IT was a blast from the past when a street in Kuala Lumpur became the runway for a glam rock fashion competition.
The Santai Seni@TAR event by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman saw the participation of 16 contestants.
They came dressed in quintessential ’80s fashion – leather outerwear, bold-print shirts, lots of metalwork as well as boots and high-top trainers, with a smattering of ripped jeans and bandanas.
Some sported the signature hairstyles of ’80s rockers with teased curtain bangs and long tresses.
All in, the ’80s Glam Rock Fashion Competition was a throwback to the era, with a band entertaining the crowd with covers of popular songs by local rockers.
The competition invited participation online with registration a week before the event although walk-ins were accepted as well. Contestants had to be aged 18 and over.
The top three received cash prizes of RM200, RM150 and RM100, respectively, along with tickets to Def Gab C’s and Kristal X’s “Merah Hitam” concert happening on Aug 31 at Zepp Kuala Lumpur.
Consolation prizes included goodie bags and concert tickets.
Competition judge Mohamed Nor Razak Yas, better known as “Ajak Melissa”, said he was looking for outfits that accurately represented the ’80s.
“I was also searching for someone with a strong personal style and persona who emulates ’80s rock.”
Winner Siti Nur Ainaa Wajihah ticked all the boxes with her polka-dot and mesh outfit.
“I have been a fan of rock, especially black metal, since I was 11.
“I’m always going to rock concerts and events.
“I was shocked when they announced me as the winner as I had never placed first before,” she said.
Explaining why the competition was significant, Mohamed Nor Razak said, “Rock was booming in the ’80s and ’90s.
“With events like these, we can ensure that rock will live on forever.”
