RESILIENCE OF MALAYSIAN CULTURE & COUTURE
The Spring/Summer 2026 edition of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) commenced with an impressive lineup of regional and global fashion talents, setting the tone for a spectacular event. Malaysian designer duo Rizman Ruzaini opened the runway shows with their captivating ‘RIMBA’ collection, marking the brand’s 20th anniversary.
Drawing inspiration from Southeast Asia’s ancient rainforests, the ‘RIMBA’ collection combined culture and couture, weaving elements of flora, fauna, and the resilience of the Malayan tiger into the designs. The collection’s deep greens, earthy tones, bold accents, and intricate embroidery mirrored the textures and colors of the rainforest, while the silhouettes balanced delicacy and strength.
The Rizman Ruzaini Fall/Winter 2025–2026 collection, Rimba, channels the untamed strength of the wild into couture. The majestic enggang bird takes form in sweeping silhouettes and elegant details, while stripes inspired by the Malayan tiger emerge as sculpted lines and bold contrasts. Each piece carries the soul of jungle scenery — merging precise tailoring with the raw poetry of nature.
Rizman Ruzaini’s “Rimba” collection paid tribute to Malaysia’s rich rainforest culture. The opening look featured a hibiscus red dress adorned with gold embroidery reminiscent of traditional batik. Gold and black lamé animal stripes followed, inspired by the Malayan tiger.
The inspiration from Southeast Asia’s rainforests, featuring lush greens, earthy tones, and intricate embroidery reflective of the designers’ Malaysian heritage. The collection skillfully combines the brand’s signature elegance with clean, modern lines, offering structured yet fluid silhouettes, elevated everyday pieces, and the introduction of denim in deep navy.
This evolution of RR by Rizman Ruzaini marks a fresh chapter for the label as it enters the hi end luxury space, appealing to a broader audience that values craftsmanship, identity, and intention.
Rizman Ruzaini’s Rimba collection at Dubai Fashion Week masterfully captures the essence of the jungle, transforming the runway into a vibrant celebration of nature.
The designs artfully blend floral-inspired embellishments with graceful silhouettes reminiscent of wildlife in motion, while vivid accents inspired by the pitta bird inject life and energy into every piece.
This captivating showcase is a testament to the designers’ ability to translate their Malaysian heritage into a fashion narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Rizman Ruzaini’s Fall/Winter 2025–2026 Rimba collection masterfully fuses the untamed beauty of nature with the art of couture. Drawing inspiration from the powerful enggang bird and the iconic Malayan tiger, the designs showcase sweeping silhouettes, elegant details, and striking contrasts that evoke the essence of the jungle.
Each meticulously tailored piece exemplifies the harmony between precise craftsmanship and the raw allure of the natural world, celebrating the Malaysian designers’ distinctive aesthetic and their deep connection to their homeland.
The show concluded with a stunning bridal piece adorned with intricate appliqué flowers inspired by the enchanting blooms of the Nusantara rainforest.
This finale celebrated both nature’s beauty and the artistry of couture, bringing a perfect blend of elegance and admiration for the environment to the runway.
As Rizman Ruzaini continues to captivate audiences with their designs, their deep connection to their Malaysian roots remains a core element of their creative expression.
