(Kuching, 8th) As Datuk Seri Abdul Karim, Sarawak's Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, calls for breathing new life into traditional textiles through contemporary design, 'regenerative fashion' has become a key direction of Sarawak's creative agenda.
He said that regenerative fashion provides a sustainable development path for the preservation of traditional crafts, giving old or damaged fabrics a 'second life.'
"We must transform faded Songket and worn Pua Kumbu into modern accessories to attract young people, bringing our cultural heritage to the streets of London and Tokyo."
"Rather than letting these woven pieces gradually fade in storage, we should encourage artisans and designers to reinterpret them as bags, jewelry, footwear, and other everyday accessories, while retaining their original cultural patterns." He made these remarks on Sunday (December 7), during the launch ceremony of the Borneo International Textile Festival 2025 (BiTF 2025) held here.
As BiTF 2025 continues, regenerative fashion remains a central theme, with organizers emphasizing the potential of this concept to connect traditional craft communities with the new generation of designers.
Abdul Karim pointed out that this movement not only brings Songket and Pua Kumbu to the global modern fashion stage, but also ensures that the cultural stories embodied in every piece of textile are continued and passed down.
Other guests present included the Queen of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, as well as several other dignitaries.
He said that regenerative fashion provides a sustainable development path for the preservation of traditional crafts, giving old or damaged fabrics a 'second life.'
"We must transform faded Songket and worn Pua Kumbu into modern accessories to attract young people, bringing our cultural heritage to the streets of London and Tokyo."
As BiTF 2025 continues, regenerative fashion remains a central theme, with organizers emphasizing the potential of this concept to connect traditional craft communities with the new generation of designers.
Abdul Karim pointed out that this movement not only brings Songket and Pua Kumbu to the global modern fashion stage, but also ensures that the cultural stories embodied in every piece of textile are continued and passed down.
Other guests present included the Queen of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, as well as several other dignitaries.