New Straits Times

Designed to help

A fashion label and a celebrity join hands to help underprivi­leged children, writes Kasmiah Mustapha

- kasmiah@nst.com.my

FOR the past five years, Poplook has teamed up with personalit­ies to give back to the community through its products. Through the Poplook Gives Back campaign, these collaborat­ions raised funds for various organisati­ons.

This year, the label has chosen to work with actress Sari Yanti on a special capsule collection for children living in poverty, with the amount raise to be channelled through Hope Worldwide Malaysia.

A supporter of Poplook Gives Back since it was launched in 2015, Sari Yanti believes the campaign helps ease the burden of those in need, especially underprivi­leged children.

She says with the increasing cost of living, families are struggling to make ends meet and sadly, children are the most affected.

As a mother of three, she wants to give the best to her children, just like any parent.

“Unfortunat­ely, some parents may not be able to do so because of financial constraint­s. I can only imagine how hard it must be for families struggling to make ends meet. Sadly, in this situation, children are affected. One of the impacts is that they cannot attend school.

“We need to make sure these children have the opportunit­y to be the best that they can be. They have the right to an education for a better future.”

Sari Yanti says fashion is one way to raise awareness on social issues and with Poplook’s experience, she is confident the brand can raise funds for the children.

“The collaborat­ion is important to me because in a small way I hope I can help these children. Anybody can help those in need and I want to do it in a way that I know best.”

The 10-piece capsule collection features soft blouses, trousers and weighted knits in earthy, soft tones.

The specially curated collection includes a floral pantsuit in a structured fabric specially requested by Sari Yanti.

Eight pieces are adorned with pearls, as a symbol of hope, which is the theme of the collection made of various materials including soft matte fabrics.

PERSONAL STYLE

Poplook fashion designer Nik Amanina Liyana Nik Abd Aziz says the mix-andmatch ready-to-wear collection is a reflection of Sari Yanti’s style.

“When we met last August to discuss the collection, she mentioned that she wanted floral, simple and elegant designs. With her approval, we chose Hope Worldwide for the campaign.

“Just like an oyster that creates something valuable like the pearl we want to create a brighter future for children in challengin­g circumstan­ces through this collection.”

Sari Yanti was chosen because not only has she always supported the campaign but she also has a strong presence on social media.

“Although she no longer acts, she has a strong following on Instagram. Sari Yanti is a natural choice because she can raise awareness on the campaign among her followers.

“It was also easy to create the collection because we have worked with her before. We know she prefers simple designs with pastel colours popular with customers.”

Poplook co-founder Maryanne Low says Poplook Gives Back aims to continue supporting charities and initiative­s that focus

on the needs of women and children.

Through fashion, the label has been able to donate to several charities.

“Our customers are the reason Poplook exists and since they are women and mostly mothers, we want to focus on organisati­ons that work on issues concerning them.” The Poplook Gives Back with Sari Yanti X Hope Worldwide Malaysia collection is priced between RM99 and RM139.

Twenty-five per cent from the sale of the limited edition collection will be donated to Hope Worldwide Malaysia, part of an internatio­nal and non-profit organisati­on helping underprivi­leged and disadvanta­ged communitie­s.

The campaign first began as a tribute to Poplook’s office cat, Poppy. Poplook created Thoughtful Pouches, and the proceeds were donated to SPCA Selangor and Melaka.

The second collaborat­ion was with Tun Jeanne Abdullah and Landskap Malaysia. Poplook created the rainforest scarf, available in three shades. The proceeds were used to plant Anisoptera Scaphula trees in the country.

In 2016, it collaborat­ed with actress Lisa Surihani and launched a collection based on drawings by children of the Generating Opportunit­ies for Learning Disables Foundation.

Poplook also launched an eightpiece fashion collection with actress Siti Saleha for Cancer Research Malaysia in 2017.

 ??  ??
 ??  ?? These floral straight cut pants paired with a matching tailored blazer was a special request by Sari Yanti.
These floral straight cut pants paired with a matching tailored blazer was a special request by Sari Yanti.
 ??  ?? TOP:Sari Yanti in wide legged pants with a pearl bell sleeve blouse.Pearl embellishe­d tapered pants with a front button blouse, one of the designs in the collection. LEFT:
TOP:Sari Yanti in wide legged pants with a pearl bell sleeve blouse.Pearl embellishe­d tapered pants with a front button blouse, one of the designs in the collection. LEFT:
 ??  ?? Nik Amanina is Poplook’s fashion designer.
Nik Amanina is Poplook’s fashion designer.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Malaysia