The Rise and Rise of Nurita Harith
By: Anna T.
A fashion student living in Britain, Nurita was an avid hunter of everything avant garde and vintage. While she juggled school and her job at Topshop, she experimented with every amazing haircut you could imagine. She donned customized sequined tops, gorgeously obese fake lashes and black leggings before Sienna Miller could even dream about Edie Sedgwick’s black opaque tights. It was then clear that in Myspace-World, she was the queen bee of Malaysian style because no one was doing anything like that just yet.
Flash forward to the present - Nurita had transformed into somewhat of a ‘baby’ brand. She garnered popularity during her stint in Malaysia’s Project Runway in addition to styling gigs at numerous fashion publications, most notably Tatler Magazine. When she’s not prettying up the rich and famous, she designs for her own label, Nurita Harith, which boasts a collection that flirts with asymmetry, neutral colours and elements of femininity. Clearly one of the most promising Malaysian fashion designers to come out from this decade, Nurita was kind enough to answer a few questions that gives us an insight to what makes her tick.
What kind of girl wears nurita harith?
Confident women from their early 20s to early 40s with a penchant for style and a master in mixing and matching everyday outfits.
How do you think living in london made you the designer you are today?
Well, I am more open to new concepts and designs, and believing in my intuition therefore not just conforming to trends.
Tatler fashion editorials styled by Nurita Harith. Photo Source: Nurita Harith @ facebook
Who are your favourite deisgners and style icons? And why?
Rick Owens for his shapes, silhouettes, versatility and refusal to bow down to trends. Oh, Bora Aksu for his beautifully combined garments. For example, the fragile balance of fabrics and colours chosen for each piece. It’s feminine yet gutsy. As for icons, I don’t have a specific one but I find it a joy to observe the personal styles of models backstage.
How would you describe your personal style?
Well, lately comfort plays a huge factor in what I wear every day because I get so tired from work and running here and there. But there are days when I feel like dolling up. It is important for me to not look overly done, a ‘look’ must come off as effortless.
What are your thoughts on the Malaysian fashion industry?
More needs to be done to support new independent designers to showcase their work. There is fresh talent with new ideas in Malaysia but these individuals suffer from lack of exposure. Now, the industry realizes this and is gradually creating avenues for them to showcase their work, which is great, but there’s always more room for improvement.
Models in Nurita Harith shorts. Image source: Nurita Harith @ Facebook
What are three fashion items every girl must have in her closet and why?
Ankle length boots/shoes. You can wear them with jeans for a day out or your favourite mini dress on a weekend. A good pair of jeans - everyone needs at least one! And one good accessory as a staple that can be mixed with other accessories to update your outfit.
What influences your creative process?
Music is a good influence in developing ideas, it sets a ‘mood’. I tend to love a couple of songs and put them on repeat for weeks when I’m doing work! Movies are good for inspiration. I feel particularly moved by the movie ‘Fatal Attraction’, it is so beautifully styled!
Tell us about your next professional venture.
I will be opening a new shop in Jalan Telawi, Bangsar. It will be a concept store carrying selected pieces from both Nurita Harith and local fashion designers. In addition to housing a studio for custom made-to-order pieces, I’m hoping to provide a space for art and photography exhibitions.
That sounds great! Thanks for your time Nurita!
Your welcome!
Look out for Nurita Harith’s boutique opening in September this year.
For more information, you may visit Nurita Harith’s website here.
