Malaysian student wins global art competition in New Zealand
Malaysian student Mohammad Faris Bin Mohd Fairusham has made the country proud by winning the 'Air' section
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) – Malaysian student Mohammad Faris Bin Mohd Fairusham has made the country proud by winning the ‘Air’ section at this year’s World of Wearable Art (WOW) competition in New Zealand.
His winning creation, titled Wau Bulan, drew inspiration from Malaysia’s traditional moon kite and impressed judges with its intricate craftsmanship and storytelling, reports say.
The World of Wearable Art, often called WOW, is one of the biggest international showcases celebrating the fusion of fashion, art, and performance.
Every year, designers from around the world transform textiles, recyclables, and unexpected materials into extraordinary works of wearable art that are displayed on stage in Wellington.
Faris, who hails from Sarawak, is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.
While his degree may be rooted in business, Faris has long had an eye for creativity and self-expression.
“It wasn’t until the first year of my degree, in 2022, that I started dabbling in upcycling clothes and sewing for fun,” he said in an interview.
His entry, Wau Bulan, blends traditional Malaysian batik with modern design techniques. It features wing-like extensions made from rattan rods inspired by the shape of the iconic kite, as well as repurposed gold curtain trimmings and pieces of old furniture.
The 2025 WOW competition featured 85 finalist garments from over 17 countries, judged on creativity, construction, and storytelling.
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