Jiman Casablancas, a towering figure in the Malaysian fashion industry, dies

Known among the fashion circles as Jiman Casablancas, the man is respected for his work with designers and brands. Photo: Instagram/Jiman Casablancas

Mohd Nizam Khamis – better known by his moniker in the fashion industry, Jiman Casablancas – died on Sunday evening (Jan 28) due to heart failure.

The news broke, when his peers paid tribute to him on social media.

“It is with great sadness to inform you that we lost a friend, brother and the lovely Mohd Nizam Khamis or more popularly known as Jiman Casablancas,” read the post by local designer Syomirizwa Gupta.

Jiman is widely known within the fashion circles for his brave and bold fashion sense. He has been lauded for continuously pushing style boundaries, donning punk and avant-garde outfits.

Running his own public relations firm, he champions fashion and has collaborated with local designers like Zakwan Anuar, Pearly Wong, Fern Chua and Nusantara Denims.

During fashion weeks, he can be seen walking the runways, plus appearing in fashion campaigns.

Jiman was also the communications director of Malaysian denim brand, Tarik Jeans.

"Today, the world mourns the departure of a legend who has left behind shoes no one can fill," stylist Mughni Che Din wrote on Instagram.

"Your legacy will live on forever."

Lim Fang Heng, founder of Malaysian bespoke tailoring brand, Wardrobe, said that Jiman has "lived well".

Jiman was also the fashion advisor to local artistes – one of them being Datuk Amy Search. One picture posted up on social media showed the rockstar paying his last respects during the burial this morning (Jan 29).

"He has never been stingy about sharing knowledge or advice," Amy was quoted as saying by Astro Awani, adding that Jiman was like family to him.

Jiman's other accomplishments included his contributions to local fashion magazines and portals, where he penned his thoughts on the subject. He also commented on trends and shared views on the industry's inner workings.

Most recently, Jiman was featured on Vogue magazine's online portal.

He had modelled for London-based clothing brand Kwaidan Editions. The campaign shots he appeared in were used for a profile feature on the designer and founder.