Cross-cultural take on ethical fashion

Practising a no-waste policy, Biji-biji Ethical Fashion answers the call for responsible practices, writes Nadia Badarudin

MALAYSIAN batik meets Japanese yukata — that’s the latest cross-cultural take from Kuala Lumpur-based social enterprise Biji-biji Ethical Fashion. The limited edition range is a collaborative effort between the impact-driven company and Nakakoma Orimono, a reputable Japanese textile company which has been in business for 70 years.

Established in 1947 in Tokamachi in Niigata Prefecture (located on the west coast of Japan’s Honshu Island), Nakakoma Orimono is known for beautiful Japanese silk textiles as well as exquisite handmade kimonos since the heyday of the kimono in the mid-1950s. (In Malaysia, the company retails its products at Mitsui Outlet Park, KLIA, Sepang).

Ethical fashion is a fast-growing trend around the globe as consumers are demanding more meaningful and responsible practices, and look for authenticity in the brands they support and identify with.

Featuring a variety of clothes and bags upcycled from vintage kimonos, batik as well as other materials such as seat belts, advertising banners and felt, the Biji-Biji x Nakakoma Orimono collaboration is a stunning example of the advancements and innovations currently taking place in the local ethical fashion scene.

FRESH TAKE

The Biji-biji x Nakakoma Orimono collection was recently launched at the Biji-biji x Nakakoma Orimono Mini-fest at ME.REKA, Publika, Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Malaysia-Japan diplomatic relations.

“Fashion-wise, the Biji-biji x Nakakoma Orimono is a cross-cultural effort to give a fresh and modern take on Japanese and Malaysian traditional wear and art in addition to our contemporary designs,” says Biji-biji managing director Norashahera Haleem.

“We aim to keep the crafters’ skills alive by exhibiting creative ways of repurposing them. And what inspired us to collaborate with Nakakoma Orimono is the fact that it is aligned with our vision as well as business values and practices in encouraging customers to make sustainable and responsible choices.

“One striking similarity between Biji-biji and Nakakoma Orimono is that we don’t let anything go to waste.

“In this collection, for instance, we used remnants of vintage kimonos as well as discarded seatbelts and felt that we sourced and turned into stylish dresses and bags,” she says.

Maatin showing off a chic ensemble from the latest collection; Cute coin purses made of kimono.

She adds that the sourced vintage kimonos feature the pinnacle of Japanese quality and craftsmanship and are mainly used for weddings and ceremonial purposes.

CREATIVE MIX

The collection comprises chic womenswear as well as elegant clutches, handbags, tote bags and cute purses designed by Biji-biji Ethical Fashion in-house designers Maatin Shakir and Elaine Hong.

“We have 10 designs comprising tops, dresses, skirts, pants as well as modern

baju kurung and kebaya. Each piece is a mix of traditional wear with Japanese or Malay influences infused with recyclable materials for that modern and edgy touch,” says Maatin.

“For instance, we have yukata tops with seat belts stitched at the hems. There is also modern kebaya made of kimono fabric and paired with batik sarong,” he adds.

For details about the collection, log on to www.biji-biji.com, www.facebook.com/ bijibijiinitiative or www.instagram.com/ bijibiji.initiative