By Emellia Tamoh
KUCHING, July 15: Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2019 showcased a variety of traditional and contemporary crafts at the Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar.
The bazaar provided a hands-on experience for visitors to check out crafts that are made by local craftsman as well as an opportunity to indulge in souvenir-shopping.
Local Iban designer Allen Charlie brought along his uniquely designed clothing to the bazaar on the last day of the festival yesterday.
His clothing line, Borneonative, is inspired by various cultures of the island of Borneo.
“I make designs that are heavily influenced by the indigenous tribes of Borneo,” he told DayakDaily when met at his craft stall at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV).
Allen has incorporated the culture of the Iban, Orang Ulu, Kayan, Melanau, Penan, Kadazandusun and Murut into his clothing designs.
He added that he aims to design clothes that reflect the ethnicities in all parts of Borneo which is Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan.
His clothing line also includes bags, watches, sneakers, pants, shirts and evening gowns which will be a new addition to his brand.
“For now, Borneonative is an online-based clothing store. But I do custom-made designs for certain clients as well,” Allen added.
Thus, his clothing brand, Borneonative in reaching out to international buyers as well.
He shared that performers from Morocco have bought his shirts and would be wearing them at the RWMF concert last night which made him feel like his work has been recognised.
“I am proud that the shirt I have designed will be showcased to others. It feels like my work has been recognised,” he said. — DayakDaily
