Brunei Islamic Fashion Week + Haul

Brunei Islamic Fashion Week + Haul

• Friday, 4 March 2016

I S L A M I C   F A S H I O N   I S   I N .

If my hijab-wearing photos don't tell you, I'm a Muslim. Shocking. And if you have read this blog for sometime, you might notice that I have evolved into somewhat of a fashion being. Shocking times two.

No longer am I wearing converse with graphics tees and Converse. Somehow, through this blog, I started wearing white shawls and heels. A dramatic transformation produced by the growing awareness of fashion industry.

The fashion industry in Brunei gained a resurgence. Particularly in the last year when people have become more style-conscious. Fashion will never go out of style. This trend required a unity.

Hence, Brunei Islamic Fashion Week (BIFASH) happened.

Though in its toddler stages, and years away from the elder London Fashion Week, BIFASH established itself as a business to behold. It catered to everyone's fascination with style all across South East Asia. Naturally curious (and because I modeled for their lookbook), I visited the fair twice that week. Once with family, once alone and catching unexpected friends.

On the first night, while the rest of my family gallivanted to the Consumer Fair, my sister and I scurried along to BIFASH. Its booths huddled with crowds, the sharp scent of Frankinscense filling the air.

We made our way to Modressty's booth, a Malaysian brand attracted by its geometric and simple designs. We bought their Rhea Grid Tunic in White due to my love of black, white and stripes, and their Raisyaa Denim for my sister's obsession with denim.

I mentioned in my last Kinds of Cool post, that I modeled for Cahaya Butik. Because of that, I managed to get their Black and White Striped Long Cardigan for a discount. I also bought Syafina's Long Black Coat. The perfect balance of masculine-faminine wear that I still yearned for.

That was the first day I spent at BIFASH. The second day I visited, I spent alone. Parents refusing and sister too lazy. I relented and went alone. There is nothing more sad than explaining to vendors that no one wanted to come with you.

Thankfully returning to a happy state when you speak to said-vendors. The girls at Galore Ra - Lyy's Closet communal booth were so sweet. Chatting and taking selfies in front of the small space. I am so grateful for receiving Galore Ra's Jacket* and Lyy's Closet's Haya Shawl in Nude Brown*. The stores recently ventured into creating their own designs. They focus on versatility and amenity whilst providing the Malay touch.

This Grey Shawl from Irza Harif was an impulse buy. I adore shades of grey except for the actual Fifty Shades of Grey. So when I saw this matte grey shawl in their sale bin, I complied.





I met Sarah Mumtaz of Mumtaz Collections during my stroll around the booths. Their booth stood tall in front of the entrance. I heard many things about their shawls yet never managed to wear one until now. Their Snow White Shawl alleviated my need for a pure white shawl, with their Salmon Shawl* given as a wonderful bonus.

I continued walking around the booths. Several catching my eye before I found Hani from Covered by AnNisa. We met prior to the event, modelling for their Amra and Noorul Hijab in the BIFASH lookbook.

Sweet as can be and cuter than cherry pie, their pieces are the pinnacle of Muslimah style with long tops and wide pants. Yet I love their shawls the most. The Noorul Hijab* is gorgeous and practical, with a zipper for nursing mothers. I use it to fiddle my fingers when I'm bored.

Also, I met Nora Danish. Which was as surreal as it looked.

Mia, founder of BIFASH, introduced me to the enchanting entrepreneur. Her cool eyes and Mona Lisa smile stunned me. More than just a pretty face like everyone would assume. She launched her own fashion line, Owl by Nora Danish just last year. She arrived that day to promote the collection in Brunei and I was lucky to have met her.

Never have I ever felt more insecure in my life until she stood in front of me. She's so beautiful, my heart bleeds her red lipstick.





I am unsure how to feel.

When I see the fashion movement in this tiny country growing, and feeling like I am almost a part of it. It is unlike any other sensation. Brunei is still figuring out its style, whether like the minimalist French or the Laid-Back American. I will enjoy watching it grow from afar.

Thanks so much to Mia Suria and Brunei Islamic Fashion for making me feel like a part of this.

So what's your country's style?

*Products Received for PR