“The Malaya” collection on Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Fashion duo Rizman Ruzaini have revealed the official attire for the Malaysian contingent to the Paris 2024 Olympics Games, showcasing a gold-hued collection that embodies both tradition and national pride. The collection, named “The Malaya,” is inspired by pre-independence warriors and features traditional Malaysian garments. Female athletes will be dressed in a Baju Kurung, complete with a headscarf, while male athletes will wear Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga, complemented by a songkok and sampin. 

Creative director Ruzaini Jamil highlighted that this choice of attire aligns with the Rizman Ruzaini brand’s commitment to promoting traditional cultural attire. He expressed that this collection reflects Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and aims to unite all ethnic groups within the country. 

“For me, this inspiration is not foreign to the Rizman Ruzaini brand as we are one of the local designers who always champion the selection of our traditional cultural attire such as Baju Kurung Pahang, Baju Kurung Kedah, Baju Melayu, and Sampin.”

“It demonstrates how fashion unites all races in a peaceful and united country like Malaysia. We have a rich history, and we want it to continue as a beautiful unification for all ethnicities,” creative director Ruzaini Jamil said in a statement.

The designers chose colors like browns and olive green for their classic and intimate appeal to Asian skin tones. These colors are intended to reflect light with a golden effect, symbolizing the hope that the Malaysian athletes will bring home gold medals. 

The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics is scheduled for 2:30 am Malaysian time on Saturday, and it will take place along the Seine River.