SEE PHOTOS: Malaysian designer
Jovian’s very first casualwear collection, called Jovian Femme, will be
exclusive to Singapore-based shopping site Zalora.sg
If
you love the intricate and feminine designs of one of Malaysia’s top
fashion designers, Jovian Mandagie, then you’ll be excited to learn that
his very first casualwear collection, entitled Jovian Femme, will be
available on Singapore-based shopping site Zalora.sg from January 31,
2013.
Looks from the Jovian Femme collection by Jovian Mandagie that will be exclusively available on Zalora.sg
Perhaps best known for his elegant, modern yet modest, clothes for
“Raya” or Malay celebrations, Jovian is also the creator of some
stunning demi-couture and couture pieces as well.
Jovian has worked with stars like Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza, Anita Sarawak
and Erra Fazira, as well as royalty including former HRH Seri Paduka
Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah (Queen Consort), HRH
Tuanku Zara Salim Davidson (The wife of Crown Prince of Perak) and HRH
Tuanku Fauziah binti Tengku Abdul Rashid (Queen of the Royal houses of
Perlis).
Now branching out into more affordable ready-to-wear lines – Jovian’s
special collection for Hari Raya Puasa in 2012 sold out almost as soon
as it hit websites and stores – you too can snap up a piece of Jovian’s
elegant fashion.
His Jovian by Jovian Mandagie collection of modest two-piece outfits
appropriate for Muslim women, is already available on Zalora.sg and
comprise elegant looks for day and evening wear at very reasonable
prices. They are modern in the use of cut, materials, prints and colours
but remain perfectly appropriate.
During a recent visit to Singapore to judge the Ratu beauty pageant
organised by TV channel Suria, we had a chance to sit down with the warm
and friendly designer to discuss his work and his plans for 2013.
Malaysian fashion designer Jovian Mandagie
Why are your modest designs so different from the traditional Malay-Muslim outfits?I
suppose it’s because I have an awareness of trends, silhouette and the
way I use embellishment on my pieces. I love being experimental and I
also do a lot of research with my friends and my female family members.
When it came to adding peplums to my Hari Raya collection last year I
knew it was a major trend in mainstream fashion, but I worked on the
design to ensure that it wasn’t too tight, for example.
It’s all about respecting what people really want, that’s the reason
why this collection [the Raya collection] took three years to design. I
did my first Raya* collection in 2009 actually, but it was fairly
traditional by comparison to the 2012 one.
How do you see the impact of modern design on traditional dress for Malay women?I
want my designs to be worn all the time, I want women to be able to
wear them to work and not just for Raya or special occasions. I wanted
to include practicality – which comes from using more modern shapes and
materials – in my designs. I infused the traditional look with more
modern cuts. It’s a new era for wearing the Baju Kurung. Women are
actually excited again to wear their traditional clothing.
What are you planning for the future?My
ready-to-wear line Jovian Femme is exciting. All the samples for the
collection are created in my couture house, so the cutting is the same
quality; it’s just that the pieces are at a more reasonable price.
I’m also working on my next Raya collection too, I’ll be including a
‘mini me’ collection for girls as well and also men’s Baju Raya outfits;
no boys yet though.
On top of all that, I’m also planning a store for Singapore in 2014
and will open my Bangsa store in May this year [2013]. I’m really busy!
resource: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/new-jovian-femme-label-be-exclusive-zalorasg