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Aina Abdul has given us a stage outfit that demands a second look
For her latest performance of KAMU at the popular annual music competition Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL), the Malaysian singer took to the stage dressed as a literal volcanic eruption, complete with molten lava, volcanic rocks, and a giant rock formation seemingly piercing through her body.
The dramatic look was designed by Malaysian fashion designer Melinda Looi, and it is packed with details that make Aina look like she just walked out of an erupting volcano
The costume, titled KAMU: The Art Of Eruption, combines couture craftsmanship with some pretty unexpected materials.
Melinda shared that at the foundation of the look are sequin mesh, metallic Lurex polyester, and cotton, while approximately 5kg of charcoal was used to create an organic, raw texture inspired by volcanic rock.
The huge sculptural volcanic forms were made using Styrofoam, latex glue, and acrylic paint, turning lightweight materials into the dramatic three-dimensional structures seen on the costume
Approximately 6,000 Swarovski elements were added to the outfit, alongside glass and acrylic beads and sequins.
These reflective details were designed to resemble molten minerals, glowing fragments, and volcanic rock illuminated by fire, Melinda shared.
The costume also features 80m of nylon fringe and 60m of glass bead fringe
The layers of fringe move as Aina performs, creating a fluid effect inspired by lava cascading down the side of a volcano.
The volcanic imagery is actually a metaphor for the emotions behind KAMU
Aina described the song as being about betrayal, anger, and disappointment that have been bottled up for too long, eventually erupting like a volcano after years of silence.
Melinda's costume brings that idea to life visually.
The volcano represents emotions that start deep within, continue burning beneath the surface, and eventually erupt into something that can no longer be contained.
The volcanic rocks piercing through Aina also represent the wounds caused by betrayal, something that can appear beautiful on the outside while still carrying pain underneath.
Towards the end, Aina's voice joins the choir before the performance concludes with Puas Sudah, symbolising the moment of finally letting go of the anger, disappointment, and hurt
Aina thanked the more than 80 people who worked behind the scenes to bring KAMU to life, including the teams handling staging, props, lighting, visuals, audio, musicians, choir, makeup, hijab styling, and her outfits.
She specifically credited Melinda Looi, Bobo Cinta, and Paleelits as part of the glam team behind the performance.
Watch how the costume was made here:
