Fashion Pitch: Why Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi Thinks Fashion Pitch is a Great Idea

Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi took the time to speak to us about Fashion Pitch and how she got her kick start in the fashion industry.

Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi got her first break in the fashion industry when she was first approached by her friend interested in letting her showroom/workshop go. The famed Malaysian designer took the opportunity of pursuing her dreams. In 1985, with Malaysia going through a financial crisis, armed with her passion in fashion, and a not- too- focused business plan, the designer had to work hard in order to keep 30 people under her wing employed before knowing how to make smart partnerships and her company lean.

Talking about her major challenges that she has faced along the way, Dato’ Tom recalled marketing her ready to wear designs in a much smaller market back then. The designer had learned through past mistakes and tests such as not getting payments because of economic slowdown and the closure of several department stores. It was only then when Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi started doing couture designs for upmarket clients. ‘I think the current fashion scene in Malaysia is exciting and robust. We have to be on our toes with competition from foreign brands and cheaper items from Asian countries’.

With Fashion Pitch application deadline catching up, Dato’ Tom thinks that Fashion Pitch is a brilliant opportunity for young, up and coming designers. “It’s a great opportunity for young people to get a jumpstart in serious business and creative process, without having to worry about finance but just putting your dream to succeed in the industry in focus.”

At the end of the conversation, the Sarawak- born fashion designer wishes to advice designers struggling to make it in the fashion industry by saying, “Passion is one thing, but the business plan must be relevant in time and also practical. In regards to the creative side, one must have originality and the brand created must have a long life and brand DNA, other than making sure it may be visually easy for people to associate with.”

Fashion Pitch is collaboration between MyCreative Ventures and FashionValet in providing business opportunities for designers and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the fashion industry.

For more information, please log on to http://www.mycreative.com.my/index.php/fashionpitch