion, arts, and culture, encouraging guests to dress in traditional attire while indulging in a thoughtfully curated dining experience. The evening began with Sarawak’s signature umai as an appetiser, followed by a selection of classic Malay dishes, and concluded with a delightful sago dessert gently dipped in milk — a refined taste of local culinary heritage.
At its heart, the festival aimed to highlight the role of creativity and self-expression in preserving cultural identity. Leading this mission was Dr Sharifah Suzana Wan Shukran — better known in Sarawak’s creative scene as Anna Sue — an academic and designer whose work has significantly contributed to sustaining Malay cultural arts and fashion.
The evening flowed seamlessly, blending performing and visual arts in an atmosphere of warmth and community. Among the distinguished guests were Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Hajjah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II (Creative Industry and Performing Arts), along with other esteemed local dignitaries.
The audience included many heritage enthusiasts, several of whom were adorned in keringkam — the iconic hand-embroidered textile emblematic of Sarawak Malay identity.
Against a visual backdrop of kampung houses, swaying coconut trees, mountain views and moonlit skies, performers evoked nostalgic memories of village life before the digital age.
Eighteen local fashion and textile designers participated in ten vibrant rounds of runway showcases — with models entering from the main entrance instead of backstage, adding a unique touch to the presentation.
Runway Highlights:
- D’Keringkam x Maskota – In a spectacular showcase of keringkam, an intricate Sarawakian handcraft, designer Danny Bin Zulkifi of D’Keringkam (Kampung No. 3, Kuching) presented pieces that highlighted 15 years of expertise. The round also featured elegant songket by Miss Ramtiniwati Binti Haji Ramlee from Kampung Gedong, combining classical beauty with modern flair.
- Kolaborasi Jurulatih Sulaman Keringkam – A collaborative display by Norlizawati Binti Sane (Kampung Pulo Ulu), Ros Binti Salleh (Kampung Darul Islam Belimbing), and Faruq Bin Kadir (Kampung Belimbing), showcasing full tekad keringkam embroidery with golden threads — a timeless symbol of cultural elegance.
- Hajah Saanah Sukit Ajang (Songket Rejang) – With 35 years of weaving experience, Hajah Saanah from Kampung Hilir Rejang presented songket with scattered floral and full blossom motifs, notable for their indoor-outdoor versatility.
- Atma Nusan (Azlin & Shen) – Themed Titisan Dang Chi, this duo honoured the tale of noblewoman Dang Chi and her symbolic reunion with Dato’ Gudam, incorporating textures like Tikar Bergerang and Batik Linut.
- Raja Inai Sarawak – A Kuching-based professional makeup and henna artist, and wedding event specialist, showcased a collection with contemporary music and a dynamic visual backdrop. The fusion of traditional and modern styles made it particularly appealing to younger audiences.
- RAZZ – Known for her iconic kek lapis, Razz (Marissa) debuted as a fashion designer. Models initially strutted with black umbrellas and raincoats before revealing glamorous ensembles using lace, leather, batik, and songket — classic with a contemporary edge.
- Gabungan Penyulam-Penyulam Negeri Sarawak – Featured embroiderers included Nuraiana Binti Bujang (Sibu), Shamsiah Binti Abdullah (Sri Aman), Ariate Binti Idris Bilong (Belaga), Fatimah Binti Katon (Serian), and Nur Najma Nabilah Binti Marfaisal (Kuching). One standout piece was a green keringkam shawl embroidered with bamboo shoots, pepper pods, roses, and cloves.
- Helmi Batik Craft – Founded by Helmi Bin Chik in 1990, this Kuching-based studio is renowned for traditional Sarawak-style batik. It uniquely incorporates Keurin (a resin used by coastal communities) and adapts the ‘Cold Wax’ technique, transforming sago starch into linut for motif dye transfers.
- Ben Nazry (Nazari Bin Mustahar) – A prominent Sarawakian designer known for pushing the boundaries of traditional design. His work celebrates local heritage while shaping the future of Bornean fashion.
- Harizan Khaider – Founder of Coutume Artisanal, this Kuching-based designer is known for blending Sarawak’s cultural elements, especially songket, with modern aesthetics since returning home in 2015.
The evening concluded with a captivating berdendang performance — a traditional Sarawak Malay art form — offering a fitting and memorable close to a night dedicated to cultural pride and artistic excellence.
