Ms Zaleha Arshad (far left) together with two other designers, (from right) Khalik Mustafa and Ema Ahmad taking a bow after their fashion show at the Promosi Kraf Tekstil 2010.

Ms Zaleha Arshad together with the models wearing her designs at the Promosi Kraf Tekstil 2010.

The models parading Ms Zaleha Arshad’s designs during the Promosi Kraf Tekstil 2010 fashion show.

Kuala Lumpur, 03 Nov 2010 - UCSI University lecturer from the Faculty of Music, Social Sciences and Design, Ms Zaleha Binti Arshad were among the few chosen to feature her fashion designs at the Promosi Kraf Tekstil 2010, organised by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation to promote local and international textiles and crafts. 

Ms Zaleha had chosen Diversity and Unity as the theme for her designs to reflect the Malaysian traditions and cultures. Strongest among her inspirations were the silhouette of the traditional Cik Siti Wan Kembang attire. “Diversity in the local traditions and customs has been in existence since time immemorial,” says Ms Zaleha. “For instance, many do not realize that some Malay costumes were inspired by Indian customs and culture a long time ago.” 

With this in mind, Ms Zaleha brought back this traditional look into her designs, while adding a modern twist to it. “I use chiffon and raw silk for the material. This in turn brings out the soft femininity of the wearer,” she says. 

Also dominant in her designs were the use of the traditional songket material, which was the traditional touch in her designs. Ms Zaleha also used draping techniques in her collection, symbolic of the sarong wrap of the Malay culture. 

Ms Zaleha is among a large group of lecturers with industrial experience which they could apply in their teaching at the UCSI University School of Design. This close connection also ensures that teaching materials and techniques used remain relevant, and up to date.