KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 — Operating far from the capital in Slim River, Perak, has not stopped fashion label Zachrin Jaafars from building an international reputation, thanks to the support of local artisans and the surrounding community.
Its designer and Creative Director Zachrin, whose real name is Sazrin Jaafar, said the brand’s decade-long journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, particularly in its mission to elevate the work of local artisans.
“This journey has been a battle for me to champion the work of artisans in Perak, nurture their talents and move forward together with them.
“Most of our team members are from the local community, including senior citizens who work from home. Together, they have helped Zachrin Jaafars grow into an internationally recognised brand,” he told Bernama.
A decade of collaboration with local tailors, embroiderers and batik makers across the state inspired him to present Titipan: Pertempuran Mendatang, a collection of 17 exclusive ensembles unveiled at the recent Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2026.
The Universiti Teknologi MARA graduate said the collaboration began after he established his business in Slim River in 2016, where he discovered many local residents skilled in tailoring, embroidery and traditional garment-making; crafts that could be reinterpreted through contemporary fashion.
“We have the ideas and design expertise, while they possess the craftsmanship to bring them to life. Together, we created something meaningful, and that collaboration has ultimately strengthened the identity of our brand,” he said.
Zachrin said the collection features a rich array of Perak’s cultural heritage, including batik tanah liat (clay batik) crafted by batik artisans from Kampung Kepala Bendang in Kuala Kangsar, as well as makers from the Batang Padang and Muallim districts, in line with the state government’s efforts to promote the unique textile tradition.
Also incorporated are tekat (gold-thread embroidery), the bunga kelumpang motif, kelarai patterns inspired by Kuala Kangsar’s Istana Kenangan, and the distinctive form and motifs of Labu Sayong, reimagining the state’s authentic artistic heritage through a modern lens.
“After spending 10 years in Perak, I felt the time had come to showcase what the state has to offer while helping local batik entrepreneurs and artisans gain greater recognition for their craftsmanship,” he said.
For the Perak-born designer, Titipan symbolises the responsibility of preserving traditional arts and craftsmanship so they can be passed on to future generations, while Pertempuran Mendatang reflects the challenges, resilience and determination required to safeguard cultural heritage in the years to come.
Complementing the presentation, Zachrin Jaafars introduced a contemporary interpretation of dabus, Perak’s traditional warrior ritual and dance, symbolising courage and resilience as the brand embarks on its next chapter.
“Through the visuals we presented, even amid dark clouds there is still lightning. That lightning symbolises our readiness for the next battle. This is not my struggle alone, but a shared journey with the team and artisans who have built this brand,” he said.
As part of its next phase of growth, Zachrin said the brand has relocated part of its corporate operations to Kuala Lumpur to expand its market reach, while retaining its boutique and workshop in Slim River to continue producing fine craftsmanship and exclusive bespoke pieces.
“Although we source our materials in Kuala Lumpur, we still send them back to Perak so our team there can produce the final pieces. That is one of the reasons customers continue to support us because every product truly embodies the artistry, craftsmanship and identity of Perak,” he said.
Zachrin, who is also a part-time lecturer in fashion and textiles at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, hopes the exposure gained through KLFW will inspire younger generations to appreciate and continue the legacy of local artisans.
“We have many master craftsmen with exceptional skills, but too few young people to carry on those traditions. I hope that by presenting this heritage through a contemporary approach, more young people will be inspired to learn about it and preserve these skills,” he said, adding that he plans to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to contribute further knowledge to future generations. — Bernama
