MALAYSIA Aviation Group (MAG) has partnered with Kenny Loh Couture to preserve Peranakan heritage, culture and traditions by launching a limited-edition beaded shoe collection.
The project, launched in George Town, Penang, last Friday (Aug 5) also aims at revitalising the local craft scene and artisans through upcycling efforts.
The Kenny Loh x MAG Sustainable Tomorrow kasut manik project features a unique blend of skilled heritage craftsmanship using upcycled materials from Malaysia Airlines’ iconic batik kebaya.
Each pair of shoes are 100% handcrafted with 2,000 beads by local artisans from Kenny Loh Couture.
MAG and Kenny Loh also adapted a modern twist to the traditionally-worn flats by turning them into comfortable two-inch block heels – perfect for the modern-day woman.
Inspired by delicious traditional Nyonya kueh (Peranakan desserts), the shoe’s diamond motifs encapsulate the rich history of the Peranakans, while preserving skillful craftsmanship that is slowly disappearing.
The shoes come in a range of sizes, from EU 37-41, and are available in three colours: Penang green, Singapore red and Melaka blue.
Named after the three settlements in the Malayan peninsula that became home to the Peranakan community, the vivid green, red and blue balance out the vibrant Peranakan design as well as the Malaysian Airlines colours.
True to Peranakan customs, each shoe colour symbolises a unique meaning, with green representing growth and renewal; red, often associated with passion, prosperity and good luck; and blue, a colour of healing and tranquility.
These elegant shoes also come with a beautiful batik dust bag, also made using upcycled fabric from the iconic Malaysia Airlines kebaya.
These exclusive handcrafted beaded shoes will soon be available for purchase via MAG’s travel, lifestyle and e-commerce platform myjournify.com
“Sustainability at the forefront”
MAG chief sustainability officer Philip See said the group was delighted to collaborate with Kenny Loh, a local designer, to jointly reduce waste while educating the newer generation on the local craft scene and its artisans at the same time.
“We at MAG believe that our customers should be able to enjoy the finer things in life while remaining conscious of our role in caring for the planet.
“Sustainability is at the forefront of MAG’s long-term business plan 2.0 as we aim to become Asia’s leading travel and services group.
“We will promote socio-economic development to achieve our commitment towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 progressively,” he added.
Kenny, meanwhile, said not only are MAG and Kenny Loh Couture reducing waste by upcycling high-quality materials from Malaysia Airlines’ iconic batik outfits, but they are also showing their appreciation for the artisans continuing the traditional beading craft.
MAG comprises airlines like Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, cargo and warehousing operator MASKargo and umrah operator Amal Firefly as well as non-airline transportation services like Aerodarat, MABAcademy and MHHolidays.
Steps taken by MAG to reduce its carbon footprint within its business operations include bio-composting food waste from flights, enhancing fuel efficiency measures, repurposing scrapped aircraft parts and using sustainable aviation fuel for commercial aircrafts. – Aug 8, 2022
All pictures are credited to the Malaysia Aviation Group and Kenny Loh Couture.
