#FASHION: A tribute to traditions that keep us rooted

THE names roll easily off the tongue, bringing to mind the beauty and simplicity of nature and its inspiring role in traditional Malay textiles and jewellery.

Names like 'bunga pecah lapan', 'kumtum seri', 'kembang sepatu' and 'cempaka' evoke memories of a bygone era, a time when elegance and craftsmanship ruled.

These motifs are often found in traditional textiles, jewellery or decorations and are being revived through the Tita Collection by Suen Jewellers.

This 33-piece fine jewellery collection was inspired by the textile and sartorial legacy of the late Sharifah Azah Syed Mohammad Alsagoff, also known as Azah Aziz, the wife of the late Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid and mother of former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.

Azah devoted much of her life to preserving and deepening the understanding of Busana Melayu and the textile traditions surrounding it.

Through her research and collection of traditional clothing, vintage jewellery and heritage textiles, she documented the craftsmanship and cultural knowledge held within Malay garments.

Speaking during the launch of the Tita Collection, Zeti said she grew up with her mother's lifelong interest in traditional textiles and attire.

"I remember her discussions of the beauty and resplendence of these textiles and garments.

"She frequently had details that others might overlook — on the way the textiles were made, the significance of the different motifs or on the way in which a piece of clothing was worn."

She said over the years, she came to appreciate how much of her mother's work was driven by the desire to preserve our cultural heritage and traditions.

"Her aspiration was for it to be understood, remembered and cherished by our future generations."

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As part of her efforts to preserve and share her mother's work, Zeti donated her mother's collection to the Merdeka Textile Museum.

This legacy inspired the Tita Collection by Suen, through which selected references from the collection were translated into contemporary jewellery.

In a tribute to her mother, the jewellery collection was also named "Tita", a name Azah was called affectionately within the family.

Both the Tita Collection by Suen, as well as Azah's personal collection displayed at the Merdeka Textile Museum, offer a glimpse into the people, customs and way of life that shaped our culture.

Zeti said it was an opportunity to appreciate the richness of our textiles and the stories behind them.

Suen Jewellers founder Lee Sze Suen said through conversations with Zeti, she came to understand how much care Azah gave to preserving the knowledge and craftsmanship held within Malaysian textiles and traditional dress.

"We have translated selected references from her collection into fine jewellery that can be worn today, giving the new generation a personal way to encounter this heritage."

The Tita Collection is about continuity, she said.

It is about taking what Azah worked so passionately to preserve and finding a place for it in present-day life, while giving a new generation a personal way to encounter, appreciate and carry this heritage forward.

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FROM TRADITION TO MODERNITY

The fine jewellery collection interprets elements of Malaysian textile and sartorial heritage through 18K gold and diamonds, translating traditional motifs, textures and forms into contemporary pieces designed for everyday wear.

The jewellery can be styled with tudung, selendang, lapels and collars, bringing these heritage references into the modern wardrobe.

Suen has also created six heritage-inspired brooches for the Merdeka Textile Museum.

Referencing the brooch's established role within Malay dress and adornment, the designs draw from batik, traditional wooden 'ukiran' (carvings) and songket, reinterpreted in gold-plated 925 sterling silver.

Designed as a more accessible way for visitors to connect with and appreciate these traditions, the brooches offer another way to carry these references into everyday life.

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In support of a worthy cause, 10 per cent of proceeds from the sale of the 33-piece Tita Collection by Suen will be donated to Viva Palestina Malaysia.

For more than 17 years, the organisation has channelled support from Malaysians towards emergency food and water programmes, education and shelter projects, medical and livelihood assistance and other humanitarian initiatives in Gaza.