Cover Larney founder and creative director Zuhurah Zaibidi (Photo: Larney)
Larney founder and creative director Zuhurah Zaibidi (Photo: Larney)
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The engineer-turned-entrepreneur behind local fashion powerhouse Larney shares how fashion became her self-confidence boost
For a long time, only a small group of people actually knew the woman behind homegrown fashion brand, Larney. As it turns out, that was by design.
Coming on to the local scene in 2015, Larney fast gained a sizeable following and turned heads for its luxury-oriented aesthetic that merged elegance, sophistication and modesty with a contemporary twist. Its founder and creative director Zuhurah Zaibidi started the brand from her home. Today, Larney has six beautiful showrooms across the Klang Valley, with plans to open in Singapore soon.
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“I started Larney because I love fashion, and I love shopping,” Zuhurah says. “But it was hard for me to find what I loved at an affordable price. I loved expensive things and have expensive taste, but I didn’t have much money (laughs).
Above For a long time, Zuhurah didn't reveal herself as Larney's founder
For a long time, Zuhurah didn't reveal herself as Larney's founder
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“So I learned how to stitch and make patterns for clothes. I started sewing my own clothes and realised I could venture into this as a business when my friends started asking where I got my outfits. That’s how it started.”
Despite the resounding success that Larney has achieved, Zuhurah still finds herself in awe, experiencing pinch-me moments. It was only after years of nurturing the business and building a team that she stepped forward, revealing herself as the founder and creative mastermind behind the brand that had captured hearts without revealing its origin story.
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“I never saw myself as a public figure,” says the elegant mum of three who admires Queen Consort of Jordon Rania Al Abdullah among her top style inspirations. “It was never my intention to be the face of the brand. Before this, I was happy to work on it behind the scenes and nobody knew who I was.
“Before this, my Instagram was private, and my sole focus was for Larney and Larney’s Instagram,” Zuhurah adds, recounting the hard months and years of time and effort she poured into making Larney a success.
Below, Zuhurah opens up about her battle with self-doubt, her creative vision for Larney, and why every woman’s style should be an extension of self-confidence.
How would you describe your personal style?
I love detailing—whatever makes a garment more intricate. Lagi susah nak buat, I love that challenge. I love doing R&D and going through trial and error. There’s no way to fully explain the satisfaction I feel when what I see in real life what started in my mind.
Given your engineering background, did you ever have an inkling that you would eventually start a fashion business?
Never. But I always loved fashion, and I love seeing fabric. Actually, my late mother was an embroiderer. When I was younger, I always used to follow her when she would buy sewing materials. At that time, I didn’t like it and only followed along because I had to. But now, all those memories, I realise, have made me who I am today and brought me here. It’s such a strong connection to her; I just cannot describe it. Till today, her sewing machine is still with me in my factory.
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Above Lady Freya dress, the Miss Soleil baju kurung and Lady Eliza caftan from Larney's Raya 2024 collection
Above Zuhurah wears the Lady Freya dress in Skylight Blue at the Larney x Nars event in March
Lady Freya dress, the Miss Soleil baju kurung and Lady Eliza caftan from Larney's Raya 2024 collection
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Do you think style plays a part in empowering women?
I believe when we dress up and look presentable, it’s a natural booster for self-confidence. And that confidence is contagious to women around us. When we feel confident, we show our inner strength. This very thing happened to me. Before this, I didn’t have time to dress up properly, because I focused all my attention on the business. I didn’t want to see people. Every day, I would go to my showroom and work as part of the team, even when people would ask about the designer and founder behind the clothes. I strictly told my team not to mention anything! I didn’t want that kind of pressure on myself.
But when I had a really good team in place, I started dressing up and meeting people. It’s true that self-confidence comes from how you present yourself.
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Did you ever struggle with a lack of self-confidence in the early days of Larney?
Of course. Even today, I still find it hard to believe and ask myself, do people really love Larney? It’s like a dream. People around me, especially my team, always encourage me and give me motivation. And I’m learning to overcome the doubts, trust the process, and embrace the journey.
Above Larney is all about timeless and elegant style, Zuhurah says
Larney is all about timeless and elegant style, Zuhurah says
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What is Larney so special to you?
Larney is all about elegance and timelessness. It’s not fast fashion because fast fashion isn’t timeless. But neither is it too slow because then it would be impossible to make it a business. I want to fill the gap in between the two and adjust it to local tastes.
What advice would you give other fashion entrepreneurs on getting through that first year?
Be brave and just start. Nothing will be perfect, so don’t wait for perfection. Embrace the journey, and then you will find the courage to succeed.
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.
