Cover Jiman Casablancas being featured in Lu'u Dan’s autumn/winter 2024 “Do or Die” collection (Photo: Instagram/@jimancasablancas)
Jiman Casablancas being featured in Lu'u Dan’s autumn/winter 2024 “Do or Die” collection (Photo: Instagram/@jimancasablancas)
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Jiman is remembered for his bold sense of fashion and always pushing the boundaries
Mohd Nizam Khamis, better known as Jiman Casablancas, passed away on the evening of January 28, 2024, at the age of 47, succumbing to heart failure. Jiman was a trailblazer in the fashion industry, consistently pushing boundaries with his bold and daring sense of style. Beyond his impact on fashion, he held a special place as one of the most vocal advocates for the Malaysian art and creative scene.
Initially trained as a lawyer, Jiman earned his law degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and practised in the legal field for several years. However, he later transitioned to public relations and fashion, leaving an indelible mark on both industries.
Recognisable at various fashion and art events for his distinctive ensemble—featuring his iconic leather jacket, tight jeans, and black platform boots—Jiman collaborated with notable figures such as Malaysian rock legend Amy Search, his actress daughter Nabila Huda as well as contemporary designers like Kit Woo, Tarik Jeans, Syomirizwa Gupta, Melinda Looi, and BEHATI. In addition to his collaborative ventures, Jiman founded his own public relations agency, JCPR, boasting clients such as British American Tobacco, Malaysian Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Dutch Lady, and others.
Jiman’s influence extended beyond national borders, with his recent venture taking him to London, where he was featured in Lu’u Dan’s autumn/winter 2024 menswear collection, emphasising bold and bad boy aesthetics.
Following the news of Jiman’s passing, social media was flooded with hundreds of tributes reflecting his affable and welcoming nature. Many recalled his genuine kindness, particularly towards young creatives, and how his benevolent personality left an enduring impact on numerous individuals within the Kuala Lumpur community. Jiman Casablancas will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking contributions to fashion but also for his unwavering support and mentorship in the creative realm.
Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
