When Dato’ Indera Tom Abang Saufi presented her 40th anniversary showcase at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, it was not just a runway moment — it was a celebration of legacy, culture, and quiet confidence.
The show, titled “Weaving the Past, Dressing the Future,” honoured four decades of Malaysian artistry through her signature blend of tradition and innovation.
The event was part of the Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF) 2025, a fitting stage for a designer who has long represented Malaysia’s modest yet expressive aesthetic. The night before, Tom received the IFF Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her enduring contribution to both national fashion and the preservation of cultural identity.
A Tribute to Craft and Culture
As the lights dimmed and the first model took the runway, the room transformed into a living archive of Malaysian artistry. Pua Kumbu, Ikat, and rotan-inspired motifs flowed effortlessly down the catwalk, each textile reimagined into a modern silhouette that celebrated Borneo’s rich heritage. Every piece carried the spirit of Sarawak, where Tom’s creative journey began, blending time-honoured craftsmanship with contemporary expression.
Her collection balanced tradition with restraint: soft drapes contrasted structured tailoring, and earthy tones met contemporary metallics. It was clear that Tom’s work is never about nostalgia; it’s about evolution. “This show celebrates the journey — the people, the stories, and the creativity that shaped who we are,” she said. “Fashion may change, but values do not. Heritage gives us identity, innovation keeps us alive.”
The Heart of Malaysian Fashion
Tom Abang Saufi’s work has always been deeply rooted in her heritage. Born in Sarawak, she grew up surrounded by vibrant colours, textures, and the rhythm of indigenous artistry. Her designs reflect that landscape, thoughtful, grounded, and rich with meaning. To her, fashion is more than an aesthetic pursuit; it is a dialogue between culture and identity. Each creation carries a story, a connection, and a profound sense of belonging.
Her designs also champion women who embrace strength with grace. The silhouettes flowed with ease yet carried authority. The collection reminded the audience that power can exist in softness, and beauty often lies in simplicity.
A Future Woven from the Past
Under the leadership of Dirk Adam Luebbert, Group CEO of Sunshine International Group, TAS by Tom Abang Saufi continues to grow while maintaining the integrity of its founder’s philosophy. The brand now reaches a wider audience through Zalora and tomabangsaufi.com, bringing heritage design to modern wardrobes across Malaysia.
TAS remains committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural pride. Every creation still embodies Tom’s signature vision — wearable art that celebrates heritage without compromising modernity. As the final model took her bow, it was clear that Tom’s influence had outlasted fashion cycles. Her legacy continues to remind Malaysians that heritage, when nurtured with purpose, never fades.
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