Year of Champions

FASHION designer, interior decorator, style guru, wedding planner and entrepreneur. Datuk Rizalman Ibrahim is a man who wears many hats, yet he manages to pull off each one with aplomb.

There is no doubt that the 46-year-old Malaysian has an eye for all things stylish. He has dressed countless notable personalities, of which include royalty, as well as A-list celebrities and socialites.

When it comes to his designs, Penang-born Rizalman is known for having a deft hand at combining minimalism and glamour. The clothes he fashions consistently carries an air of plush elegance.

Each different piece, ranging from form-fitting garments to flowy kaftans, is loved for being modern. Rizalman’s signature aesthetic, after all, is about making things contemporary.

“I took kebayas and kurungs to a whole different level. Not just as something for ‘makciks’ but something that is quite relevant, current and trendy,” he explained, having celebrated his 25th Silver Jubilee in the industry this year.

It should be noted though that Rizalman’s first passion is interior design. He applied to study the subject at Universiti Teknologi Mara but was rejected, and instead got a place for a course in art and design.

“I accepted the offer and decided to major in fashion. Instead of playing with spaces, I