ROZITA’S ’PATRIOTIC OUTFITS’
Dressmaker, however, is mindful of sensitivity involved
CHILDREN wearing attires made out of the Jalur Gemilang may look cute and creative, however, dressmakers are reminded to be mindful in guarding the sensitivity of turning the Malaysian flag into outfits.
Dressmaker Rozita A. Manap, 37, said National Day celebrations had always been opportunities to earn extra money with people ordering Jalur Gemilanginspired outfits.
She said most of her customers were parents who wanted outfits for their children to wear at National Day costume competitions in kindergartens and schools.
“Sewing flags is a different experience. We become more spirited and patriotic when designing clothes made out of our flag, but at the same time, we have to be mindful of the sensitivity pertaining to the flag.
“I make sure the moon and star are placed at the top, and the stripes are used for the sarong or pants,” said Rozita.
She said for a Jalur Gemilang baju Melayu, she would use two large flags and one small one.
“For a dress, I use three large flags and a small one,” she added.
Having ventured in the art of making flag-based outfits for the past six years, Rozita said she could complete one Baju Melayu and one peplum dress in a day.
She said tiered dresses took two days to make. As for the traditional Malay headgear, or tanjak, she could make three in a day.
“Most of my customers give photographs of the kind of outfits they want and I will take their measurement. From there I will know how many flags to use.
“Initially, I was not keen to make outfits from flags. When I started, it was more for my children and the fun of it. But people who came to my shop were attracted to the outfits and began placing orders,” said Rozita, who runs a dressmaking shop in Kampung Gebut here.