Cover Photo: House of Antara
Photo: House of Antara
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House of Antara founders Deborah Woong and Allison Jong worked with the Women’s Aid Organisation on a unique collection reclaiming the parts of the female body that are most subject to violence
Fashion speaks volumes. It’s a powerful tool for social change as much as a catalyst for controversy. Around the world, it’s become a poignant avenue calling out the societal ills of femicide and gender-based violence. Earlier this year, for instance, a powerful art installation titled She’s Gone showcased at the lower house of the Czech Parliament, depicting various garments of domestic violence victims, along with a small tag indicating the victim’s name, the date a spouse or intimate partner murdered her, and the outcome of the aggressor’s court case, if any.
A 2018 art exhibition in Belgium’s Centre Communautaire Maritime had a similar message. Titled What were you wearing?, the exhibit featured replicated items of clothing worn by sexual assault survivors at the time of their attacks–with items like pyjamas, sweatshirts and more challenging the idea that provocative clothing somehow explains or justifies rape.
Above House of Antara founders Deborah Woong and Allison Jong
House of Antara founders Deborah Woong and Allison Jong
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In Malaysia, creatives and activists have long used art and fashion to comment on the rise of gender-based violence. In conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women this November 25, two women are using their homegrown fashion label to help raise awareness on this issue with a special collection for charity in support of the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO).
Co-founded by Deborah Woong and Allison Jong in January 2023, House of Antara is a sustainable fashion brand celebrating Southeast Asian culture and style. Aside from their love of fashion, the founders were great admirers of WAO’s work and themselves knew many women among their friends and loved ones were directly and indirectly affected by gender-based violence. “Fashion to us has always been about story-telling, so this is an opportunity for us to share what we’ve learnt—in an interesting way that hopefully sparks awareness and empathy,” says Woong.
Above The MeiMei Robe from House of Antara’s Peranakan-inspired collection
The MeiMei Robe from House of Antara’s Peranakan-inspired collection
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Dubbed A Rosier Picture, the collection consists of a red and white bridal look that merges style cues from Chinese, Indian and Malay traditional wear. Comprising a chiffon tunic and a wrap skirt, the look is stylish, simple and wearable across Malaysia's various festive seasons. Eye-catching details in the form of fabric roses are placed strategically on the areas of the neck in the form of a chocker, followed by the chest, the stomach and the groin–areas that studies have indicated to be most targeted in victims of physical violence.
Representing hope and strength, the roses communicate a bold reclaiming of the body parts that have traditionally suffered the brunt of violence against women, turning them into symbols of hope and endurance. The collection will be sold via an online auction, all the proceeds of which will be given to WAO.
Above An illustration of the look by House of Antara
Above Fabric red rose placed on the parts of the body most susceptible to aggression
An illustration of the look by House of Antara
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“On a larger scale, we want A Rosier Picture to shed light on what happens in cases of domestic violence in a dignified and impactful way that sparks conversations. Fashion is an unusual way to discuss the issue, but we hope that allows people to approach it with fresh eyes and an open mind,” says Jong.
A brand that works closely with female refugees and local artisans, House of Antara has always promoted body and gender-inclusive focus, emphasising versatility and comfort for women. While they are at a stage where they are still discovering what Malaysian design means and looks like for them as a brand, Woong and Jong are convinced that fashion plays a bigger role than most people think in advancing women’s rights in society.
“In the right hands, fashion can be a momentous tool of empowerment,” the duo says. “YSL launched the pantsuit trend for women at a time when it was illegal for them to wear pants on the US Senate floor. Rise, an American civil rights organisation, had a fashion show in 2021 where victims reclaimed the outfits they were assaulted in, rebuking the question “what were you wearing?”, which is too often asked to victims of sexual assault. Ultimately, we want this A Rosier Picture collaboration to represent the enduring qualities of hope and strength in the face of violence while serving as a reminder that our vulnerabilities should not be exploited but cherished and protected.”
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
