Latest news with #CFRC
Daily Express
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Nazlee wins Best Design Award
Published on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 28, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Caira, Zayana and Nazlee with the other top three winners, competition judges and organising committee members. Kota Kinabalu: Nazlee Roslee came out on top at the Chocolate Fantasy Runway Challenge (CFRC) 2025, earning the Best Design Award with a bold, ethnically-inspired creation that fused Sabah's Murut heritage with chocolate-themed materials. The fashion competition's second edition was held in conjunction with the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Saturday. This year's theme, 'Choco Neo Culture', called on designers to experiment with innovative forms, sustainable materials and storytelling rooted in cultural pride and contemporary expression. Six participants took part in the competition organised by the Malaysia Association of Ethical Fashion Designers (MAEFD), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) advocating for responsible fashion. Nazlee, a part-time designer and full-time Immigration Officer at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), emerged as the winner after a week-long effort crafting his ensemble. He said his inspiration stemmed from the traditional attire of the Murut community, combined with a modern, eco-conscious design process involving epoxy resin, glue gun work and fabric layering. Advertisement Despite limited time, Nazlee managed to produce an outfit featuring elaborate handcrafted details that required up to two days to dry, particularly those involving resin components. Nazlee credited his success to the support of his model, Sweet Chin Yee Hiu, and makeup artist Noorjana Rikun, expressing gratitude for their contributions to bringing his vision to life. 'I'm happy, of course,' he said after being announced as the winner. 'Thank you to everyone involved. This was a team effort.' According to Nazlee, this was his first time participating in an event aligned with the international cocoa festival, and he saw it as an opportunity to reconnect with his design roots. He revealed that although he had been designing for over a decade, his creative work has been part-time due to the demands of his government post, where he has served for nearly 20 years. Nazlee described balancing his job and his passion as 'challenging,' especially with shift-based work but said his love for design keeps him motivated. 'I used to sew before I joined the civil service. 'This win gives me the motivation to keep going.' He added that while newer designers are making waves, he believes there is value in collaboration between experienced and emerging talents to elevate the local fashion scene. Nazlee's winning design was originally meant to include a colourful waist accessory typical of traditional Murut wear, but he had to improvise due to time constraints. He said his creative process began with online research, followed by sketches and multiple revisions to adapt to material availability and design feasibility. Runner-up Alesha Lenson and third-place winner Fatin Fatinah Rusdi were also commended for their imaginative interpretations of the Choco Neo Culture theme. MAEFD President Zayana Yazed said the event was more than just a fashion show, calling it a celebration of creative vision, sustainability and ethical fashion. The competition aimed to empower local designers and provide a national platform for exposure, networking and professional growth, she said. Zayana emphasised that the CFRC is part of a larger movement to reshape the future of Malaysian fashion through sustainability, culture and innovation. Founded by fashion educators, designers and consultants, MAEFD continues to support initiatives that promote ethical design and empower creative communities. The prizes were presented by Sabah Socso Senior Assistant Director Caira Geoffrey Abdullah. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Nazlee Roslee wins top prize at CFRC 2025
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Sabah Socso senior assistant director Caira Geoffrey Abdullah (second left) presents the prize to Nazlee (second right) while Zayana (left) and Chin looks on. KOTA KINABALU: Nazlee Roslee came out on top at the Chocolate Fantasy Runway Challenge (CFRC) 2025, clinching the Best Design Award with a creation inspired by Sabah's Murut heritage and made using chocolate-themed, sustainable materials. The competition, held in conjunction with the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Saturday, marked the return of CFRC for its second edition. This year's 'Choco Neo Culture' theme pushed designers to fuse innovation, sustainability, and cultural storytelling in their entries. Organised by the Malaysia Association of Ethical Fashion Designers (MAEFD), the event featured six contestants showcasing designs crafted from unconventional materials. Nazlee, an Immigration officer at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), drew on Murut traditional wear, incorporating resin, layered fabrics, and glue gun techniques into his ensemble. He credited his model Sweet Chin Yee Hiu and makeup artist Noorjana Rikun for their role in realising the vision, calling the project a team effort despite tight preparation time. Advertisement Runner-up Alesha Lenson and third-placed Fatin Fatinah Rusdi were also lauded, while MAEFD president Zayana Yazed hailed the event as a platform for promoting ethical fashion, innovation, and cultural identity in Malaysia. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Sabah to host Chocolate Fantasy Runway Challenge tomorrow
Published on: Friday, May 23, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 23, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Some of the designs in the competition's previous edition. Kota Kinabalu: The Chocolate Fantasy Runway Challenge (CFRC) 2025 is set to return this Saturday (May 24) with a stunning display of style, sustainability and storytelling at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), starting from 1pm. Held in conjunction with the Malaysian International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025, this year marks the first time the prestigious event will take place in Sabah, further elevating the State's profile on the international fashion and cocoa scene. The design competition invites fashion talents from across Malaysia and beyond to reimagine couture through a chocolate-themed lens, merging artistry, fantasy, and sustainable innovation. Back for its second edition, the CFRC has grown into more than a fashion competition – it has become a creative movement celebrating culture, ethical design, and modern storytelling. This year's theme, 'ChocoNeo Culture,' encourages designers to explore futuristic and culturally rich interpretations of chocolate-inspired fashion, using experimental materials and eco-conscious methods. The term 'ChocoNeo Culture' fuses chocolate, innovation, and cultural identity, encouraging participants to break convention while celebrating heritage through design. Advertisement 'This event is more than a show, it is a celebration of creativity, vision, and responsible design,' said organiser Malaysia Association of Ethical Fashion Designers (MAEFD) President Zayana Yazed. She added that the challenge provides a national stage for emerging talents to showcase their creativity while championing ethical and sustainable fashion practices. Winners will receive the CFRC 2025 Best Design Award. Participants will also have the chance to connect with key figures in the industry, including fashion professionals, media representatives, and potential collaborators or clients. The event is expected to draw fashion enthusiasts, creatives, and cocoa lovers alike, offering a unique experience where haute couture meets ethical innovation. Organised by MAEFD, a non-governmental organisation focused on promoting responsible practices in Malaysia's fashion industry, CFRC is the brainchild of a collective of designers, educators, and consultants striving to redefine the future of local fashion. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Designers called to reimagine fashion in chocolate-inspired competition
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025 Text Size: Some of the designs during the competition's first edition. KOTA KINABALU: The Chocolate Fantasy Runway Challenge (CFRC) 2025 returns as part of the Malaysian International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025, which will be hosted in Sabah for the first time. Now in its second edition, CFRC is calling on designers from Malaysia and abroad to dazzle the runway with chocolate-inspired, sustainability-focused fashion under this year's theme, 'ChocoNeo Culture.' This unique competition blends art, culture, and eco-conscious fashion, encouraging participants to push creative boundaries using innovative materials and storytelling techniques. 'CFRC is more than a fashion show - it is a platform to elevate local talent and celebrate visionary design,' said Malaysia Association of Ethical Fashion Designers (MAEFD) President Zayana Yazed. Participants stand to gain national media exposure, industry recognition, and brand visibility, as well as networking opportunities with fashion insiders, media, and potential clients. The event highlights fashion as a medium for cultural pride and environmental responsibility, aligning with broader trends in ethical and sustainable design. Advertisement Organised by MAEFD, CFRC champions responsible fashion and supports Malaysia's vision for a more innovative and ethical fashion industry. CFRC 2025 will be held at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Saturday, from 1pm onwards. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
