Camira Asrori on Her Eponymous Resort Wear Brand
Camira Asrori Resort Wear.
I was a fashion stylist. Did production, editorial, a bit with private clientele. I love prints and colours. I didn’t see Singaporean women or brands wear or carry them.
Met my business partner.
We do a lot of pop-ups for every collection launch. Each collection has about 20 designs. I’ll design some stuff just for me, and other more wearable pieces for girls who want to start wearing Camira Asrori. I like teaching girls how to wear my pieces. On Instagram I like to showcase how CA can be worn every day.
Shot an IGTV video recently on how to style CA. The CA girl is modern, confident, wants to stand out. She works and parties hard. She stands out even in a crowd at traffic junctions. I’ve many repeat customers who embody my brand: they’re smart, well-travelled, I follow most of them on Instagram.
I want to work with local illustrators for upcoming collections. I want to showcase creative talent.
Muslim-Malay girl in Singapore fashion industry.
I think I was the only Malay girl in my class at LASALLE (skipped school a lot, LOL). There was one Indian girl, the rest were Chinese; half Singaporean, half Indonesian. But for sure I was a minority.
~2 years ago, modest fashion was in. I was present in the scene but felt I didn’t belong. I think people assume if I’m Muslim I must design modest fashion.
I’m too sexy, loud.
Why can’t Muslims be sexy, sensual? My FYP was about that. I researched about the history of Muslim/Malay style, looked through my grandmother’s old photos. There were articles in old newspapers saying drinking is good for health.
I don’t talk much about religion. I believe in it, but I don’t practice everything about it. I went to religious classes until I got my Diploma.
I don’t think someone should be judged for what she wears.
Muslim dressing.
Women must cover up, are only allowed to show the palms of their hands and their face. Men must cover from their belly button to their knees. It may sound not-feminist, but covering up symbolises not attracting unwanted attention. You’re encouraged to wear loose-fitting clothes to not show body shape.
You’re not supposed to see booty or boobs.
Definitions have changed. Today, modest fashion just means covering up.
My personal opinion is if you want to cover up, you should do it the proper way. But I totally understand people’s pain for wanting to look good.
I don’t see the point of covering your head, but wearing tight jeans and showing your ass.
There’s a Malaysian pop star, Mizz Nina, who completely gave up dressing up and makeup. If I were to ever wear the hijab, I’ll do it like her.
Is there pressure to dress a certain way?
It’s probably an asian thing, but when I visit relatives I tend to cover up more.
Different people have different reasons for dressing the way they do. I think most of the time, it’s just a must-do because of the religion.
Singaporean fashion brands.
A lot of their branding, campaigns are similar: muted background, model holding baby’s breath, marble furniture.
Do you want people to think of CA as a “Singaporean brand”?
I hope not. *laughs* I want people to be surprised it’s from Singapore.
Brands to watch.
Fe Noel, Jacquemus [we agree his latest collection was meh, contrary to popular opinion], Johanna Ortiz, Zimmerman.
