TWO accomplished Malaysian fashion designers, Gilbert Francis Untam from Sarawak and Nancy Jullok from Sabah and are set to make waves in the International Footwear Design Competition (IFDC) in Guangzhou, China this May 15 after winning the coveted My Footwear Design Competition (MYFDC) in Pavilion Damansara Kuala Lumpur recently.
Gilbert, a Sarawakian designer won the Ladies category in MYFDC which was organised by the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association (MFMA).
His winning masterpiece was a colourful “Wings of Borneo” footwear inspired by the iconic Sarawak hornbill or “burung kenyalang”.
“Hornbill is a sacred Iban cultural symbol of strength, wisdom and prosperity. We consider it as a guardian spirit and I want to bring this symbol as a wearable art to the world while carrying this heritage and embracing creativity together,” said Gilbert whose designer brand is Gilbert Headhunter.
Culture is just a word until we fashion it up
Gilbert kickstarted his career as an interior designer. He holds a Bachelor in Interior Architecture from the University Technology MARA in 1997 before putting his passion in fashion into action.
Today, Gilbert is a master in his own art, combining bold artistry in fashion, fabrics and cultural-know how to create fashion that breathes life to cultural heritage.
Upholding the bold philosophy, “Culture is just a word until we fashion it up”, the Gilbert Headhunter brand is renowned for revolutionising traditional Borneo textiles such as Pua Kumbu and incorporating sustainable, recyclable materials into contemporary fashion.
From the Land Below the Wind to sustainable fashion
Meanwhile Nancy Jullok, a Sabahan fashion designer who founded P’Lo Borneo Fashion Design brand won the Men’s Category in MYFDC with her artistic footwear, “Sus Scrofa” which is a native boar in Borneo.
Nancy claimed, “There is virtually no footwear factory that combines all the wonderful ethnic, cultural elements and nature in Kota Kinabalu, and hence, I decided to create a sustainable footwear that is nature-inspired, vibrant, unique and sustainable.”
Bringing along over 10 years of experience in designing, the multiple award-winning Nancy has transformed pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, river grass seeds, artificial canine tooth and tree bark into the awesome Sus Scrofa masterpiece.
“Ethnic fashion should be vogue. That’s what I bring in to the competition. And I want to be that Jimmy Choo of Borneo,” mused Nancy.
Both Gilbert and Nancy will represent Malaysia in the International Footwear Design Competition in Guangzhou this May, competing with more than 12 countries for the prestigious award.
Let us wish them all the best. Malaysia Boleh! – May 6, 2025
Francis Yip is a multiple award-winning lifestyle writer, fashionista creative director and accomplished beauty pageant Judge. He is also the CEO of Franciswriter Dot Com and guest lecturer in The One Academy.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
