Ezuwan Ismail fashions clothes for Siti Nurhaliza, he also wants to dress you

Ezuwan Ismail has made his name in the local showbiz scene designing for top celebrities. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong

A fashion designer’s life is never a walk in the park. The industry is a challenging one, something that Ezuwan Ismail knows all too well.

He has worked with some of the biggest stars in Malaysian showbiz, which includes two Biduanita Negara (National Songstress) – the late Datuk Sharifah Aini and currently, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza.

Despite that, he is never spared from hateful comments.

“That’s how I came up with my nickname in 2018, Tukang Jahit Termahir Malaysia (Malaysia’s Most Skillful Tailor), or just TJTM,” Ezuwan, 42, shares, with a laugh.

“People were commenting online that I don’t deserve to call myself a designer because my clothes are ugly. They said I’m ‘just a tailor’, so I decided to own it.”

Siti Nurhaliza is among Ezuwan Ismail’s most notable clientele. In this picture, she wears his design created specifically for the Biduanita Negara ceremony last year. Photo: Ezuwan Ismail

He is now affectionately known as TJTM among fans and the media. His ready-to-wear label is also named after that moniker.

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Ezuwan came onto the scene after graduating from a local fashion school in 2005. He then trained under two well-known Malaysian designers, Michael Ong and Datuk Zang Toi, after which he left and got a job as a retail assistant in a boutique.

“I was interested in the different aspects of fashion, beyond sketching or sewing,” he says. “I think it’s always important for designers to learn everything they can about running a business.”

When Ezuwan started his own brand in 2010, he was operating from home.

He recalls how his celebrity clientele were astonished at that time, upon learning that they were actually going to his house for a fitting. His first boutique only opened in Ampang three years after that.

To date, he has dressed celebrities the likes of Ziana Zain, Rozita Che Wan, Aina Abdul, Datuk Seri Vida and lots more. He also designs for Malaysian royalty.

“To me, all of it is rezeki (blessing),” Ezuwan humbly states. “I’m just happy with what I’ve achieved so far.”

Regarding dressing celebrities, are there any particular ones who stand out?

Dressing Siti was the highlight. I remember how a lot of other designers were rushing to get her to wear their designs.

When she chose me – it was one year after I started my own brand, I felt like my dream came true!

I also remember being able to work with Sharifah. I grew up listening to her, so the experience is something I’ll never forget.

How has it been like working with Siti for over a decade now?

It’s very easy because we have chemistry. Any idea that I suggest, she will accept.

I think it’s because I know her character well – what she likes, for instance.

She does give her own input during the design process, so it’s like a conversation where we can bounce ideas of each other.

When it comes to such a relationship, the longer it goes on, the easier it gets. Once your client trusts you and there is familiarity, the work becomes a joy.

You’re known for your elaborate designs for stage shows and red carpet events. Is this your signature?

As a designer, you must be able to create clothes for all occasions.

I don’t only work with famous people, I also have a ready-to-wear line, plus I’ve participated in fashion shows and designed for brides.

Concert looks do require a more glamorous feel to them, but not everyone needs an avant-garde outfit.

Everyday clothes have to be practical and wearable too.

I see every one of my collections as different.

While he loves bold designs that stand out, as seen in this photo on the runway at the 2023 Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week, he also thinks that everyday clothes should be practical. Photo: KLFW

What about younger celebrities? Do you think Gen Zs have a very specific style?

Times have changed since I started out. So, I need to change too.

I would say that what the youths want are very different from my current vision – they probably prefer streetwear, instead of glamorous clothes, but I do believe I can find a balance between the two aesthetics.

Are there any celebrities from the new generation that you would want to work with?

I never thought about that, because I just don’t have the time anymore.

I still have my regular celebrity clientele and they are keeping me extremely busy.

If there is time and opportunity, I would definitely like to work with those who are famous on Instagram or TikTok.

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Is there anything you would like to try your hand at in the future?

I want to capture the affordable market segment. I have my TJTM label that fits this, but I plan to expand it and make it big one day.

My goal is to achieve the success of fast fashion brands.

It would be great if I can see every mall in Malaysia housing my ready-to-wear boutique. I hope everyone can enjoy my designs one day – not just celebrities.

What’s your view on the local market, How would you describe Malaysian fashion?

In general, Malaysians don’t wear anything too out-there. I see a lot of designers who like to go the avant-garde route with their ready-to-wear, but I don’t think it works.

Practicality is important. For example, I still design a lot of baju kurung – and even with these, I often had to take a step back and tell myself that simpler designs work better.

If I put too many ruffles on a baju kurung, it won’t sell. Simplicity has a classic appeal in Malaysia.