KUALA LUMPUR: On the brink of abandoning his dream of becoming a fashion designer due to his responsibilities in caring for his parents in Slim River, Perak, Sazrin Jaafar is now grateful for the perseverance that has brought his brand, Zachrin Jaafars, to international acclaim. Last month, his creations were showcased on the global stage in Washington, DC, at the Malaysian Songket Day Exhibition, an event organised by the Malaysian Embassy in the United States.
Sazrin never imagined his debut at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) last year would catch the attention of the Malaysian Embassy, which extended an invitation just one week after the event. This milestone came eight years after he first ventured into the fashion industry.
“Preparing for KLFW was a challenge, especially figuring out how to bring Zachrin Jaafars, a small-town brand, to such a prestigious platform. But we succeeded. People began to see us as a serious fashion brand, not just one for wedding attire,” said Sazrin, a Felda settler’s son from Felda Gunung Besout 1, Sungkai, Perak.
Elevating Songket on the Global Stage
Sazrin’s participation in the Washington, DC, event, themed UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Magnificent Golden Threads of Songket Fashion Show, aligned with the embassy’s goal of highlighting innovative Malay culture. Proud of elevating songket—a traditional Malay handwoven fabric—on an international platform, Sazrin incorporated modern elements into his designs, demonstrating its versatility beyond traditional baju kurung to skirts and even shoes.
Initially, he was apprehensive about working with songket due to its cost and the complexity of its craftsmanship. However, sponsorship from Felda allowed him to use songket produced by settlers at the Pahang Felda Weaving Centre. Each outfit required over 150 hours to complete, involving intricate gold thread embroidery, beadwork, and other details.
From Humble Beginnings to Viral Recognition
Sazrin’s journey into fashion began modestly. Armed with a degree in Fashion Design from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), he started by taking tailoring orders in Slim River. “My parents didn’t fully understand my field; they thought I’d only open a tailoring shop in the village. They didn’t realise I was trained to be a fashion designer,” he said.
Initially, his bridal collection under Zachrin Jaafars catered to the local community, with outfits sold at low prices. His breakthrough came when a social media post highlighting his effort to help a disabled man went viral, leading to an appearance on a popular television programme. This exposure catapulted his brand into the public eye, motivating him to enhance the quality of his designs to compete with established labels.
Global Recognition and Future Aspirations
Today, Zachrin Jaafars receives orders from international markets, including Singapore, the United States, and Europe. Despite operating from Slim River, Sazrin ensures his craftsmanship rivals renowned designers from Kuala Lumpur and beyond. “Our competitors are no longer just local designers; we’re competing on a global scale. That pushes us to elevate our services and products to meet international standards,” he said.
Sazrin’s story is one of determination and creativity, transforming a small-town operation into a globally recognised fashion brand while showcasing the richness of Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
