Denim and Songket Take Flight

Inspired by the graceful form of the Wau Merak, Dr Fara Mas weaves heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary design into a couture creation that tells a distinctly Malaysian story.

Threads of Time, Stories of Heritage

During my recent weeks in Kuala Lumpur, I attended so many fashion shows that it was impossible to feature them all. One that caught my attention, however, stood out because its designer had a story to tell — one that brought heritage, research and contemporary fashion together in an unexpected way.

Dr Fara Mas, the visionary behind the fashion brand FARAMAS, brings an academic’s curiosity and a researcher’s eye to her work as a designer. Her interest in heritage arts is evident in her approach to fashion, where traditional cultural forms become the starting point for contemporary creative expression.

Different types of denim used by Dr Fara Mas to create her design.

The various shades of denim used in the creation.

I spotted her creation at a fashion show organised by the Malaysia Official Designers Association (MODA), in collaboration with Pavilion Malls, to launch its month-long ‘Fashion in Motion’ festival, which runs from October 1 to 27.

What immediately caught my eye was the striking structure rising behind the model, creating a dramatic silhouette. I managed a sneak peek before the show, but it was only when I looked more closely that I discovered the fascinating idea behind the design: a traditional Malaysian Wau Merak reimagined through an unexpected combination of recycled denim and songket.

Titled ‘Threads of Time’, the creation was more than an exercise in combining contrasting fabrics. It was a thoughtful exploration of how cultural heritage can continue to inspire modern fashion.

From heritage to contemporary couture

Dr Fara Mas explained that her inspiration came from the Wau Merak, a traditional Malaysian kite. What intrigued me most was the story behind the silhouette.

“The Wau Merak is a beautiful expression of movement, craftsmanship and cultural identity,” Fara Mas explained. “Rather than simply using it as a decorative motif, I chose to translate its silhouette into the construction of the garment itself.”

A detachable train inspired by the flowing tail of the Wau Merak.

The Wau Merak takes flight in a striking combination of denim and songket.

The dramatic cape and shoulder piece follow the shape and movement of the Wau Merak, while a detachable train takes inspiration from its flowing tail. The effect is almost as though the kite has taken flight from its traditional origins and been transformed into a contemporary couture silhouette.

At the heart of the design is the interplay between two very different materials: 70 per cent denim and 30 per cent songket.

Songket represents Malaysian heritage, tradition and craftsmanship, while denim brings a modern, versatile and more casual dimension to the design.

What makes this combination particularly interesting is the use of recycled denim. Traditionally associated with everyday clothing, denim is elevated to couture through a dramatic mermaid skirt and structured bustier, creating an evening look from a fabric not usually associated with formal glamour.

Dr Fara Mas with her model.

The design takes to the runway at Pavilion Bukit Damansara.

Architectural construction and geometric forms give the garment its structure, while the raw, fringed edges of the denim introduce a relaxed quality. The contrast between the precise tailoring and textured materials creates a visual dialogue between tradition and modernity.

Behind the model, the sculptural Wau Merak cape remains a commanding presence. Its silhouette frames the contemporary garment, allowing the heritage element to retain its significance without overpowering the overall design.

For Dr Fara Mas, the Wau Merak is more than a source of inspiration for the silhouette. It represents the idea that heritage can stand behind us, supporting and protecting us while giving us the confidence to move forward and create something new.

The Fashion in Motion event organised by the Malaysia Official Designers Association (MODA).

Intricate design details of the outfit, which Dr Fara Mas created entirely from scratch.

This is where her ‘Threads of Time’ theme becomes particularly meaningful. Heritage does not have to remain in the past, and modernity does not have to erase tradition. The two can coexist, influence one another and evolve into something entirely new.

I found this interpretation compelling because fashion has the ability to carry cultural stories beyond museums and traditional settings. When designers approach heritage with an understanding of its meaning, they can introduce it to new audiences through contemporary forms and materials.

In ‘Threads of Time’, the Wau Merak takes flight once again — not in the sky, but on the runway. Through recycled denim and songket, Dr Fara Mas offers her interpretation of how Malaysian fashion can respect its cultural roots while embracing new possibilities.

It is a reminder that fashion is not merely about what we wear. At its best, it is also about where we come from, what we choose to preserve and how we imagine the future. For more information, visit @faramasart on Instagram.