When a Melanau-inspired songket dress shimmered at Cannes
Nisha Thayananthan turned heads at Cannes on May 22 when she walked the red carpet in this striking black-and-gold ballgown. (Nisha Thayananthan pic)
PETALING JAYA : On May 22, Malaysia's iconic songket made its appearance on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival for the very first time, draped elegantly on former Miss Earth Malaysia Dr
On May 22, Malaysia's iconic songket made its appearance on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival for the very first time, draped elegantly on former Miss Earth Malaysia Dr
Nisha Thayananthan
Under the dazzling lights of the French Riviera, she stepped out in a black-and-gold ensemble adorned with 999 Swarovski crystals, turning heads while proudly showcasing the heritage of Sarawak's Melanau community.
Nisha, a plastic-surgery resident based in Dublin, Ireland, was making her third appearance at the annual French film festival.
'The opportunity to attend Cannes was a dream come true,' she told FMT Lifestyle. 'This wasn't my first experience there, but it was my first time walking the red carpet wearing a Malaysian design.'
Named Mystical Jerunai, the gown draws inspiration from the jerunai: traditional burial poles used hundreds of years ago by Melanau aristocrats.
These towering ironwood structures, some reaching up to 15m, were carved with intricate motifs – from dragons and snakes to flora and fauna for female aristocrats – reflecting the rank of the deceased.
While this was Nisha's third red-carpet appearance at Cannes, it was her first time wearing a Malaysian design. (Bernama pic)
Rozie Khan, a Sarawak native and seasoned designer since 2000, has made a name for herself by fusing cultural and modern elements in her creations. This latest one, too, was a tribute to her roots.
'I feel extremely proud to have showcased my work at such a prestigious event, while also being able to promote Malaysian culture on the international stage,' she told FMT Lifestyle.
'This was the first time my design was showcased at Cannes. Previously, most of my creations were featured in beauty pageants,' she added – Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Planet, to name just three.
Rozie Khan.
Asked about the concept behind Mystical Jerunai, Khan explained: 'The checkered pattern was inspired by the jerunai pillar, incorporating flora and fauna carvings as the main decorative elements.'
The bodice was designed using her signature draping technique, which gives the bustier a regal silhouette. 'The design itself was inspired by the look of the Melanau 'terendak', the traditional headgear that resembles the shape of a ballgown skirt,' Khan highlighted.
Its black base represents the official colour of Melanau ceremonial attire, traditionally paired with gold 'dokoh' (ornamental accessories) – hence, the black-and-gold theme.
It took her about two months to complete the gown, and the process came with its share of challenges. Among them? 'Songket is a high-risk fabric that tends to shrink from the intended measurements.'
The stunning ballgown, designed by Rozie Khan, pays tribute to her cultural roots. (Nisha Thayananthan pic)
As for Nisha, the medical graduate from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak said preparing for the ballgown's big red-carpet debut involved months of research, design conceptualisation, and collaboration with skilled artisans.
All in all, it took them close to a year – but the payoff was instantaneous when she saw herself in the end product.
'I was overwhelmed!' she said. 'The songket patterns shimmered in the light, and the gown's silhouette was breathtaking.
'I was proud to represent Malaysian craftsmanship and culture on the global stage. Wearing it was surreal – I felt like a princess.'
On the red carpet, she channelled exactly that: the style, sophistication and poise of royalty. 'My mind was focused on soaking in the moment, and conveying confidence and pride with every pose.'
Follow Nisha Thayananthan and Rozie Khan on Instagram.
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