A WORLD OF SEAMS

With betel nut sets in hand and heritage on display, a regionally-inspired fashion exhibition reminds us of the stories that lie in every stitch.

- SHIREEN ZAINUDDIN

Southeast Asia's long tradition of betel chewing was recently showcased in a private fashion show of heritage textiles to an appreciative audience of textile lovers in downtown KL. An unconventional fashion accessory, perhaps, but host John Ang, a self-confessed addict of beautiful antiquities and collector of rare textiles, has never chosen the conventional route.

“I thought it was an interesting detail—every model carrying a betel nut set from a different Southeast Asian country—as offering tepak sirih was once the customary way to greet guests throughout this region. Of course, this is no longer common practice today,” Ang explains.

The fashion show, a visually striking mix of weaves and prints, was a sneak peek of ASEAN Art and Textile: A World of Seams and Seamlessness, an exhibition and supporting fashion show. It runs until Sept 14 as part of a series of events to be held in conjunction with the 2025 ASEAN Summit, which Malaysia is hosting this year. The presentation, jointly organised by Ang’s company, Samyama Sdn Bhd, and Cult Gallery, will take place in the sleek, polished spaces of the Yap Ah Shak House.