Briton breaks into fashion line

PETALING JAYA: What does an engineer have to do with fashion? Well, it appears that one man’s dream of breaking into the fashion industry might just take off when new label Ronney Baji premieres at KL Fashion Week 2005. 

British electrical engineer Bryan Marsden established Pips Fashion in Nilai, Negri Sembilan, last November. 

FASHION PARTNERS: Henry (left) and Marsden having a drink after a fashion show inKuala Lumpur recently.

Its exclusive line under the label Ronney Baji and commercial line Baji will be unveiled for the first time to Malaysians during the Afternoon Designer Showcase on May 5 at the Shangri-La Hotel.  

The design team at Pips is led by Sarawakian Ronney Henry. The common thread that binds the creations from Pips is the use of distinctive exotic Eastern fabrics, primarily Malaysian batik, crafted onto Western silhouettes. 

Highlights of the Ronney Baji’s Autumn/Winter collection include decorative elements of batik, Malaysian motifs, beadwork and delicate faux fur. 

The fashion house has a wide selection of casual, career and evening wear for men and women.  

It plans to export its commercial line to the United States, Europe and elsewhere. 

According to Marsden, Malaysia provided him the inspiration to dream up a career in fashion. 

Marsden, who has now made Malaysia his home, started his career in Britain and was involved in facilities management projects for the KL International Airport in Sepang, and KLCC in Kuala Lumpur. 

KL Fashion Week, organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L'Oreal Paris, will be held from May 3 to 8.