Double Victory

The winners of the Men’s Folio Designer of the Year and Male Model Search 2018 competitions share the love.

- Yong Wei Jian

Azra Syakirah, Winner of Men’s Folio Designer of the Year 2018

Congratulations on winning the Men’s Folio Designer of the Year 2018 competition.

It is so surreal. To be honest, I have tried joining this competition in the past couple of years but have never been shortlisted before, so winning is like a dream come true.

What is your biggest takeaway from your winning collection, GIN OUKAM?

Other than the message of the collection (which is to not look at everything as it is, perfect or imperfect – there is always a story behind), I feel that this collection has allowed me to recognise and be more confident in my own skills and abilities. I realised my biggest mistake was the constant need for approval and assurance; I should listen to my own instincts instead, as they are right most of the time.

What are you working on next?

In March, I will be taking part in a trade show in Tokyo to showcase the GIN OUKAM collection with the aim of exposing my brand to the Japanese market as well as putting pieces on some of the racks there. I am also already starting on my Spring/Summer ‘20 collection.

Tell us about your label.

AZ.S (pronounced “ah-z”) addresses psychological and theoretical issues through the means of representational interpretations. We are often too caught up in our own lives that we forget we are human beings with emotions, and with all the politics and chaos in the world, we forget that we are tender beings in need of care. My aim is to never lose focus on ethics and empathy amidst the fast-changing, face-paced fashion world.

Who is your main audience?