The story behind the Rizman Ruzaini dress spotted on Naomi Campbell

From sketch to reality, follow the journey of Rizman Ruzaini’s couture creation

Rizman Ruzaini, a Malaysian label founded by Rizman Nordin and Ruzaini Jamil, recently made its stunning debut at Dubai Fashion Week, presenting its spring/summer 2024 collection. Renowned supermodel Naomi Campbell closed the show, walking down the runway hand-in-hand with the Malaysian designers, wearing a monochrome gown and cape with the brand’s signature caped silhouette and intricate beading. Created just for her and aptly named ‘the Naomi dress’, it is one of the most impressive pieces in their spring/summer 2024 collection.

Below, we speak to co-founder Rizman Nordin about the inspiration behind this spectacular dress, how it was made, and where you can see it up close.

Above Ruzaini Jamil and Rizman Nordin

Can you tell us the inspiration behind the Naomi dress?

The entire collection was inspired by the old Seri Gumum folklore about a mythical dragon that once lived in Lake Chini. The hues and embellishments were meant to mimic the beauty and mystery of the place and its stories. For the dress worn by Naomi Campbell, we wanted to take the enveloping philosophy but give it the full nine yards of the Rizman Ruzaini DNA. It is the embodiment of everything we stand for: fine craftsmanship in an elegant but very wearable silhouette, beautiful from afar and decadent up close.

Above Original sketch of the Naomi dress and cape

What were the challenges of creating this dress?

They were not challenges but a testament to our artisans’ devotion and determination. They poured more than 600 hours of their love and devotion into this dress that features songket motifs such as pucuk rebung, tampuk manggis, bunga tanjung, tampuk kesemak and many more.

Let’s talk logistics. How did the dress—and the rest of the collection—make its way from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai?

They were all packed extremely carefully in suitcases that were hand carried by our artisans themselves en route to Dubai.

Tell us about working with Naomi Campbell.

We did a fitting with Naomi at the presidential suite of The Waldorf Astoria hotel in Dubai on the afternoon of show day itself. That was the first time we met her and to be honest, it was quite nerve-wracking to meet such a legendary figure in our industry. But her persona just filled the room from the moment she walked in. She was professional but warm; very detailed on exactly what worked and what needed working on. It was all such a breeze!

Above Naomi Campbell closes Rizman Ruzaini's show at Dubai Fashion Week

How did you feel when you saw the dress coming down the runway for the first time?

Every single one of us was in tears backstage. For Ruzaini and I, we were in disbelief that our design was on the Naomi Campbell. We still pinch ourselves every now again. In fact, the dress will be on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum's upcoming exhibition dedicated to her in June 2024.

After such a spectacular milestone, what do you have planned for the label in the coming months?

It’s been busy, busy, busy for us since that glorious night in Dubai. In fact, the morning after the show itself, we started receiving invitations to discuss the expansion of our presence in Dubai. Major plans are being drawn for both Kuala Lumpur, Dubai as well as other parts of the Middle East. We have always believed that the brand can fly and now, we are hard at work building its wings!

NOW READ

Home tour: A minimalist home with European charm in Dubai

In pictures: Nickson Auyong and So Jing Theng tied the knot in true theatrical fashion

Phoebe Philo returns to fashion to launch namesake brand—but why does it matter?

Credits

Photography

Daniel Adams

Topics

Naomi Campbell Rizman Ruzaini Dubai Fashion Week Dubai

Tatler Asia

The story behind Naomi Campbell’s showstopping Rizman Ruzaini dress at Dubai Fashion Week