DUBAI: Malaysian design duo Rizman Ruzaini opened Dubai Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway shows with their latest collection, “Mustika,” on Sunday night. The collection combined modern cuts with the timeless elegance of traditional Malay designs — specifically the kebaya dress, a traditional upper garment, and batik print work. Last year, the Malaysian label made their debut in Dubai during Dubai Fashion Week and had supermodel Naomi Campbell walk the runway in an elaborate dress and bolero jacket inspired by Malaysia’s Lake Chini. This collection was inspired by the film “Perempuan Melayu Terakhir” (“The Last Malay Woman”), designers Rizman Nordin and Ruzaini Jamil explained to Arab News backstage. “In this collection we chose to celebrate Malay heritage through fashion … the innovation of batik pattern into print, tumble beading and embroidery bring a significant evolution in fashion,” Jamil said. “Mustika symbolizes the jewel of Malay heritage costume,” he said. “The entire collection focuses on the kebaya being one of the oldest iconic attires in women’s fashion in Southeast Asia. It symbolizes culture, heritage and national identity and is still being worn today.” The collection features traditional batik motifs reappropriated into modern designs with intricate embroidery and tambour beading, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to preserving and promoting Malaysia"s sartorial heritage on the global stage. The dynamic designer duo, who founded their label in 2005, are particularly excited about the Dubai market. At the end of this year, they will open their first standalone store in Dubai in an undisclosed location. “Dubai reflects the DNA of the brand. We mix local tradition with contemporary fashion cuts as well as modest fashion. People in Dubai love to dress up and so our label fits very well with the style here,” Nordin said.