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With Hari Kebangsaan just around the corner, Rip Curl Malaysia is celebrating with a special Merdeka collection designed by Johor Bahru-based artist Perempuan Melawan Art
The Rip Curl × Perempuan Melawan Art Merdeka Collection features limited-edition T-shirts inspired by Malaysia's culture, heritage, and the stories that shape the nation.
According to the artist, Finn Anuar, the collection was created to celebrate Malaysia's multicultural identity by bringing together traditional attire, local landmarks, and familiar cultural symbols through a contemporary visual style
She shared that she wanted to highlight how "our diversity isn't something to overcome, it's something to embrace."
Through her illustrations, Finn hopes to showcase the many influences that make up the country's identity.
"Just as every wave becomes part of a greater ocean, every culture and every individual contributes to the story of Malaysia," she added.
One of the collection's most striking design elements is the use of newspaper clippings, which symbolise the constant flow of stories, opinions, and voices that shape Malaysian society every day
"For me, this collaboration with Rip Curl wasn't just about combining surf culture with Malaysian culture. It was about expressing the idea that freedom isn't only found in chasing waves, it's also found in choosing empathy, respect, and community," she shared with SAYS.
The artwork also incorporates Malaysian currency, representing the nation's growth through the everyday efforts of ordinary people.
Instead of focusing on a single hero, the design pays tribute to the millions of people who work, sacrifice, and hope for a better tomorrow.
Ultimately, Finn describes the collection as a tribute to the country she calls home
"The collection is a love letter to Malaysia, a celebration of harmony, shared identity, and the belief that in a world that often encourages division, choosing to move forward together is an act of freedom in itself," said Finn.
The Rip Curl × Perempuan Melawan Art Merdeka Collection is now available on Rip Curl Malaysia's official website and at all Rip Curl Malaysia stores nationwide.
Each T-shirt costs RM119.
