Here's A Look At The Malaysian Contingent's Opening Ceremony Outfits For Paris Olympics
The collection features a songket pattern for both the Baju Kurung and the Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga.
By Tamara Jayne — 26 Jul 2024, 10:52 AM
Designers Rizman Ruzaini have created the official attire for the Malaysian contingent to wear at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 that will be held today, 26 July
According to the fashion duo, the Olympic Council of Malaysia reached out to them in January to participate in the Olympics Night 2024 held in Kuala Lumpur.
This event allowed local designers to showcase their vision of what Malaysian athletes would wear to the opening ceremony of the 33rd Olympics Games in Paris.
Rizman Ruzaini's collection, titled 'The Malaya', features a songket pattern for the Baju Kurung paired with a kelubung for the women, and Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga for the men
The duo explained that the attire was designed to "embody the spirit of the Malay Peninsula and Borneo warriors before the independence era".
They chose hues of olive green and brown with gold motifs to symbolise their hope for the athletes to bring home gold medals for Malaysia.
"When these colours reflect light, they emit a golden effect," shared Rizman Nordin.
He named national heroes, such as Datuk Maharaja Lela, Dol Said, Yamtuan Antah, Tok Janggut, Datuk Bahaman, Mat Kilau, Haji Abdul Rahman Limbong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Rentap, Mat Salleh, Antanum and Sharif Masahor as inspiration.
The scarf is adorned with details such as Hari Kebangsaan and several important key taglines, including "Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!"
However, the collection has garnered mixed reactions online
While many loved the attire, several noted that it lacked diversity and didn't do justice to our multicultural society, including East Malaysia.
Several people also criticised the collection as being 'one-dimensional' and representing only 'one race' in Malaysia.
