Bringing Malaysia's name to greater heights!
Malaysian Mohammad Faris Bin Mohd Fairusham from Victoria University of Wellington, has put our country on the map by winning the 'Air' section at this year's World of Wearable Art (WOW) competition in New Zealand.
Faris participated in one of the largest international exhibitions honoring the merging of fashion, art, and performance - The World of Wearable Art, or for short 'WOW'.
This competition features designers from all around the world to create remarkable wearable art pieces that are showcased on stage in Wellington each year using textiles, recyclables, and unusual materials.
The winning entry Faris created, named 'Wau Bulan', was inspired by the traditional Malaysian moon kite and included contemporary design methods with Traditional Malaysian Batik. In addition to recycled gold curtain trimmings and pieces of vintage furniture, it has wing-like extensions built from rattan rods to mimic the shape of the famous kite.
His artistic and creative direction certainly wowed judges enough, earning him the winning title.
Faris takes to Instagram to share his thoughts after winning - He thanks the people around him that helped him with the design and for allowing him to dream big.
He even jokingly thanks his roommates for putting up with the 'mess' by having such a huge design in their apartment as he works through it.
85 finalist outfits from more than 17 nations competed in the 2025 WOW competition, which was evaluated based on inventiveness, craftsmanship, and narrative.
"To my fellow Malaysians, I share this with you. An ode to a tradition that soars way beyond my frame of existence, and so I hope I have done it justice and I hope that you are proud of me and this moment. Because for once, I am.", Faris says.
And that we are. Congratulations Faris!
