Embodying the spirit of Merdeka, local brands celebrate the country in style

Batikwear is still the country's pride and joy. Photo: Kapten Batik

With August being Merdeka month, and Malaysia Day coming up in September, local brands have been rolling out collections that celebrate the country. From ready-to-wear to accessories, it is all about showing off pride for your nation.

For the second year running, Apom – a retail brand that highlights Malaysian culture – has brought back Project #empatbelas.

This year it is collaborating with Pos Malaysia, featuring 14 selected designers and artists across Malaysia to reimagine their pride for the country on various merchandise.

Especially cute (and street chic) are the graphic T-shirts. From Perlis to Johor, and across to Sabah and Sarawak, choose one that speaks of your identity.

Show your love for the country with specially designed T-shirts. Photo: Apom

The idea for #empatbelas kicked off last year during the pandemic, when Malaysians could not visit their hometowns during the lockdown. Apom thought about how it could use its platform to showcase state pride during Merdeka, even when people could not step out of the house.

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Despite all the restrictions, Apom was able to launch the project and worked remotely with designers from all the states and federal territory to come up with their designs for project #empatbelas.

For this year, it has proudly partnered Malaysia’s National Postal Service, Pos Malaysia, also among one of the oldest Malaysian brands.

The designers will also have their designs officially printed on stamps that will be sold in limited quantities as collectibles.

Apom’s objective – being a brand about the Malaysian culture – is to showcase local talent and create a network among designers all over the country.

Malaysian jewellery brand Wanderlust + Co is also showing its love for Malaysia. It is commemorating National Day with its “Why We Wear” campaign, a community-powered initiative spotlighting togetherness and the symbolism of jewellery to live in.

With the theme “Standing Strong Together”, it highlights the way families or communities of various backgrounds celebrate our country’s historic day.

To embrace the everyday modern person that lives an active lifestyle, the brand connects 10 individuals of different ethnicities, professions and personalities to show up as their real selves, for a fun surf skate event at Putrajaya Skate Park.

How about an event that highlights the way families or communities from various backgrounds celebrate our country’s historic day? Photo: Wanderlust + Co

Local label Kapten Batik has partnered with Malaysia Airlines to launch an exclusive eco-friendly capsule collection this month.

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Enrich, the travel and lifestyle loyalty programme of Malaysia’s flagship airline, worked with Kapten Batik in releasing a range of fashionwear and lifestyle pieces. The collection was officially launched by Her Royal Highness Tengku Datin Paduka Setia Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, an environmental and social activist.

Nothing is more fitting, as batik is the the pride and joy of Malaysia and remains a timeless fashion favourite in the country.

There is even a special contemporary motif designed for the Enrich x Kapten Batik collection, intricately printed via the traditional hand block method.