AS Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, a time when Malay traditional attire takes pride of place, the legacy of the late Azah Aziz is celebrated with the launch of Malay Textiles and Costumes: Form and Style, which is the English edition of her famed Rupa dan Gaya: Busana Melayu, of which the third edition was simultaneously launched.
The event, hosted by Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz and Tita Publications in collaboration with Penerbit UKM, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, highlights a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to preserve and share the vibrant cultural heritage of Malay textiles.
First published by Penerbit UKM in 2006, Rupa dan Gaya is a monumental contribution to the study and appreciation of Malay textiles and traditional attire, profoundly influencing heritage preservation efforts across Malaysia.
The book's in-depth exploration of the historical, social, and aesthetic dimensions of Malay textiles and attire has inspired designers, educators, and cultural advocates to preserve this Malay sartorial heritage.
“Through Rupa dan Gaya, my mother has ignited a commitment to cultural preservation in so many individuals.
"Her meticulous research and love for Malay traditions have helped pave the way for future generations to appreciate and uphold our cultural heritage.
“This work is not just about the art of textiles and costumes, it’s about understanding the soul of the Malay identity, its artistry, and the significance of preserving these practices in the face of modernisation,” said Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
Azah Aziz’s groundbreaking work has always gone beyond the surface of textiles and traditional attire. As a pioneer in documenting and celebrating the intricacies of Malay textiles, she has shed light on their historical, social, and aesthetic dimensions.
Her book provides a vibrant narrative on the rich legacy of Malay textiles and clothing, serving as both a scholarly resource and a heartfelt ode to the resilience of Malay traditions.
Azah Aziz’s research highlights not only the beauty of handwoven textiles and traditional garments but also emphasizes the importance of intergenerational transmission in sustaining this heritage.
Over the past decade, Dr. Zeti has led the effort to translate her mother’s groundbreaking work into English. This translation, a labour of love and dedication, allows Azah Aziz’s invaluable research to reach a wider global audience.
As a tribute to her late mother, Dr. Zeti expressed;
“It is my privilege to honour my mother’s work, which transcends academic boundaries and celebrates the beauty and continuity of our cultural heritage,” she said.
The English edition of Rupa dan Gaya makes the rich world of Malay textiles, culture, and literature accessible to a global audience, serving as an essential reference for scholars, museum curators, and textile enthusiasts around the world.
It preserves the authenticity of the original work while ensuring the significance and cultural nuances of Malay heritage resonate globally.
The launch event also featured insights from Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) on the upcoming Merdeka Textile Museum at Merdeka 118, with YM Raja Tan Sri Datuk Seri Arshad Raja Tun Uda unveiling exclusive renderings of the museum’s design.
Commenting on the collection, YM Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Arshad Raja Tun Uda said;
“More than just a museum, the Merdeka Textile Museum will be a living tribute to the late Puan Azah Aziz, whose lifelong dedication to preserving Malay traditions resonates deeply in this endeavour.
"PNB is deeply honoured to be the custodians of the late Puan Azah Aziz’s extraordinary collection which will soon showcase the artistry of our textiles to the world,” he said.
Set to be the first state-of-the-art textile museum in Asia, it will showcase 240 pieces of textiles and costumes, along with 69 pieces of jewellery once owned by Azah Aziz.
The museum will integrate advanced technologies, including interactive media, motion sensors, data analytics, and intelligent lighting, to deliver an immersive and dynamic experience for visitors from all walks of life.
The event was attended by close to 500 guests from the public and private institutions encompassing embassies and high commissions, museums, libraries, corporates as well as local academia.
It also featured a pantun recitation of selected poems from Rupa dan Gaya by the first female Malaysian National Laureate (or Sasterawan Negara), Datuk Dr. Zurinah Hassan.
For more information on the Rupa dan Gaya: Busana Melayu (Third Edition, 2025) and Malay Textiles and Costumes: Form and Style (English edition), please visit https://www.titapublications.com/ . - 7KLIK
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